Rhode Island state coat of arms
Rhode Island state coat of arms

Rhode Island boasts one of the oldest systems of birth registration in the U.S., dating back to the 1600s. Town clerks maintained extensive records during colonial times, many of which survive today. Modern records are managed by the Rhode Island Department of Health, with access restricted for 100 years.

Historical societies and the Rhode Island State Archives provide invaluable resources for genealogical research.

Rhode Island, founded as a haven for religious dissenters, has a colonial history tied to trade and maritime industries. Its early records include diverse groups such as African Americans and Quakers.



Birth, Marriage & Death


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APA citation (7th Ed.)

Maor Malul. (2025, February 24). *Rhode Island birth records index*. MyHeritage Wiki. https://www.myheritage.com/wiki/Rhode_Island_birth_records_index