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This index brings together four centuries of Rhode Island birth, death, and marriage records. It is a valuable resource for anyone tracing family roots in the Ocean State. The entries come from a wide range of sources, including town records, church registers, gravestone inscriptions, probate files, and early newspapers.
Some of the earliest records go back to the 1500s, well before Rhode Island was officially founded in 1636. These early documents are especially important for those researching colonial New England families. Because vital records were not consistently kept in one place, this index helps bridge those gaps.
A birth record might include the child’s name, parents’ names, birthdate, and sometimes baptism information. Death entries can contain age at death, date and place of burial, and sometimes cause of death. Marriage records often provide names of both spouses, the date, location, and witnesses or officiants.
This index is useful for people researching ancestors who lived through major historical periods. You may find entries linked to Revolutionary War soldiers, early settlers, and families involved in Rhode Island’s maritime or industrial history.
Rhode Island’s small size meant that families often moved across town and county lines. This collection makes it easier to follow those movements by searching across different record types in one place.
Use this collection to:
- Locate ancestors from the colonial era through the early 20th century
- Search Rhode Island births, deaths, and marriages across town boundaries
- Find family members who may not appear in statewide indexes
- Gather clues from churches, cemeteries, and probate entries
- Trace multiple generations through linked dates and family connections
If your family has roots in New England, especially in or around Rhode Island, this collection could be the key to unlocking names, dates, and locations you’ve been missing.