Archives Division

The Rhode Island State Archives, a Division within the Office of the Secretary of State, acts as the official custodian and trustee for public records  possessing permanent historical value. These records are made available for research at our facility located in downtown Providence.  Our main reception area features exhibits and displays that are free and open to the public.

There are a number of programs affiliated with the State Archives Division:

• The Public Records Administration provides advice and records management assistance to state agencies.
• The Local Government Records Program offers similar services to municipalities, including consultation on the preservation and administration of municipal archives.
• The State Records Center manages the non-permanent records of state government.
• Administrative Records maintains the rules and regulations filed with the Office of the Secretary of State by state agencies, boards and commissions.