Town Records of Births, Marriages, and Deaths

Records of births, marriages, and deaths have been kept by town clerks since the 1630s. In 1700 the laws concerning vital records registration were made more specific, and the records after that time are more complete.

An index to many pre-1850 births and marriages in Rhode Island is the International Genealogical Index found at the Family History Library and Family History Centers. Also use compiled collections and indexes, such as Calef's and others described in the “Genealogy” section of this outline. Town minutes and land evidences sometimes also give vital statistics information.

Many vital records have been published in genealogical periodicals and other sources, including:

Arnold, James N. Vital Records of Rhode Island 1636-1850: A Family Register for the People. 21 vols. Providence: Narragansett Historical Publishing, 1891-1912. (FHL book 974.5 V2a; on films beginning with film 908269; fiche 6046912.) The town records that are indexed in this collection are listed in Genealogical Research in New England, p. 175-78 (see the “For Further Reading” section of this outline).

Beaman, Alden G. Vital Records of Rhode Island, New Series. vols. 1-. Princeton, Mass.: publisher varies, 1975-. (FHL book 974.5 V2b.) This contains abstracts of probate, cemetery, marriage, death, and other records that give evidence of vital information for Kent, Newport, and Washington counties.

Snow, Edwin M., and Charles V. Chapin. Alphabetical Index of the Births, Marriages and Deaths Recorded in Providence. 32 vols. Providence: publisher varies, 1879-[1946]. This includes records for 1636 to 1945. (The library has vols. 1-25, 27, 29-32; FHL book 974.52 V2p; on films beginning with film 547197 item 3; fiche 6051317.)

A collection of pre-1700 marriage records in New England was compiled by Clarence Torrey. The New England Historic Genealogical Society has the original manuscript collection. The Family History Library has a film copy. An index to the marriages is Clarence Almon Torrey, New England Marriages Prior to 1700 (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1985; FHL book 974 V2t; film 1320548 item 14). Films 929494-500 have Mr. Torrey's source notes. A supplement has been published, Melinda Lutz Sanborn, Supplement to Torrey's Marriages Prior to 1700 (FHL book 974 V2T supp.).

The Family History Library has an extensive collection of pre-1900 Rhode Island town vital records. For example, 19 microfilms from the city registrar of Providence include birth, marriage, and death records (1698-1879) and indexes (1636-1900). These are listed in theFamily History Library Catalog under RHODE ISLAND, PROVIDENCE, PROVIDENCE - VITAL RECORDS. You can also write to the town clerks for information.

State Records of Births, Marriages, and Deaths

Statewide registration of births, marriages, and deaths began in January 1853 and, by 1915, was generally complied with. The Family History Library has not obtained copies of the state records.

Copies of marriage and death records from 1853 to 1964 are available at the Rhode Island State Records Center. All birth, marriage, and death records since 1853 are at:

Rhode Island Department of Health
Vital Records
#3 Capitol Hill Rm 101
Providence RI 02908-5097
Telephone 401-277-2812