The Newport Historical Society provides access to its collections for researchers through the policies outlined below. We make our collections accessible to the general public to the greatest extent possible through both in-person research appointments and remote research services. Due to COVID-19 restrictions our Resource Center is currently closed to walk-in researchers: Appointments must be made in advance.
For more information please email research@newporthistory.org or call 401-846-0813, ext. 190. NHS is not obligated to assist inquiries that involve excessive time or cost to the institution, and all services are contingent upon the latest R.I health guidance, staff availability, the availability of relevant resources within our collection, and the physical condition of the collection materials requested. Staff respond to inquiries in the order in which they are received. Historical Society members are given priority in making appointments for visits.
For more information on our Access Policy and fee structure, please visit our Appointments & Access page.
For researchers who cannot visit the Newport Historical Society in person, NHS staff can conduct research on their behalf. The first half hour of staff research is free, after which fees apply. After an initial consult by phone or email, NHS staff will provide an estimate of the time and cost for the inquiry. Research will be completed after payment has been received. Please note, NHS is not obligated to assist inquiries that involve excessive time or cost to the institution, and all services are contingent upon staff availability.
Our remote research services include:
Certain remote research requests that are more involved, including house history and genealogy research, may be compiled into reports by request. Please reach out to research@newporthistory.org to arrange your consultation.
Due to limited staff availability, it may take up to 7 business days to receive an initial reply to your request. Requests will be answered in the order in which they are received.
NHS staff can be hired to complete property research, and compile a report on relevant findings. The report will include the history of the evolution of the property, any significant details about the dwelling and occupants, and any historical images of the property in our collection, of which there is no guarantee. The final report is emailed as a PDF document. For an example of a completed house history report, please click here.
Please reach out to research@newporthistory.org to arrange your consultation. Due to limited staff availability, it may take up to 7 business days to receive an initial reply to your request. Requests will be answered in the order in which they are received.
For researchers who need one-on-one assistance while conducting genealogical or archival research on-site in the Newport Historical Society’s collections, NHS staff can be hired to work with you for an hourly rate, under our ‘Staff Research, Assistance & Handling’ tier (fees apply). After an initial consult by phone or email, NHS staff will provide an estimate of the time and cost for services.
Estimates are approximate; on-site appointments can be shortened, and the research assistance terminated when the researcher believes they have received enough information to continue research on their own (see fee structure). It can also be extended if more in-depth assistance is required, pending staff availability. Payment is due at the end of the appointment. Please note, NHS is not obligated to assist inquiries that involve excessive time or cost to the institution, and all services are contingent upon staff availability.
Please visit our Photography, Reproductions & Image Use page for more information.