The collections of the Newport Historical Society are held as a public trust for the benefit of present and future generations. As stewards of the collection, the NHS is responsible for properly protecting, preserving, maintaining and providing access to these collections. With some exceptions and restrictions, it is our policy that the collections will be available for publication, exhibition, interpretation and education, research, reproductions and derivative work.
We make our collections accessible to the general public to the greatest extent possible through both in-person research appointments and remote research services. Currently, our Resource Center remains closed to the general public. 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 and the physical condition of the collection materials requested. Fees and policies are described below.
Our Resource Center remains closed to the general public, with limited in-person appointments available to researchers. For more information, please email research@newporthistory.org or call 401-846-0813, ext. 190. Appointments are contingent on staff availability, the latest R.I. health guidance, and the availability of relevant resources within our collection.
Appointments are made on a first come, first served basis, with priority given to NHS Members. Fees apply (see below). Appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday, 10am-noon or 1pm-4pm.
For research inquiries and to schedule an appointment, please email research@newporthistory.org or call 401-846-0813, ext. 190
EmailFor 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 (see below). 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.
Certain remote research requests that are more involved, including house history and genealogy requests, may be compiled into reports by request. For an example of a completed house history report, please click here. As with other research requests, the first half hour of staff research is free, after which fees apply (see below). Please reach out to research@newporthistory.org to arrange your consultation.
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 (see below). 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.
NHS Members* | Students* | RI Residents* | Non-Members | |
Research Library (secondary resources & genealogy) |
Free appointment | Free appointment | Free appointment | $5 / hour |
Special Collections (Archival, Photograph & Object Collections) |
$5 / hour | $20 / day | $10 / hour | $10 / hour |
Staff Research, Assistance & Handling | $50 / hour | $60 / hour | $75 / hour | $75 / hour |
*NHS membership card, RI or student identification required.
All visitors who wish to utilize collections at the NHS must complete a Researcher Registration Form and adhere to the following rules in the Reading Room and Research Library:
Patron Belongings
Handling Materials
For any questions or research inquiries, please email research@newporthistory.org or call 401-846-0813, ext. 190
Email