Richmond RI Historical Society

01/31/2025

March is National Women's History Month, and we are fortunate to have a speaker who can give a firsthand account of its creation as she helped to get it off the ground!

01/28/2025

You asked for it, you got it!
If you attended Virginia's recent presentation on the Octagon House, you know what a knowledgeable and entertaining speaker she is. Now you can hear her talk about another of her passions- Outhouses!
Join us on Saturday, February 15 at 12:30 PM at Clark Memorial Library to hear the history of "the necessary".

01/21/2025

If you are K-12 teacher in RI and are incorporating civic education in your classroom, you're encouraged to apply for the prestigious Susan B. Wilson Award. You may also nominate an educator that you believe is deserving of recognition in the area of civic education.
Please spread the word and share this post!

01/18/2025

You won’t want to miss this special presentation by Betty Cotter, one of Rhode Island’s celebrated journalists, teachers, authors, and storytellers.
In this illustrated lecture, Betty (a Charlestown School graduate), will describe the history of the school from its origins as the Pawcatuck Valley school in 1918, through its 20th century expansion.
Mark your calendars for January 25th, at 1:00 PM, at the Cross Mills Public Library and bring a friend who remembers this wonderful part of Charlestown’s history!

01/14/2025

This is a thought-provoking film with RI roots. Sunday, January 19 at 4:00 PM. Tickets are $12 and can be ordered online.

As part of our Black Voices series, the UNITED and Westerly ARC present a very special screening of the feature documentary Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North. In the film…

01/12/2025

RHS is pleased to announce a new feature on our website. Archives volunteer Kally Hanifin will be regularly contributing a blog post. In her words,

"I would very much like to post human interest content about the individual pieces in the collection as a blog. I think it would give readers an idea of how they could connect to documents and items. I can relate my experiences of researching, the challenges I face in finding the exact right piece of information, and where it leads me. I also think it could be inspirational for people who are beginning their search, and could make them feel closer to their own histories. That seeking and finding direct connections to their ancestors, for example, is possible in the collection, and that it is there for their exploration."

Follow the RHS website, and enjoy Kally's contributions!

My name is Kally and I love history.I can, and very often do, waste a whole day wandering around a historical place, daydreaming about who stood in the exact spot where I stand. I spend a lot of time ruminating about the lives of the residents of very old cemeteries. Got a dusty relic of a bygone er...

01/11/2025

https://www.thewesterlysun.com/lifestyle/entertainment/traces-of-the-trade-a-story-from-the-deep-north/article_1ab54e0a-cc60-11ef-bf0c-d360e96bb9f8.html

WESTERLY — The United will screen "Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North" on Jan. 19 as part of its "Black Voices Film Series," a film The

01/10/2025

Why, Oh Why, Wyoming?

Wyoming, Rhode Island, was named before Wyoming became a state. So where did the name come from?

12/16/2024

RHS was honored to take part in the Richmond Tree Lighting with an open house. Over 100 visitors came through the door on that frigid night! Thank you for visiting, and see you next year. Or before that, if you'd like to become a member!
https://www.richmondrihistoricalsoc.org/

12/03/2024

We are excited that the Bell School will be open to visitors on Friday, December 6 during the Town tree lighting!

12/01/2024

We've been concerned for some time about the lack of a handrail at the Bell School. The steep granite steps can be difficult even for those without mobility issues. A board member mentioned the problem to the Town Administrator and the DPW, and before we knew it a handrail was installed! We're especially grateful that it was done in time for the tree lighting on December 6, when the school will be open to visitors. Many thanks to Karen Pinch, Gary Robar, and staff for taking care of this issue!