Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association
The oldest local ethnic historical society in Rhode Island.

About

Chartered in 1951, the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association is the oldest Jewish historical society in continuous operation in the United States. The RIJHA is supported through memberships, donations, and bequests. The Association serves scholars, teachers, students, genealogists, and history buffs—Jews and non-Jews alike.

The Association has built an extensive archive about Rhode Island Jewry. Its abundant collections include more than 5,000 photographs, manuscripts, a now digitized collection of the various titles of Jewish Rhode Island; formerly known as The Jewish Voice, and the Rhode Island Herald, congregational and organizational records, city directories, oral history recordings, and a vast number of artifacts.

We offer genealogical research services, as well as general research assistance with topics related to Rhode Island jewry. For more information, please visit our Research Services page.

We are a membership and donation based organization; without the support of our loyal members and generous donors, we would not be able to continue our honorable work. If you would like to become a member or make a donation, please visit our Support page.

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Mission Statement

To procure, collect, and preserve books, records, pamphlets, letters, manuscripts, prints, photographs, paintings, and any other historical material relating to the history of the Jews of RI; to encourage and promote the study of such history by lectures and otherwise; and to publish and diffuse information as to such history.