Rhode Island Genealogical Society

About Our Society

The Rhode Island Genealogical Society was begun in 1975 by a small group of individuals interested specifically in Rhode Island families and the problems inherent in tracing them. Since then, we have grown to include over 600 members from across the United States, Canada and Mexico, all working to uncover our Rhode Island roots.
 
The Society publishes a quarterly named for that pursuit. Rhode Island Roots features many Rhode Island records, such as cemetery and tax lists, General Assembly petitions, civil and military records, and genealogical articles -- all with a wealth of information on Rhode Island families. Other features include state census records, articles about early Rhode Islanders, queries, and our list of RI volunteer researchers.
 
Each year the Society holds two workshops, two lectures, and our Annual Meeting in May. The workshops and lectures held throughout Rhode Island bring stronger focus to local subjects and/or families concentrated in certain areas of the state. Recordings of lectures presented to the Society are usually available to members for purchase.
 
 

Primary Contacts
General Information: KarenLu LaPolice
Research Advice and Queries: Alison Watson Maston
Membership: Chester Browning
Events: Shellee Morehead
RIGS Publications: Diane Boumenot
RIGS Reporter Newsletter: Rachel Peirce
Treasurer: Gary McShane
Webmaster: Deby Jecoy Nunes
 
Officers and Directors
President: Maureen Taylor
1st Vice President: Heather Kisilywicz
2nd Vice President: Helen H. Smith
Treasurer: Gary McShane
Assistant Treasurer: David Wescott Smith
Corresponding Secretary: KarenLu LaPolice
Recording Secretary: John D Tew
Director - 3-year (Exp. '26): Carol Gafford
Director - 3-year (Exp. '24): Robert Grandchamp
Director - 3-year (Exp. '25): Barbara D. Cummings
Director - 1 Year Term: Shellee Morehead
Director - 1 Year Term: Doug John Corey
Director - 1 Year Term: Rachel Peirce
Director - 1 Year Term: Susan L. Taylor
 
Committees
Finance Committee: Gary McShane
Membership Committee: Chester Browning
Nominating Committee: Shellee Morehead
Outreach / Education Committee: Heather Kisilywicz
Programming Committee: Shellee Morehead
Publications Committee: Diane Boumenot
 
Special Projects and Programs
NERGC Representative/Delegate: Barbara D. Cummings
NERGC Exhibit Hall Chair: John D Tew