Providence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island and one of the oldest cities in the United States. It was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a Reformed Baptist theologian and religious exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He named the area in honour of "God's merciful Providence," which he believed was responsible for revealing such a haven for him and his followers. The city is situated at the mouth of the Providence River at the head of Narragansett Bay.

###### The Providence City Archives:

A formal archival program for the City of Providence was
established in 1978 as part of a year-long centennial observance marking the
dedication of City Hall. The archives, located on the 5th floor of City Hall,
houses extensive collections of manuscripts, printed material, maps,
blueprints, and photographic images that span the period from the colony’s
founding in 1636 to the present. The nearly 40,000 cubic feet of records detail
all aspects of the development and operation of municipal government. These collections
offer researchers a unique opportunity to trace the history of the
state’s capital city.

The archives staff is ready to assist you with your research
needs. Please see the **[Policies and Procedures page](https://www.providenceri.gov/archives/policies-procedures/)** for details on using our collections.

City of Providence

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