The Rhode Island Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing Rhode Island's history. Founded in 1822, the RIHS is the fourth oldest state historical society in the United States. It is a private organization, founded and supported by its membership.
The RIHS holds the largest and most important historical collections relating to Rhode Island. The Society owns and maintains the John Brown House Museum, a National Historic Landmark built in 1788 and is one of early American's grandest mansions and Rhode Island's most famous 18th century home; the Aldrich House, also a National Historic Landmark, built in 1822; and the Library of Rhode Island History. The organization also maintains the Museum of Work and Culture, a regional history museum devoted to the history of northern Rhode Island.