Block Island Historical Society

Celebrating Block Island and preserving its history for future generations
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Block Island Resources

Oral History

Explore over one hundred recordings of stories told by island residents. Collected beginning in 2000, these stories offer an intimate, personal way of preserving and sharing the heritage of this unique place.

Listen Now

On the Corner …

The Society was founded in 1942. To help celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2017, The Block Island Times published a series of sketches and photographs of items in our collection.

See the Images

Photo Archive

Browse a selection of historic postcards and photographs from the Society’s collection. If you’d like to see more, pay us a visit.

See the Images

Block Island Timeline

Explore key events in the history of Block Island, starting with the Niantic settlement about 1500 years ago. Click any of the events to learn more.

Travel through time

Art Trail Map

Planning a visit to the island? History isn’t the only thing to see! Take a self-guided tour of local galleries and studios with the free Block Island Art Trail Map. Also includes farmers’ market locations.

Download

Upcoming Events

July 2018

Art Auction

Saturday, July 21 @ 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
303 Southeast Road, 303 Southeast Rd
New Shoreham, RI United States + Google Map
$75

An Evening Surrounded by Sea: Champagne, wine & appetizers, with a silent auction of art and antiques including “Portrait of an Era,” drawings by Laura B. Dodge; and black & white photographs by Jack Lynch. Held at a private home on Southest Road off Spring Street.

Find out more »

Historic Full Moon Cemetery Tour: “Stories in Stone under the moonlight”

Thursday, July 26 @ 7:00 pm–8:30 pm

Karin Sprague, Stone Carver, and Pam Gasner, Executive Director, lead this tour through the oldest section of the Island Cemetery.

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August 2018

Palatine Grave Tour

Friday, August 10 @ 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
$25

Jill Farinelli has reconstructed the origins of one of New England’s most chilling maritime mysteries in her new book The Palatine Wreck. Join her for this tour of the Palatine Graves, the last resting place of about twenty passengers and crew who died after the wreck. Limited tickets available.

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Museum

Our Museum offers a rich collection of artifacts and memorabilia that bring to life the history of the island over the past 2500 years. Exhibits change regularly.

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Tours

Take a guided walking tours of the Old Harbor, a Manissean Village site, and more — including personalized genealogical tours to help you explore your own Block Island heritage.

Explore Tours

Shop

The Museum Shop is a great place to find artwork by island artists, as well as historical photos, maps, posters, T-shirts, postcards, and all things Block Island.

Browse the Shop

Private Events

Interested in hosting a private event at the Society? Talk to us!

Ask about Private Events