Hi, I have found the RI State Archives to be very helpful and inexpensive. They will search their records (see bottom of this for dates of record they have), for you for the cost of the photocopies! Here's the info from the form I received from them.: RI State Archives 337 Westminster St. Providence, RI, 02903 401-222-2353 1) All requests must be made on a vital records order form (can be photocopied once you get one). 2) Only one type of record for one name may be requested on a form. 3) No more than 2 VR order forms may be submitted at one time. Please wait for a response before sending further requests. 4) All requests must include an approximate date for the record sought. 5) Requests for VRs occurring prior to 1853 must include the name of the city or town as no state-wide index exist. 6) Photocopies will be provided at a cost of $.15 per page. Certified copies can be provided at a cost of $2/record. Requests for certification of pre-1853 vitals must be directed to the city or town that holds the original record. Do not send money, you will be notified of any charges. NOTE: RI laws stipulate that all records of birth and marriage are closed for 100 years. Death records are restricted for a period of 50 years. Vital Records available at the RI State Archives are as follows: Town vitals: Prior to 1853 microfilm copies only Births & marriages 1853-1904 (state-wide index available) Deaths: 1853-1954 (statewide index available) -------------- I find that there is about a 3 week turn around for the requests I send. I send 2 requests in each envelope along with payment for the copies received from the last 2 requests - which has been anywhere from .30 to $1.05. They even called me once to ask a question about one request. I hope this is helpful. -Mary Ellen Moulton Plaistow, NH