History of the Town of
Foster, Rhode Island
The History of Foster drawn from the History of
Providence County Volumes I and II. Edited by Richard M. Bayles: W.W.
Preston & Co. NY. 1891.
History of the State of Rhode
Island with Illustrations:
The History of Foster
by Albert J.Wright, Printer No. 79 Mille Street, cornerof
Federal, Bosten. Hong, Wade & Co., Philiadelphia 1878
Nike Missile Battery PR-79, Foster, RI
- Learn about the old Nike site off Route 101. This website includes
links to pictures of the site.
Census Data
2020 Census Information
2012 Statistical Abstract of the United States
The Statistical
Abstract of the United States,
published from 1878 to 2012, is the authoritative and
comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political,
and economic organization of the United States.
It is designed to serve as a
convenient volume for statistical reference, and as a guide to
other statistical publications and sources both in print and on
the Web. These sources of data include the U.S. Census
Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis,
and many other Federal agencies and private organizations.
2010 US Census data
- See the 2010 Census data.
2000 US Census data - See
the 2000 Census data.
Local Preservation and
Historical Societies
Alliance of Rhode Island
Historical Associations (ARIHA) -
The
Alliance of Rhode Island Historical
Associations is a voluntary alliance to foster cooperation and
share expertise among Rhode Island's historical associations ...
Barrington Preservation Society - The
Barrington Preservation Society is
constituted for the purpose of identifying, acquiring, ... objects and
information of historical interest within or pertaining to the Town of
Barrington, Rhode Island.
Blackstone Valley Historical Society
- The Blackstone Valley
Historical Society (BVHS) is dedicated to securing and preserving items
related to the history of that area of Rhode Island known as the Blackstone
Valley.
Bristol Historical and
Preservation Society - The BH&PS is located at 48 Court Street in
Bristol, RI in an 1828 ajil build of granite blocks reportedly used as
ballast in early sailing ships...
Burrillville Historical Society
- The Burrillville
Historical and Preservation Society has been in existence since February of
1970 ...
Coventry Historical Society - A society
dedicated to the preservation of the Community's heritage through the spoken
word and the printed word and the use of illustrations and recorded sound.
Cranston Historical Society - To
promote and encourage a lively interest in the history of Cranston ...
East Greenwich Historic Preservation Society
- Preserving the Past and Living History in East Greenwich ...
East
Providence Historical Society -
The East Providence Historical
Society is dedicated to preserving the heritage and enjoying the history of
our City.
Exeter Historical Society
- Dedicated to preserving history in Exeter,
Rhode Island.
Glocester Heritage Society
- The purpose of the Society shall be to identify, acquire, hold, arrange,
restore, maintain, and preserve for posterity buildings, tracts of land and
objects of historical, educational, architectural, cultural and other
similar interests of outstanding value within the Town of Glocester, RI ...
Friends of Harmony Village
-
Harmony Village is located in the eastern part of the township of Glocester,
Rhode Island. The Friends of Harmony Village is a group working to preserve
the heritage of Harmony and increase its sense of community.
Johnston Historical Society - The
Johnston Historical Society was formed by a group of historically minded
residents in the late 1970s ...
Killingly Historical Society
(Connecticut)
- This Society's charter is to promote knowledge, interest and research
in Killingly and Windham County, Connecticut.
Little Compton Historical
Society -
The Little Compton Historical Society
was incorporated in 1937 to preserve the history and cultural
heritage of Little Compton for the enrichment and enjoyment of
the general public.
Narragansett Historical Society
- This
site is dedicated to the history of Narragansett, Rhode Island, a beautiful
seaside town with a rich and varied past ...
Newport Historical Society - It is the
mission of the Newport Historical Society to collect and preserve the
artifacts, photographs, documents, publications and genealogical records
that relate to the history of Newport County, Rhode Island; to make these
materials readily available ...
North Kingstown - Historic North Kingstown
- NOT CURRENTLY ACTIVE.
Pawtucket Preservation Society
- The
Preservation Society of Pawtucket (PSP) was incorporated in 1978 as a
non-profit, membership-driven community organization devoted to identifying,
and promoting and encouraging the preservation of the historical and
architectural resources of the city of Pawtucket, Rhode Island ...
Pawtuxet Valley Preservation and Historical Society -
Preserving the history of, and promoting public knowledge and interest in
the Pawtuxet Valley ...
Pawtuxet Village Association - To
actively foster the
well-being of the residents of the Pawtuxet Village area through preserving
and improving its quality of life, its historic sites and structures, and
its natural environment ...
Portsmouth Historical Society - The
Portsmouth Historical Society, located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, welcomes
you to discover our website.
Providence
Preservation Society
- Formed in 1956 to respond to the proposed demolition of a number of 18th-
and early 19th-century houses on College Hill ...
Rhode Island
Historical Society
- The Rhode Island
Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing Rhode
Island’s history.
Scituate Historical Society
- This link is to the facebook page of the Scituate, RI
Preservation Society.
Smithfield Historical Society
(Smith-Appleby House) - Today, the Smith-Appleby House Museum is
headquarters to The Historical Society of Smithfield ...
South County History Center
- Founded in 1958 as the Pettaquamscutt Historical Society, its mission is
to lead the discovery and preservastion of South County history.
Tiverton Historical Society - The
Tiverton Historical Society is a non-profit educational institution that
promotes an understanding of the history of The Town of Tiverton, Newport
County, Rhode Island and adjacent portions of Southern Massachusetts ...
Warren Preservation Society -
The
objective of the Warren Preservation Society is to promote an interest in
the history of Bristol County and Warren, Rhode Island in particular; to
preserve their historic integrity and cultural resources; and to educate the
public to the historic value of the area.
Warwick Historical Society
- Town of Warwick, RI ...
West Greenwich Historical Society (Louttit
Library) - The Louttit Library preserves the West Greenwich Historical
Society records however they are currently updating their site so the
records may not be available on line at this time.
Western Rhode Island Civic Historical Society
-
This Society exists for the purpose of
gathering and preserving historical materials relating to Western Rhode
Island and also to promote the social and cultural life of the area.
Woonsocket Historical Society
- The Woonsocket Historical Society is dedicated
to the preservation of the history of the City of Woonsocket, it's people
and it's rich industrial past.
Historical Links
Battery C 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery
- Battery C, 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery is an all-volunteer,
non-profit, living history organization. The present day's Battery is
dedicated to preserving the memory of those brave men of Battery C who
fought in the Civil War.
Battle of Rhode Island - An historical
overview of this local Revolutionary War battle which occurred at the
northern end of Aquidneck Island
on August 29, 1783.
The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
- The Blackstone River runs from Worcester, MA to Providence, RI. Its
waters powered the Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI, America's first successful
cotton spinning mill. This creative spark began the nation's
transformation from Farm to Factory. Today, the Blackstone River
Valley is a special type of National Park ...
The Dirksen Center -
The Dirksen Congressional Center is a
non-partisan, not-for-profit organization in Pekin, Illinois, that seeks to
improve civic engagement by promoting a better understanding of Congress and
its leaders through archival, research, and educational programs.
Federal Land Records Official Site -
This site contains a repository of Federal land title records issued between 1820 and the present.
Glocester Historian
- Genealogy,
Record Research, and Lecture Services from Edna Kent, Historian of the Town
of Glocester, RI.
History of Rhode Island -
An overview
of Rhode Island history located on the RI Secretary of State's website.
Historic New England - Historic New
England is a museum of cultural history that collects and preserves
buildings, landscapes, and objects dating from the seventeenth century to
the present and uses them to keep history alive and to help people develop a
deeper understanding and enjoyment of New England life and appreciation for
its preservation.
The Library of Congress (Chronicling
America)
Search America' historic newspapers from
1789-1924 or use the U'S' Newspaper Directory to find
information about American newspapers published between 1690 and
the
present.
Massachusetts State Archives
- A treasure trove of info about Massachusetts history and
genealogy.
Mashantucket Pequot Musem and
Research Center -
Located
on
the Mashantucket Pequot reservatrion in southeastern
Comnnecticut, the
Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center is a non-profit
educational institution that seeks to further knowledge and
understanding of the richness and diversity of the indigenous
cultures and societies of the United States and Canada.
The Museum of Work and Culture
- Located in Woonsocket's
historic Market Square, The Museum of Work and Culture tells the story of
French-Canadian immigrants who left Quebec to come to work in the mills and
factories of Woonsocket.
Nathaniel Greene Homestead -
The General Nathanael Greene Homestead is a registered
historic place located in Coventry, Rhode Island. It was the home of
Revolutionary War general
Nathanael Greene
from 1770 to 1776, and was owned afterwards by his brother Jacob Greene.
The house is owned and operated by the General Nathanael Greene Homestead
Association, a non-profit organization, and was opened as a museum in 1924.
National Register of Historical Places - Program
Regulations - How to go about having a property listed on the
Federal Register.
National Register of Historical Places - State
Listings - Find
Historical locations in Rhode Island.
Preserve
RI
- Organization which promotes the
stewardship of Rhode Island's distinctive local character and vibrant
communities.
History of the Scituate Reservoir -
Information provided by the Providence Water Supply Board.
Rhode
Island Archival and Manuscript Collections Online
- The Rhode
Island Archival and Manuscript Collections Online (RIAMCO) is the gateway to
information about archival collections in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island
Historic Preservation & Heritage Commission
- The
Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission is the state
agency for historical preservation and heritage programs.
Rhode Island Historical Records Advisory Board
- The mission of the RIHRAB is to advocate develop and support programs to
defend and provide access to documentary heritage.
Rhode
Island Marine Archaeology Project
- RIMAP is a not-for-profit
volunteer organization dedicated to the study of Rhode Island's maritime
history and the archaeological study of cultural resources related to that
history.
Rhode Island State Archives - This arm of RI State government
preserves and makes available for research Rhode Island's historical public
records, which date from 1638 to the present.
Rhode Island Volunteers Civil War Re-enactors
Association - Information on RI Civil War volunteer units.
Sons
of Union Veterans of the Civil War - This website strives to
preserve the memory of the Grand Army of the Republic and our ancestors who
fought to preserve the Union 1861 - 1865.
Tomaquag Museum
- Located at 390 Summit Road in Exeter Rhode Island, the
Tomaquag Museum was founded in 1958 as the Tomaquag Indian
Memorial Museum. Their mission is to educate the public
and promote thoughtful dialogue regarding indigenous history,
culture arts, and Mother Earth and connect to native issues
today.
United States National Archives
- The National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA) is the nation's record keeper. Located in
Washington D.C. on the National Mall, the National Archives provides access
to valuable records which are preserved and are available to you, whether
you want to see if they contain clues about your family’s history, need to
prove a veteran’s military service, or are researching an historical topic
that interests you.
Genealogical Links
Genealogical Records
- Have you thought
about tracing your ancestry and family history but weren't sure how to
begin? Perhaps this is the place to start.
American-French Genealogical Society
-
A genealogical and historical organization for French-Canadian
research.
Ancestry.com -
An excellent
site to find your ancestors. this site requires a subscription with a
monthly payment; however, a free trial
subscription is offered.
Ancestry.com(trees) - Start your own online family tree with
this link.
Connecticut
State Library
- Information about Connecticut history
and genealogy
Cyndi's List - A listing of
the many and varied genealogical sites available on the
internet.
Daughters of the American Revolution Library -
Genealogical Research. The DAR Genealogical Research System is a
combination of several databases created in recent years to organize the
large quantity of information that the DAR has collected since its inception
in 1890.
Ellis Island - This is a great site
even if you think your ancestors did not come through Ellis Island.
Genealogy for Kids - a site to help
children build their family tree.
Foster Genealogy on the LDS website
- click here to see Foster RI records
on the LDS webpages.
History at Home: A Guide to Genealogy
-
An overview of genealogy with many links to resources.
HouseholdQuotes Home Genealogy
Guide for 2017
- A British website set up to help homeowners and tenants
avoid paying too much for jobs in their home presents some tips
on genealogy and links to relevant resources.
Immigrant Ship Transcribers Guild -
Transcripts of ships passenger lists from various countries.
New England Historic Genealogical Society
- Search 1.4 billion names from more than 22 countries.
Newspaper Archives - Explore historical
and genealogical newspaper articles online. A unique archive which
spans more than 400 years of family history, small-town events, world news
and more.
North
Scituate Public Library - Local
history information.
Also
many links to genealogical
websites. When you reach this website, click on "History and
Genealogy" in menu bar at left.
Rhode Island Genealogical Society -
The Rhode Island Genealogical Society
was begun in 1975 by individuals interested specifically in Rhode Island
Families and the problems inherent in tracing them.
Rhode Island Genealogy - Click on this
link to find links to various Providence County historical records listed by
Town.
Roger Williams Family Association
-
Genealogical site with the purpose of honoring
and preserving the memory of Roger Williams and promoting communication
among his descendants.
US GenWeb - Rhode Island - Nationwide
genealogy and history project.
Cemetery Resources
There
are over 150 historical cemeteries located throughout Foster. The
following links provides access to information about each cemetery and
most of the burials contained therein.
Foster Preservation Society Historical Cemetery
Survey (under construction) - This survey conducted in 2011-2012 allows you to
see details, GPS coordinates, and photos of each historical cemetery in
Foster, RI. The survey is an ongoing project which will be updated
regularly until database of all historical cemeteries is complete.
Hale Collection of Connecticut Cemetery Records
- This site contains vital information from headstone inscriptions in over
2,000 Connecticut cemeteries that were recorded in a W.P.A. project
directed by Charles R. Hale ca. 1932-5.
Rhode Island
Cemeteries Database - It is possible to search the RI
Historical Cemetery Database for an ancestor buried anywhere in the state.
The pre-20th century data is over 95% complete. The earliest
gravestone in the database is that of John Coggeshall, Sr., President of
the Colony of Rhode Island from 1647.
Rhode Island
Historical Cemeteries Transcription Project
-
Search for ancestor's
graves.
Rhode Island Historical Cemetery Commission
- This organization studies the location, condition, and inventory of
historical cemeteries in Rhode Island, and makes recommendations to the
General Assembly. This site also provides a way to search for a
specific cemetery anywhere in Rhode Island: choose "Cemetery Databases"
then select the type fo search you would like.
Find a Grave website
- Find the
graves of thousands of people around the world including ancestors, create virtual memorials, add
"virtual flowers" and a
note to a loved one's grave, etc.
Interment.net
- Search and browse cemetery burial records online from thousands of cemeteries
across the world.
The Association for Gravestone Studies
-
The Association for Gravestone Studies (AGS)
was founded in 1977 for the purpose of furthering the study and
preservation of gravestones.
Maps and Atlases
Rhode Island Maps -
Maps from the 1600's, 1700's and 1800's. Provided by US
GenWeb.
United
States Geological Survey (USGS) - The USGS is a science
organization that provides impartial information on the health of our
ecosystems and environment, the natural hazards that threaten us, the
natural resources we rely on, the impacts of climate and land-use change,
and the core science systems that help us provide timely, relevant, and
useable information.
University of Connecticut Historical Map Collection
- Digitized
historical maps of Connecticut, Northeast United States, New England, United
States, and select maps from around the world.
University of Texas Historical Map Collection
- Large collection of maps featuring many regions around the globe.
Town and Community Links
Town
of Foster - Town meeting agendas, minutes,
finance reports, etc.
Town of Foster Comprehensive Plan - Town government
produced description of the Town
and proposed plans for the future.
Town of Foster Police Department - The official web site of
the Foster Police Department.
Captain Isaac Paine Elementary School - Foster's
Elementary School website.
Foster Glocester Regional School
District - Middle School and High
School website.
Borders Farm Preservation - Preserved 1849
working farm with farmhouse and intact dairy
barn.
Boy Scout Troop 101 - Local Boy Scout
troop. Website provides very little information other than contact
info and is unfortunately not kept up to date.
Troop
101 - Old Home Days 2014 video
Foster Ambulance Corps
- Foster Ambulance Corps was established in 1970 and is a volunteer EMS
serving the Town of F0ster, RI.
Foster
Center Baptist Church - is an old, established neighborhood church, dating
from January 1881. At that time, the building was called the Foster Center
Christian Church. The dedication was held on October 31, 1882.
Foster Center Volunteer Fire Company
- Facebook page of the FCVFC.
Libraries of Foster
- The website of the Foster Public and Tyler Free Libraries.
Moosup Valley Church
- The Moosup
Valley Meeting House was erected in 1864 in response to a community
desire...
Northern Rhode Island 4H - Information
about the 4H fair held each year at Old Home Days.
Scituate Foster Little League
-
Scituate Foster Little League is a non-profit organization run
solely by dedicated volunteers to provide a healthy environment
for the youth of our community to play ball, meet new friends
and build self-confidence and self-esteem.
Scituate & Foster Youth Soccer
Association - committed to providing
the youth of our community with the opportunity to learn and enjoy the game
of soccer while developing their physical, social and emotional well being.
South Foster Volunteer Fire Company
- 5 Mt. Hygeia Road, Foster, RI
Swamp Meadow Community Theatre
- Local Community Theater offering multiple live productions each
year.
Tri-Town Titans
-
The Tri Town Titans is a non-profit youth organization dedicated
to providing a healthy and safe environment for young people
ages 4 through 14, inclusive, to learn football, cheerleading,
and the principles of good sportsmanship ...
Other Interesting and
Thought Provoking Links
Amateur Astronomical Society of Rhode Island
- Did you ever look up into the night sky over Foster and wonder what's out
there. Visit Skyscrapers, Inc. to learn more about the wonders of the
sky.
Geocaching - What is geocaching? Click on this site to
find out. Then you can explore, find, and log geocaches around the
world.
G.h.o.s.t Paranormal Research Team - (WEBSITE CURRENTLY
DISABLED) This is the website of
the local ghost hunting group which investigated the Foster Town House on
November 12, 2011.
Greenville Paranormal Research
- A small group of experienced and dedicated paranormal
investigators and researchers based in Greenville, Rhode Island. See their
investigations in Foster and surrounding areas at this link.
Haunted RI: The Legends of Dolly Cole
- Information on a RI PBS show about a local legend. The trainler for
this show can be found on
youtube by clicking
on the youtube link.
Hearthside -
Historical Federal style home in Lincoln, Rhode Island.
The Library of Congress (Home page)
- The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world,
with millions of books, recordings, photographs, newspapers,
maps, and manuscripts in its collections.
Narragansett Indian Tribe
- The Narragansett Indians are descendants of the aboriginal
people of the State of Rhode Island. Archaeological evidence and
oral history of the Narragansett People establish their
existence in the region more than 30,000 years ago.
National
Trust for Historic Preservation - The
National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately funded
nonprofit organization which works to save america's historic
places.
Old Time Patterns -
Old Time
Patterns offers a selection of the most popular and period correct
patterns available
as well as
clothing, notions, and reproduction fabrics.
Providence Athenaeum - The Providence
Athenaeum is an independent membership library that opened on Benefit Street
in 1838. The Athenaeum is a unique library and cultural center,
welcomes and enriches the educational and cultural pursuits of its members
and the community and encourages a diverse public to engage in spirited
conversation.
Ray Wolf Books -
Ray Wolf Books has been located in Hope, Rhode Island since 2009. Ray
has produced books on local history and poetry.
Rhode Island Commerce Corporation
- Business planning, small business loans, science and technology grants,
etc.
Rhode Island Council for the Humanities
- The mission of the
Rhode Island Council for the Humanities is to inspire and support
intellectual curiosity and imagination in all Rhode Islanders.
Rhode
Island Post Card Club - The Rhode Island Post Card Club is a
non-profit organization. Its purpose is to promote interest in
postcard collecting (deltiology) by encouraging the study, preservation and
exhibition of postcards and related material; to cultivate mutual friendship
and assistance among collectors, students and especially to encourage and
assist beginning collectors.
Tom D'Agostino Paranormal
Investigations and Books
-
Tom is an educator and author of twelve books on ghosts and
legends of New England.
WaterFire Providence
-
WaterFire is a sculpture by Barnaby Evans presented on the
rivers of downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It was first
created by Evans in 1994 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of
First Night Providence, and has since become an annual public
art phenomenon.
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