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Rhode Island Soldiers and Sailors Historical Society Collection

 Collection
Identifier: 022-02

Scope and Contents

This collection consists primarily of manuscripts and papers from the society, as well as published material including newspapers and flyers. Some paperwork, such as muster rolls and blank applications, are included, as well as some correspondence appearing to be from members of the society. A ledger volume documents the titles that were in the library collection. The collection also includes the collar worn by Major Sullivan Ballou.

Dates

  • 1858 - 1887

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Materials are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

PPL does not claim copyright to this collection. Users of this item are responsible for determining copyright restrictions.

Biographical / Historical

The Rhode Island Soldiers and Sailors Historical Society was founded circa 1875 with the intention of preserving and disseminating the history of the Civil War, with an emphasis on the role of Rhode Island residents. Full membership was open to Rhode Island residents who had served in the Civil War. Meetings included readings concerning battles and campaigns, many of which were published under the title Personal Narratives of the Battles of the Rebellion.

The Ballou Collar was worn by Major Sullivan Ballou during the battle of Bull Run, in which he died. The collar was recovered by Mr. Nichols of the First Rhode Island Cavalry on March 21, 1862 after the Confederate desecration of his body on the battlefield. The collar was then donated to the Rhode Island Soldiers and Sailors Historical Society by Lieutenant Charles A. Towne.

When the society was disbanded, its published material, papers, and library were donated to the Providence Public Library. While the majority of the manuscripts and papers were given in an exchange to the Rhode Island Historical Society in 1933, these materials appear to have been kept by the Providence Public Library.

Extent

1 Linear Feet (3 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

German

Arrangement

The collection is separated into six series according to the format of the material. The series are: manuscripts, published works, forms, correspondence, collection catalog and the Ballou Collar.

Custodial History

Material was acquired from creator / collector.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Rhode Island Soldiers and Sailors Historical Society, date unknown.

Related Materials

Caleb Fiske Harris Collection on the Civil War and Slavery, Providence Public Library. Personal Narratives of the Battles of the Rebellion, Providence Public Library. Soldiers and Sailors Historical Society records, Rhode Island Historical Society.

Separated Materials

Published works that were originally donated as part of this collection were separated and cataloged as part of the Harris Collection on Civil War and Slavery. The bulk of the manuscripts and records were donated to the RI Historical Society.

Processing Information

The collection was processed in 2014 by Taylor McNeilly. It was updated in 2022 by Jordan Goffin.

Title
Rhode Island Soldiers and Sailors Historical Society Collection
Status
Completed
Author
Taylor McNeilly
Date
2014
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Providence Public Library Repository

Contact:
150 Empire Street
Providence RI 02903 United States of America
401-455-8021