Though small in size, Rhode Island has played an exceptional role in American history and boasts a unique concentration of historic sites, collections, and heritage organizations. Yet within the state’s history and heritage sector – potentially one of its key economic assets – there is an urgent need for better public access and inter-organizational coordination.

Through the Rhode Island History Online Directory Initiative (RHODI) Project, the Rhode Island Historical Society (RIHS) is determined to fulfill its mission as a platform for connectivity and participation by using digital technology to increase the history and heritage sector’s visibility. Additionally, RIHS hopes to increase access to peer networks, grassroots support, fundraising capacity, transparency, and the dissemination of messages ranging from education to advocacy.

The RHODI Project initially will conduct a sector wide survey by field teams, including on-site visits with each organization. The criteria for inclusion within the initial phase of the survey has been determined by an Advisory Committee representing diverse segments of Rhode Island’s history and heritage community. The compiled data will be used to create RHODI, and will include descriptive information, photos, and contact information. Additionally, an electronic giving feature will be available to those organizations in the directory. For the end user, RHODI will be easily searchable, inclusive and neutral.

In the process of gathering the necessary data for the directory, the RHODI Project will also be able to undertake a mapping and needs assessment of these organizations. As a comprehensive and detailed survey of Rhode Island’s history and heritage sector, it will provide not only trustworthy data on which to base future grant-funded proposals for such activities as collections cataloging capacity building advice, preservation projects, educational programming, a virtual museum, but also the much needed impetus for synergies and collaborations.

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