The RISD Archives collects, preserves and provides access to records and artifacts, including photographs and publications that document the history and development of RISD programs, policies and procedures and contributions of individuals and organizations associated with the college and museum. Records in the archives date from RISD’s founding in 1877 to the present.

The archives is located on the second floor of Fleet Library at 15 Westminster and use of the collection is available on site by appointment with the archivists (401 709-5920). Scholars outside the RISD community may also send requests for information in writing; a fee may be charged for services.

While individual departments and offices had saved materials related to their own histories for many years, it was only in1997 that the RISD Archives was formally established to centralize the preservation of and access to the documents and objects that bore witness to the historical development of both the college and the RISD Museum. The holdings speak to programs initiated across the campus and illuminate the contributions of individuals and organizations. The archives collections are a unique and valuable resource for understanding and appreciating the significant role played by RISD in teaching and advancing the disciplines of art, design, and art education--regionally, nationally, and worldwide--since its founding in 1877.

Materials in the archives include administrative records for the college, office files of past presidents, records of former museum directors and museum exhibition files, Board of Trustees records dating to the founding, biographical files for current and former faculty, historic student records and select examples of student work, information on alumni, photographs, audio- and videotapes, film, plans and other documentation for RISD buildings, scrapbooks, publications including student newspapers, printed ephemera, artifacts, and several collections of personal papers of individuals associated with RISD.

The RISD Archives is open to researchers by appointment. Hours and other information for researchers can be found on the website of Fleet Library. Finding aids for processed collections are indexed in the library's catalog RISD Library Catalog and available on the statewide archives website, RIAMCO. Please note that the archives has policies governing the use of its collections and the use of certain records and collections may be restricted.