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.

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.

Foster 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.

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.

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.

Find a Grave website - Find the graves of thousands of people around the world including ancestors, create virtual memorials, 

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.

Interment.net - Search and browse cemetery burial records online from thousands of cemeteries across the world.

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 of search you would like.

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission - Cemetery Resources - Cemeteries are among Rhode Island's most unique and most overlooked historic resources.  Rhode Island contains at least 2833 historic cemeteries, from small family burial grounds to landscaped garden cemeteries. 

Genealogical Links

How to Begin Genealogical Research - Have you thought about tracing your ancestry and family history but weren't sure how to begin?  Here is a link from the National Archives which can help you get started.

American Ancestors - Search 1.4 billion names from more than 22 countries.

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 (family trees) - Start your own online family tree with this link.

Armenian Historical Association of Rhode Island - The Armenian Historical Association provides the opportunity to preserve and archive stories of our Armenian ancestors and to tell future generations who the early and present Rhode Island Armenians were and what special achievements they made to our state and community. 

Connecticut State Library - Everything about the CT State Library including information on state 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.

Immigrant Ship Transcribers Guild - Transcripts of ships passenger lists from various countries.

Italian-American Historical Society of Rhode Island - Striving to preserve the rich heritage of Italian ancestry in Rhode Island.

The Mayflower Society - The General Society of Mayflower Descendants is committed to research on the lineal descent of the Mayflower Pilgrims and education about the Pilgrims who traveled aboard the Mayflower in 1620.  The Society provides education and understanding of why the Mayflower Pilgrims were important, how they shaped western civilization, and what their 1620 voyage means today and its impact on the world.

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.

Portuguese-American Genealogy - Link to the UMASS Dartmouth Portuguese-American genealogy resources.

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.

RIGenWeb - The RIGenWeb Project Archives were developed to provide free online data for genealogical research.  

Roger Williams Family Association - Genealogical site  with the purpose of honoring and preserving the memory of Roger Williams and promoting communication among his descendants.

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.

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.

H.P. Lovecraft Tour of College Hill - This walking tour of Providence takes you to many historic sites on Providence's Colleges Hill including those associated with Roger Williams, Edgar Allen Poe and Lovecraft himself.

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 Museum and Research Center - Located on the Mashantucket Pequot reservation in southeastern Connecticut, 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 Archives Citizen Archivist - You can make contributions to the National Archives Catalog to enhance access and discoverability.  Transcribe historical documents, tag archival photographs, or share comments with other community members. There are no required qualifications other than the ability to read cursive.  Just go to the link and sign up to get started. 

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.

Roger Williams National Memorial - Roger Williams National Memorial celebrates Roger Williams and his contributions to the establishment of separation of church and state, a foundational principle of freedom in the United States of America.  The National Memorial was established by Congress in 1965.  It is a 4.5 acre green space in Providence, Rhode Island. The beautifully landscaped and manicured grounds honor the life and legacy of the one of the 17th century's most influential people.  The visitor center offers exhibits, ranger programs, a short video, restrooms, and water fountains. Check the operating hours for more information on planning your visit.  Parking is free. 

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.

Local Preservation and Historical Societies

Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor - This is where the American Industrial Revolution began and sent reverberations throughout the country.  Follow the 48 miles of the Blackstone River ...

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 jail built 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 ...

Charlestown Historical Society - Dedicated to preserving history in Charlestown, Rhode Island.

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 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 - NO LONGER IN EXISTENCE.  In May 2022, this organization filed formal Articles of Dissolution - Harmony Village is located in the eastern part of the township of Glocester, Rhode Island.

Heritage Alliance of Pawtucket - Formerly the Preservation Society of Pawtucket (PSP) telling the histories of the people and places in the City of Pawtucket.

Historic Wickford (HistWick) - HistWick (Historic Wickford Inc.) is a nonprofit 501c3 organization of community members dedicated to preserving, protecting and celebrating the cultural and historic features of this special place. 

Hopkinton Historical Association - The Hopkinton (Rhode Island) Historical Association provides educational materials describing the local colonial and Indigenous people’s history ... 

Jamestown Historical Society - To collect, preserve, and share with others the heritage of Jamestown, Rhode Island.

Johnston Historical Society - The Johnston Historical Society was formed by a group of historically minded residents in the late 1970s ...

Killingly Historical and Genealogical 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.

Massasoit Historical Association - A second historical society located in Warren, Rhode Island.

Middletown Historical Society - Middletown Historical Society is dedicated to safeguarding, researching and documenting the history of Middletown, Rhode Island.

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.

North Smithfield Heritage Association - Our organization is a fully volunteer, non-profit charity, founded in 1970, that strives to preserve and promote the culture, heritage and natural resources of North Smithfield, Rhode Island.

Pawtuxet Valley Preservation and Historical Society - Historian website is here.  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 ...

Richmond Historical Society - The mission the RHS shall be to further by all appropriate means the study of the oral and written history of the region, to foster the collection and preservation of manuscripts ...  

Rhode Island Historical Society - The Rhode Island Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing Rhode Island’s history.

Rhode Island Jewish Historical Society - Chartered in 1951, the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association is the oldest Jewish historical society in continuous operation in the United States ...

Scituate Preservation 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 preservation 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.  Its mission is to "To procure and preserve whatever relates to the topography, antiquity and natural, civil and ecclesiastical history of the City of Warwick, State of Rhode Island  ..."

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.

Westerly Historical Society - The mission of the Westerly Historical Society is to research, study, and preserve local history in our community.

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.

Maps and Atlases

Rhode Island Geographic Information System - The Rhode Island Geographic Information System (RIGIS) distributes open geographically-referenced datasets that represent a wide range of topics, including transportation, infrastructure, and the environment. 

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 - Now a division of the South Foster Volunteer Fire Company, the Foster Ambulance Corps was established in 1970.  It 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.

Foster Country Club - Foster golf enthusiasts have known about the Foster Country Club for years, and there are many reasons why. The Moosup River, together with the peaks and ravines of Western Rhode Island, create a very interesting landscape ...

Libraries of Foster - The website of the Foster Public and Tyler Free Libraries.

Line Baptist Church - The Line Baptist Church is located on the "Line" of Foster, Rhode Island and Sterling, Connecticut. 

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.

Shady Acres - A place for a quick bite in Foster.

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.

Capron Park Zoo - Small zoo located in Attleboro Massachusetts.

Geocaching - What is geocaching?  Click on this site to find out.  Then you can explore, find, and log geocaches locally and 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.  More info here.

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 trailer for this show can be found here on YouTube.

Hearthside - Historical Federal style home in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

Highpointers Club - The purpose of the Highpointers Club is to promote climbing to the highest point in each of the fifty (50) states; provide a forum for education about the highpoints; aid in the preservation and conservation of the highpoints and their environs...

The Last Green Valley (LGV) - The Last Green Valley is a National Heritage Corridor with a rich history in a surprisingly rural landscape.  This collection of 35-towns in eastern Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts is composed of 84% forest and farm, we are the last swath of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington DC.  The Town of Foster with the Moosup River being part of the same watershed should probably have been part of the LGV organization from its inception but for some reason was not included.

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.

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe - The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, also known as the People of the First Light, has inhabited present day Massachusetts and Eastern Rhode Island for more than 12,000 years. After an arduous process lasting more than three decades, the Mashpee Wampanoag were re-acknowledged as a federally recognized tribe in 2007.

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.

 Nipmuc Indian Tribe - The official site of the Tribal Government and Citizens of Nipmuc Nation.

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.

Providence Bruins - All the information you need about the Providence Bruins and their upcoming season.

Ray Wolf Books - Ray Wolf Books has been located in Hope, Rhode Island since 2009.  Ray has produced books on local history and poetry.

Redwood Library and Athenaeum - Founded in 1747, the Redwood is America's oldest continuous lending library. 

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.

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum - The RISD Museum believes that art, artists, and the institutions that support them play pivotal roles in promoting broad civic engagement and creating more open societies.  Established in 1877 as part of a vibrant creative community, the RISD Museum stewards works of art representing diverse cultures from ancient times to the present. 

Roger Williams Park Zoo - This Providence Zoo is home to over 100 rare and fascinating species from around the world.

Save the Bay - Save The Bay is an independent, member-supported, nonprofit organization. Our mission is to protect and improve Narragansett Bay.  Our vision is a fully swimmable, fishable, healthy Narragansett Bay, accessible to all.

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.