Guide to the Mr. Henry A.L. Brown Constitutional Convention papers , 1986

Rhode Island State Archives
Rhode Island State Archives
337 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02903
Tel: 401-222-2353
Fax: 401-222-3199
email: statearchives@sos.ri.gov

Published in 2009

Collection Overview

Title:	Mr. Henry A.L. Brown Constitutional Convention papers
Date range:	1986
Creator:	Brown, Henry A.
Extent:	2.4 cubic feet other
Abstract:	The Henry A.L. Brown Constitutional Convention papers, though duplicated somewhat in the 1986 Constitutional Convention Collection at the Rhode Island State Archives, contains items which illustrate the process of drafting a constitution from the delegate's position within the process. Some items provide a view to the inner workings of the life of the delegate, from lobbying efforts of special interests groups to the efforts made of the Convention organizers to facilitate teamwork and keep delegates informed on the issues. This is not a complete record of the convention but documents one delegate's involvement. It is evident, from papers collected, that Mr. Brown served on the Judiciary Committee whose main focus was Resolution 80; This resolution, among others, addressed the issues of judicial power, accountability and selection.
Language of materials:	English
Repository:	Rhode Island State Archives
Collection number:	1997-96

Scope & content

The Henry A.L. Brown Constitutional Convention papers includes text of resolutions as introduced 1-288, subsequent drafts of certain resolutions, meeting notices, agendas, memorandum from the convention president, and various versions of the 1986 constitution as drafted within the course of the convention. Those files containing drafts of resolutions also contain supporting documentation such as memos from the styling and drafting committee, committee reports, correspondence in support or against a specific resolution, notes from the delegate, and newspaper clippings. In many cases more than one resolution was introduced on a particular topic so several resolutions may be combined in a folder according to subject.

Access Points

Subject Names

• Brown, Henry A.
• Sundlun, Bruce G., 1920-

Subject Organizations

• Rhode Island. Constitutional Convention (1986)

Subject Topics

• Political ethics
• Abortion--Law and legislation.
• Shorelines--Law and legislation
• Constitutions--Rhode Island.
• Judicial power--Rhode Island.
• Resolutions, Legislative
• Legislative bodies.

Subject Topics

• Government, Politics and Law
• Rhode Island/Local Interest

Document Types

• agendas (administrative records)
• minutes
• official reports
• resolutions (administrative records)
• budgets
• clippings (information artifacts)
• pamphlets
• questionnaires
• press releases
• souvenirs
• correspondence

Arrangement

The Henry A.L. Brown Constitutional Convention papers are arranged into the following series:

• Series 1. Resolutions
• Series 2. Resolutions as Introduced
• Series 3. Rhode Island Constitution of 1986
• Series 4. Background Reports on Constitutional Issues and Previous State Constitutional Conventions
• Series 5. Judiciary Committee
• Series 6. General Files
• Series 7. Correspondence
• Series 8. Delegate, General Files

Historical note

The 1986 Constitutional Convention was an unlimited Convention that began in January, 1986. The Convention met at the State House and at the Garrahy Judicial Complex in Providence. Kevin A. McKenna was President of the Convention, Albert Rainville, Vice-President, and James R. Langevin was Secretary. One hundred delegates, representing each R.I. district, took part. Of the 322 resolutions introduced, 24 were condensed to 14 and subsequently placed on the ballot for the November election. Six resolutions were rejected( 2,3,4,5,13 and 14), and eight were approved (1,6,7,8,9,10,11 and 12). The final ratification of the Convention took place on December 4 1986.

Access & Use

Access to the collection:	No special restrictions unless otherwise specified.
Use of the materials:	Copyright is in the public domain unless otherwise specified. We reserve the right to restrict reproduction of materials due to preservation concerns.
Preferred citation:	Mr. Henry A.L. Brown Constitutional Convention papers, 1997-96, Rhode Island State Archives.
Contact information:	Rhode Island State Archives Rhode Island State Archives 337 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02903 Tel: 401-222-2353 Fax: 401-222-3199 email: statearchives@sos.ri.gov

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION
Acquisition:	Donated by Cynthia Archambault, Reference Librarian, Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane, Warwick, R.I. 02888 on June 26, 1997.
ABOUT THE FINDING AID
Author:	Finding aid prepared by Kate Telford.
Encoding:	Finding aid encoded by Kate Telford 2009 April 23
Descriptive rules:	Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Additional Information

Related material:

1986 Rhode Island Constitutional Convention records. Accession number: 00339."Commissions Boards and Conventions" An Inventory of the Papers of The Rhode Island Constitutional Convention 1986, it is located at the Philips Memorial Library at Providence College.

Inventory

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