University of Rhode Island Historical and Pictorial Collection

University Archives and Special Collections
15 Lippitt Road
Kingston, RI 02881-2011
Tel: 401-874-4632

email: archives@etal.uri.edu

Published in 2009

Collection Overview

Title:	University of Rhode Island Historical and Pictorial Collection
Date range:	1888-1998
Creator:	University of Rhode Island
Extent:	4.25 linear feet 3 box(es) 1 oversize box
Abstract:	This collection contains the research material used by authors James L. Wheaton and Richard Vangermeersch for their book, University of Rhode Island (Images of America, Arcadia Press, 1999 and 2000). Included in the collection are copies of articles from journals, periodicals, University publications, and University yearbooks, reproductions of photographs and their accompanying negatives and one computer disc of photographs.
Language of materials:	English
Repository:	University Archives and Special Collections
Collection number:	Mss. Gr. 148

Scope & content

The collection consists of copies of documents, journal articles, and University publications and yearbooks. Also in the collection are reproductions of photographs, most of which were replicated from the originals housed in the University Archives. All materials are in metal ring binders with the exception of a few articles copied or affixed onto oversized paper. There are accompanying handwritten lists of the materials. The collection is organized chronologically. It is an excellent source of pictorial information and a brief historical introduction on the history of the University.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in one series:

• 1. Research Material

Historical note

In 1992, Jim Leslie, Vice President of Public Relations and Secretary of the University of Rhode Island Foundation Centennial proposed that a "coffee table book" about the University of Rhode Island be written to commemorate the centennial of the establishment of the institution. James Wheaton had volunteered to assist Mr. Leslie with this project. However, the book was never produced. A University of Rhode Island accounting professor, Dr. Richard G. Vangermeerch, become aware that the Images of America historical series was publishing books on various colleges and universities. (The Images of America is a series of books published by Arcadia Press, of pictorial and limited historical information on a variety of communities and institutions in the United States. For more information on the Images of America series visit www.arcadiaimages.com) With the knowledge of the existence of the Images books and the project proposed in 1992, Dr. Vangermeerch expressed renewed interest in the book project before a meeting of the Alumni Association.

In June of 1998, Mr. Wheaton, who had produced two books on Pawtucket for the Images of America series offered to co-author an historical book with Dr. Vangermeerch. Dr. Vangermeersch did all the historical research and arranged for duplication of materials. He worked in conjunction with Kevin Logan, Records Analyst in Special Collections and Archives, to collect and duplicate materials. With the exception of more contemporary information, almost all materials were gathered from printed and photographic material housed in the University Archives. Mr. Wheaton did the editing and layout work and wrote captions.

The book, University of Rhode Island, was published in 1999. A second printing was published with corrections in October 2000. However, this issue is not identified as a "second printing."

Access & Use

Access to the collection:	Open for research.
Use of the materials:	Terms governing use and reproduction: Photocopying and scanning of materials is a fee based service available in the repository and is allowed at the discretion of the Archivist when in compliance to the Unit's policy on copyright and publication.
Preferred citation:	University of Rhode Island Historical and Pictorial Collection, Mss. Gr. 148, University of Rhode Island, University Archives and Special Collections.
Contact information:	University Archives and Special Collections 15 Lippitt Road Kingston, RI 02881-2011 Tel: 401-874-4632 email: archives@etal.uri.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION
Acquisition:	The research materials were gifted to the University on August 18, 2000 by the authors, James L. Wheaton and Richard Vangermeersch.
ABOUT THE FINDING AID
Author:	Finding aid prepared by Sarina Wyant.
Encoding:	Finding aid encoded by Hailie D. Posey 2009 July 14, updated by Mark Dionne on 2020 April 9
Descriptive rules:	Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Additional Information

Inventory

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Inventory