Joseph R. Uscio Collection (Mss. Gr. 33)

The Joseph R. Uscio collection consists primarily of photocopies, notes, correspondence, and secondary sources collected for Uscio's research interest of the occult in Rhode Island. While the focus of the collection is on the occult ( witches, vampires, and other mysterious phenomena) in Rhode Island, there are also materials concerning Aztec, Slavonic and Hindu mythology. Detailed information concerning vampirism in Rhode Island is also included. It is interesting to note that according to Uscio's research, except for Eastern Europe, Southern Rhode Island has the largest number of vampire reports in the world.

Of interest is the material focusing upon the Rose/Brown families. In 1892, members of the Brown family disinterred the remains of recently deceased sisters, Mary and Mercy along with their mother. The belief was that the women were vampires and were causing the illness of a relative, Edwin. After examining the remains it was concluded that Mercy was the vampire and her heart was removed and burned. Its ashes were made into a tonic for the ailing Edwin. The collection included genealogical information on the Rose and Brown families, news accounts, as well as photographs of the Brown family tombstones.

The collection was given to the University of Rhode Island Special Collections in 1978 by Joseph R. Uscio. The collection materials are in good condition and are open for research.