Rhode Island Historical Newspaper Digitization Project

FAIN: PJ-307789-26

Providence Public Library (Providence, RI 02903-3219)
Jordan Goffin (Project Director: January 2025 to present)

The digitization of 100,000 pages of historical newspapers, published between 1690 and 1963, as part of Rhode Island’s continuing participation in the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP).

Providence Public Library (PPL), in partnership with the RI Historical Society (RIHS), requests $321,241.61 from the National Endowment for the Humanities in support of continued funding through the National Digital Newspaper Program. NEH's continued support will facilitate an additional 100,000 pages of historic Rhode Island newspapers being digitized, with focus on amplifying themes around the American Revolution and Industrial Revolution that tie to salient current themes, events, and areas of interest including climate change, production and overconsumption, and the upcoming US Semiquincentennial anniversary. Funding would also support expanded outreach and special projects promoting inventive use of these newly available resources, including a Data Visualization Fellowship and activities aligned with “A More Perfect Union” programming that is upcoming in 2026.