Jamestown Town Hall
Narragansett Ave, Jamestown, RI
Jamestown Library
26 North Road, Jamestown, RI
Windmill
North Road near Weeden Lane
Conanicut Battery
Battery Lane
Rosemary Enright and Sue Maden have been writing monthly articles on historic subjects for The Jamestown Press since 2012. They began the series as a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Jamestown Historical Society. The first 24 articles covered the history of Jamestown. More recent articles are often triggered by an addition to the society’s collection, a query from the public, or a current event with historic roots.
We have collected the stories that appeared in 2020 for you to read and enjoy! Check out other publications by the authors on Jamestown in our Museum Store!
Places to Visit
See Jamestown’s historic sites and learn its history through its artifacts
Current Exhibits
Learn about this summer’s museum exhibit and other displays around town
Map of Historic Places
Click to explore the island and get driving directions around town. Take it on the road
From our Online Catalog
Search and view our online catalog of materials in the JHS collections
Gustavus Adolophus Clarke
Gustavus Adolphus Clarke, known as G. Adolphus, was one of Jamestown’s many descendants of Joseph Clarke, one of the original purchasers of Conanicut Island. He was born in Jamestown in 1839, eighth of the nine children of David Wright and Sarah Chaffee Clarke. He...
From the Collection – JHS Business Letterheads
Members of the Jamestown Historical Society who grew up on Conanicut Island or spent their summers here will recognize many of the businesses that are found in the JHS Financial records. The letterheads in the JHS collection are receipts for work completed by...
Library Exhibit, October 2020 Markets and Groceries
In the late 19thcentuy, Jamestown’s population ballooned and the number of farmers, who grew most of their own food, decreased. Purchased produce was in demand, and grocery stores proliferated. By the mid-1980s, regulation and competition had driven most of these...
When Beavertail Closed
In early Jamestown through the first half of the 20th century, the area that is now Beavertail State Park was a popular fishing ground. As early as 1754, the Newport Colonial Lighthouse Committee had guaranteed a Right of Way to the water around the...