The University of Rhode Island Library preserves many of the records of Rhode Island’s political leaders. Distinctive Collections currently holds the papers of six governors, three United States Representatives, one Rhode Island Representative, and two United States Senators. These records occupy approximately four thousand linear feet. Many of the collections are being processed, as staff and time permit, and are presently unavailable for research; unprocessed collections are available by special permission only. The following papers, however, are processed and may be used by researchers.

The papers are listed in alphabetical order by last name of the politician.

 John H. Chafee Gubernatorial Papers, Governor of Rhode Island
Mss.Gr. 114.1; 1962-1976; 126.25 linear feet

John H. Chafee Secretary of Navy Papers, United States Secretary Navy
Mss.Gr. 114.2; 1961-1972, (bulk 1969-1972); 9 linear feet

John H. Chafee 1972 Senatorial Campaign Papers
Mss.Gr. 114.3; 1961-1972 (bulk 1971-1972); 14 linear feet

John H. Chafee Senatorial Papers, United States Senator from Rhode Island
Mss.Gr. 115; 1976-1999; 1,088 linear feet

David W. Dumas, Rhode Island State Representative
Mss.Gr. 151; 1982-1994; 3 linear feet

Frank Licht Gubernatorial Papers, Governor of Rhode Island
Mss.Gr. 127; 1959-1973; 231.5 linear feet

Richard Licht, Rhode Island State Representative, Lieutenant Governor
Mss.Gr. 163; 1988-2000; 5.5 linear feet

Julius Michaelson, Rhode Island State Senator, Attorney General
Mss.Gr. 238; 1962-1984; 4.5 linear feet

Claiborne Pell Senatorial Papers, United States Senator from Rhode Island
Mss.Gr. 71; 1960–1996; 2500 linear feet

Claudine Schneider Congressional Papers, United States Representative from Rhode Island
Mss.Gr. 89; 1975–1990; 43.5 linear feet

Bruce Sundlun Gubernatorial Papers, Governor of Rhode Island
Mss.Gr. 120; 1990-1995, 113.5 linear feet
Bruce Sundlun: Campaign Files
Mss.Gr. 120A; 1984-1994; 18 linear feet

William Vanderbilt Gubernatorial Papers, Governor of Rhode Island
Mss.Gr. 60; 1936–1941; 17.5 linear feet

Eligible users and restrictions on use

Before beginning research, everyone is required to sign the “Research and Guest Register.” A Research Form must be completed if the researcher is using manuscript or archival collections. Collections are used under specific restrictions and may not be removed from the Reading Room area or borrowed from the collections. Permission may be granted to obtain copies of items in the collections. A fee is charged for this service and the copying is performed by the staff.

Care must be exercised at all times when handling materials. Consuming food or beverages, smoking, and the use of pens are not permitted.