The Providence Athenæum (1836- ) is an independent, member-supported library and cultural center located in Providence, Rhode Island.
Founded originally as "The Athenæum" in 1836, its progenitors were two earlier libraries: The Providence Library Company, founded in 1753, and the Providence Athenaeum, founded in 1831. When they could not agree on terms for a merger, both organizations dissolved and a new library was formed, which purchased a selection of books and periodicals from the two earlier institutions. Housed originally in the Arcade on Weybosset Street in downtown Providence, the Athenæum moved to its new building at 251 Benefit Street in July, 1838. In 1850, “The Athenæum” was renamed “The Providence Athenæum" by amendment to its charter.
Sources:
This collection consists of the Providence Athenaeum's annual reports, presented at annual meetings each year and published between 1837 and the present.
It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Researchers seeking to publish materials should complete an Application to Publish Library Materials available through written request to info@provath.org
Open to public research. Materials are available by prior appointment that requires 24-hour advance notice.
Providence Athenaeum annual reports, 1837-2018, Arch-004, Providence Athenaeum.
Arranged in four series and chronologically thereunder:
Additional materials are expected annually for this collection.
Providence Athenaeum annual reports published online:
Marble bust of John Pitman held by the Providence Athenaeum:
Portraits (held by other institutions) of some Providence Athenaeum Board members who authored early annual reports:
First and Second annual reports, as printed in the Providence
Unbound.
Unbound.
Unbound.
Unbound. The 1908 report includes Mr. Stone's resignation. The 1911 report has images of the Athenaeum (a photograph) and Arcade building (from a print) "with a history of the Providence Library Company, 1753-1836, the old Providence Athenaeum, 1831-1836, and the Providence Athenaeum, 1836-1911".
The 1918 (93rd) report is a photocopy only. The 1919 report contains the Constitution. The 1922 ((87th) report is a photocopy only. Some conjoined reports were published together: 1932-1933 (97th and 98th), 1934-1935 (99th and 100th), 1936-1937 (101th and 102nd), 1939-1940 (104th and 105th), 1941-1942, 1943-1944, 1945-1946, 1947-1948.
Between 1949-1954 reports were published in pairs : 1949-1950, 1951-1952, 1953-1954. Reports for the 6 years from 1955-1960 (120th-125th) were published together; reports for the 3 years from 1961-1963 (126th-128th) were published together. There were no annual reports issues from 1964-1974. Annual reports resume for the years 1975, 1976, 1978, and 1979. Annual report for year ending 1976 is last one numbered (141st). No annual report was published in 1977. The 1979 annual report covers September 1, 1978 through August 31, 1979. The 1980-1983 reports are "for the year ending August 31".
1986-1989 reports are for the 12 months ending August 31. Beginning with 1994 report "The Providence Athenaeum has changed its fiscal year to run concurrently with the calendar year … December 31." The report for 1996 has Part I (activity reports) and Part II ("Financial Statement and Donor Reports"). No report was published in Fall 1997 due to a change in the fiscal year.
The 1998 and 1999 annual reports are included in
The 1886 report (51st) "with a sketch of the history of the institution from 1836 to 1886, the 50th anniversary of its incorporation". Lists of officers 1836-1886.
During 1931-1960, reports were published two years at a time, with the exception of 1931 and 1938, and the 1955-1960 publication of six years of annual reports.
Reports for 1964-1970 were never printed. The 1977 report is the last one published with a number (No. 142).
Bound in 4 volumes.
Bound in 8 volumes.
The 1911 report has images of the Athenaeum (a photograph) and Arcade building (from a print) "with a history of the Providence Library Company, 1753-1836, the old Providence Athenaeum, 1831-1836, and the Providence Athenaeum, 1836-1911".
The 1977 report (No. 142) is the last one published with a number.
First and Second annual reports (1837). Manuscript
Nine annual reports: 1837 (1st), 1840 (5th), 1841 (6th), 1843 (8th), 1845 (10th), 1847 (12th), 1849 (14th), 1850 (15th).], 1951 (16th). Manuscript (folded paper).
One annual report: 1842 (7th) "submitted September 25th, 1842". Manuscript (loose-leaf notebook)
Seven annual reports: 1852-1856 (17th-21st) and 1857-1858 (23rd-24th), plus "historical sketch published with the Catalogue in 1853, written by Sam'l W. Peckham, some of the material published by H.T. Beckwith". Lacks 1857 (22nd) report. Manuscript (folded paper).
Twenty-six annual reports: 1854-1879 (19th-44th). In manuscript notebook entitled "Corporation Journal 1854-1879 Providence Athenaeum". Lists of donors included in most of the Annual Reports.
Forty-one annual reports: 1880-1920 (45th-85th). In manuscript notebook entitled "Providence Athenaeum Corporation Journal 1880-1920". Fifty-first Annual Report (1886) contains a summary of catalogues and donations since 1836.
Unbound typescript.
Unbound typescript.
Unbound typescript. Lacking: 1969, 1970. No reports were subsequently printed for 1964-1969.
Additional lists of writers are found at the beginning of various bound volumes of annual reports in this collection.
Lists Annual Report writers from 1837-1907.
Lists Annual Report writers from 1911-1930.