Joseph R. Uscio Collection

University Archives and Special Collections
15 Lippitt Road
Kingston, RI 02881-2011
Tel: 401-874-4632

email: archives@etal.uri.edu

Published in 2009

Collection Overview

Title:	Joseph R. Uscio Collection
Date range:	1892-1975, (bulk 1973-1975)
Creator:	Uscio, Joseph R
Extent:	0.5 linear feet 1 box
Abstract:	This collection contains secondary sources and other materials collected for research purposes by Joseph Uscio relating to the occult, witches, vampires, and spiritualism in Rhode Island. It also contains genealogical information pertaining to the Rose family, of Essex, R.I
Language of materials:	English
Repository:	University Archives and Special Collections
Collection number:	Mss. Gr. 33

Scope & content

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.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged into one series:

• 1. Research Material

Biographical note

Access & Use

Access to the collection:	Open for research.
Use of the materials:	Terms governing use and reproduction: Photocopying and scanning of materials is a fee based service available in the repository and is allowed at the discretion of the Archivist when in compliance to the Unit's policy on copyright and publication.
Preferred citation:	Joseph R. Uscio Collection, Mss. Gr. 33, University of Rhode Island, University Archives and Special Collections.
Contact information:	University Archives and Special Collections 15 Lippitt Road Kingston, RI 02881-2011 Tel: 401-874-4632 email: archives@etal.uri.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION
Acquisition:	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.
ABOUT THE FINDING AID
Author:	Finding aid prepared by David C. Maslyn.
Encoding:	Finding aid encoded by Hailie D. Posey 2009 July 14, updated by Mark Dionne on 2020 April 13
Descriptive rules:	Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Additional Information

Inventory

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Inventory