I have just recently found out that my grandmother was at the Exeter Home, later known as The Ladd School, somewhere between 1930 until just before 1940. I have heard and read some horrible things about this school. I read somewhere that their records are still sitting in the basement of this place? Does anyone know if this is true? If they are not, and I do hope they aren't, does anyone know where I can obtain any records? My grandmother was one of 10 (out of 17) children to be placed in an orphanage in 1925 and then be shuffled around Rhode Island for the next 15 years.
I have found most of my grandmothers siblings, but am desperate to find them all, but need to start at one place.
If anyone can give me information regarding Exeter Home, please contact me.

Hi,

I have run into a similar situation. I came across Rhode Island College's "State Home and School Project" at the web address www. ric. edu / statehomeandschool / resourcesEnos. html (eliminated spaces when typing into your browser). I emailed the people in charge of the project for information regarding how to access records. There is also a lot of info on this page that I have not been able to sift through as of yet. Maybe it would be some help to you?

I have been to that website, but I cannot seem to find any of the records. Their site says that certain records are at the RIHS, the State Archives, and the Dept. of Children, Youth & Families. The latter seems to be where I can find documents but on their website, I see nowhere that is in relation to that specific school.
Did you have family there once upon a time?
I am really hoping to find some information around the 1930-1940 range.

I've been researching the Exeter School for a good many years. I can't help you find patient records; it's my understanding that much of what once belonged to the institution was destroyed, and the rest disseminated throughout the State - some of it to private collections - after the institution was abandoned. However, I do come across quite a few historical pieces in my work - censuses, antiquarian journals, photographs, newspaper articles, & etc.

I invite you, and anybody with a similar inquiry, to message me with your questions. If you are seeking a specific individual, I would need to know that individual's name and a discharge date/range. In this regard, I cannot promise answers, but I would be glad to keep an eye out for anything that may be of interest.

You may reach me here, on Ancestry.com, or at laddcurator@gmail.com for a quicker reply.