The Rice Historical Society (RHS) is an official support group of Rice University. The organization’s mission is to collect and preserve, in a usable form, materials that relate to the history and goals of the university.

RHS members are vital to the preservation of Rice’s history and spirit. Over the years, the society has presented numerous lectures and seminars, published books, organized tours of the campus and nearby neighborhoods, explored Houston’s historic Glenwood Cemetery, hosted annual “spring flings’ and sponsored a variety of formal and informal get-togethers, including the popular holiday open house for members and their guests. Anyone is welcome to join and/or purchase a gift membership.

In addition to enjoying university-related projects, presentations, and special events, RHS members receive The Cornerstone, the society’s quarterly newsletter, featuring articles about the colorful events and personalities that shaped Rice throughout its century-long history. The publication includes photographs from Rice’s earliest years to its latest social gatherings.

Members can participate in a variety of ways, such as volunteering at the Woodson Research Center in Fondren Library. The newly renovated facility houses items of historical interest to the university, including official papers or former Rice presidents and other academic officers; records of university committees, academic departments, student organizations, and university-affiliated groups; campus plans, drawings, blueprints, and photographs; news clippings; video and audio tapes; publications pertaining to the university; and ephemeral materials and memorabilia.