PROVIDENCE, RI -- What's the first word that pops into your mind when you think of the Rhode Island Historical Society?
How about stodgy? Stuffy?
Recently, Rhode Islanders used both words to describe the 190-year-old organization as part of a survey. Unwelcoming was another.
Historical society officials are working to change that perception through a wide-ranging makeover this winter, including a new logo, web site, programs and physical changes to its library and John Brown House Museum.
They're hoping that a clearer understanding of the society and its work could help attract more members, visitors, corporate sponsors and legislative support. In January, the society will reorganize its Hope Street research library to make it more user-friendly and add a bookstore to the John Brown House Museum.