US-RPPC-sc009 Guide to the Joseph A. Doorley, Jr. papers1960-1975 Finding aid prepared by M. Michelle Chiles. Providence College Archives and Special Collections
Phillips Memorial Library Providence College 1 Cunningham Square Providence, RI, 02908 email: pcarchives@providence.edu
2026 March 13 This finding aid was encoded by Hilary Gunnels, 2025. EnglishEnglish Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) Joseph A. Doorley, Jr. papers Doorley Jr. (Joseph A.) papers SC009 Providence College Archives and Special Collections
Phillips Memorial Library Providence College 1 Cunningham Square Providence, RI, 02908 email: pcarchives@providence.edu
English 158 linear feet (315 standard manuscript boxes) 1960-1975 Doorley, Joseph A. (Joseph Aloysius), 1930- Joseph A. Doorley (1930-2022), a member of the Democratic Party, served as mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, from 1965 to 1975 during a turbulent time of economic decline and civil unrest. During his early years in office, Providence was one of the first cities to join the federal Model Cities Program and integrate its schools. However, Doorley’s time as mayor was also marked by desperate economic troubles and highly controversial urban renewal development projects. One of his signature achievements was the building of Providence Civic Center. The collection documents Doorley’s relationships with prominent political figures as well as the inner workings of various city departments. Materials span national and state politics and touch upon many important social and economic issues of his time, such as the fight for fair housing, population decline and white flight, widespread business closures, infrastructure development, and the push for anti-poverty programs. Doorley’s work with a variety of municipal associations is also well-represented. Please note this finding aid is in draft form. Biographical/Historical Note

Joseph A. Doorley (1930-2022), a member of the Democratic Party, served as mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, from 1965 to 1975 during a turbulent time of economic decline and civil unrest. During his early years in office, Providence was one of the first cities to join the federal Model Cities Program and integrate its schools. However, Doorley’s time as mayor was also marked by desperate economic troubles and highly controversial urban renewal development projects. One of his signature achievements was the building of Providence Civic Center.

 Collection information

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Author Last Name, First Name Middle Name or Initial. Title or description of material. Day month year. Joseph A. Doorley, Jr. papers (SC020). Box number, Folder number. Providence College Archives and Special Collections, Phillips Memorial Library. URL if applicable.

Administrative information

Donated by Joseph A. Doorley, Jr. in 1974.

Minimally processed when accessioned, circa 1974.

No accruals are expected.

 Additional information Names Subjects Providence (R.I.)--Politics and government Mayors Occupations Types of Materials RIAMCO Browsing Term [[[PASTE CONTAINER LIST FROM "EAD RESULT TO COPY" HERE]]]