The Society was established in 1932 and until 1965 met periodically in libraries, grange halls and private homes. At that time they learned that the John Waterman Arnold House (c1785) was scheduled to be demolished due in part to its rundown condition. The members approached the owners of the property and were granted the deed of ownership, and the Society is charged with the maintenance and upkeep of the property. It has undergone a number of renovations to bring it to its present state. The House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and has been the headquarters of the Warwick Historical Society continuously since then. Furnishings in the house are from community members, who donated furnishings suitable to an 18th century house. The Arnold House is the only early historic building in Warwick open to the public at regular hours weekly throughout the year. Their collections include historical documents, memorabilia, and photos. The property is adjacent to the Pawtuxet Memorial Park cemetery.
