Rhode Island photograph collection

The Rhode Island Photograph Collection is a collection of photographs that document the landscape and life of Rhode Islanders across the state from the mid 19th century through the 20th century. The collection grew over time as the Providence Public Library had photographs donated to them from a variety of donors. There are an estimated 6,000 plus images in this collection.
This collection is part of Providence Public Library Digital Collections, hosted by Providence Public Library.

Items in this collection

Young's Gift Store

Young's Gift Store

Providence Public Library

Image of the interior of Young's Gift Store. Marian A. Young was proprietor, who may be featured in the photo. The store was located at 174 Angell Street in Providence, Rhode Island.

Yachts

Yachts

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of yachts sailing in open water, possibly off of Newport.

Yachts

Yachts

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of yachts sailing in open water, possibly off of Newport.

Y.M.C.A. Building

Y.M.C.A. Building

Providence Public Library

Photograph of the Y.M.C.A. Building in Providence, Rhode Island, taken from the opposite corner of the street.

Y.M.C.A. Building

Y.M.C.A. Building

Providence Public Library

The Y.M.C.A. Building seen from the opposite corner of the street.

World War I parade

World War I parade

Providence Public Library

World War I parade of returning soldiers and sailors at Exchange Place. Rows of soldiers in uniform march around the perimeter of the square. Columns and celebratory structures decorated with flags are seen in the center of the square, surrounded by spectators. Buildings are seen in the background, as well as more crowds of people. The photograph is taken from the corner of Fulton and Dorrance Streets looking east along Fulton Street towards the U.S. District Courthouse.

World War I Monument

World War I Monument

Providence Public Library

Street view of the World War I Memorial, with a train visible in the background.

Wool gathering

Wool gathering

Providence Public Library

Recently shorn sheep grazing in a grassy field. Houses are seen behind a fence in the background.

Woods Gerry House

Woods Gerry House

Providence Public Library

Color photograph of the Woods Gerry House on Prospect Street in Providence, RI. The brick mansion is three stories and has a brick and iron fence enclosing its yard.

Women with Lobsters

Women with Lobsters

Providence Public Library

Image shows a fisherman showing off lobsters to three young women. One woman kneels on the pier and holds a lobster up in her right hand as two standing women look on. The fisherman stands in a fishing boat and holds two lobsters up, one in each hand extended towards the women. Wooden lobster crates are stacked on the pier. A fish and lobster shop is visible in the background.

Women with Gun

Women with Gun

Providence Public Library

Image shows two women examining an antique gun. The woman on the right holds the gun with both hands and the other woman looks on beside her. Paintings are hung on the wall behind them. The same two women appear in VM013_FIC0927. Image is a copy of VM013_FIC0926.

Women with Gun

Women with Gun

Providence Public Library

Image shows two women examining an antique gun. The woman on the right holds the gun with both hands and the other woman looks on beside her. Paintings are hung on the wall behind them. The same two women appear in VM013_FIC0927.

Women with Framed Document

Women with Framed Document

Providence Public Library

Image shows two women seated at a table looking at a framed document. Bound collections of the Newport Mercury fill the bookcases behind them. The same women appear in VM013_FIC0926.

Women Being Treated in Infirmary

Women Being Treated in Infirmary

Providence Public Library

Image shows two patients and hospital workers in a hospital room. Three hospital workers attend to a woman laying on a bed. Two stand behind her, while the third worker sits by her side and takes notes. Another hospital worker is tending to a seated woman with long hair. A bottle and bowl sit next the seated woman. White cloths cover the beds.

Woman in Room

Woman in Room

Providence Public Library

Portrait of a woman standing in a room. The woman leans on a chair. The walls of the room are covered in an ornately patterned wallpaper. A painting of a child hangs next to a window behind her.

WJAR-TV Camera Man

WJAR-TV Camera Man

Providence Public Library

Image shows a WJAR-TV Channel 10 camera man. His hands are fully with camera equipment. A speech bubble is drawn on the photograph with blue ball point pen. Typed phrases surround him on the photograph.

WJAR-TV 10th Anniversary

WJAR-TV 10th Anniversary

Providence Public Library

Image shows two men shaking hands across the street from WJAR Radio and Television Studio. A third man stands to the side, his necktie is tucked into his shirt pocket. Frank Wildenhain is recording with a hand held video camera. Back of photograph reads "Warren Walden, Seymour Horowitz and Jack Quigley during WJAR - TV's 10th anniversary. Frank Wildenhain is behind the camera."

Wirth, Jacob & Co.

Wirth, Jacob & Co.

Providence Public Library

Photograph of the exterior of Jacob Wirth & Co. on West Exchange Street in Providence, Rhode Island. Two horses hitched to a wagon stand outside. One man appears on at an open loading dock on the fifth floor and another on the first level, loading the wagon. The window of the building reads, "Jacob Wirth & Co./227-231/Wholesale/Liquor Dealer"

Winter Plunge Participants

Winter Plunge Participants

Providence Public Library

Image shows crowds gathered for a cold water plunge event. The participants all wear bow ties. Some wear bathing suits and sweaters. The two men leading the plunge wear tophats, suit tails and appear to be imitating the walk of a penguin. The crowd gathered around them wear winter coats , hats and scarves.

Windmill, Newport

Windmill, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a windmill in a field. A wooden fence runs in front of the windmill. A farmhouse is visible in background.

Windmill, Newport

Windmill, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a windmill. A wooden fence runs in front of the windmill. A farmhouse is visible in background.

Windmill, Newport

Windmill, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a windmill. A farmhouse is visible behind a stone wall in the background.

Windmill, Newport

Windmill, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a windmill in Newport, RI. A stone wall runs behind the windmill.

Windmill, Newport

Windmill, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a windmill in Newport, RI. A wooden fence runs in front of the windmill. A farmhouse is visible in background.

Windmill, Newport

Windmill, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a windmill in Newport, RI. A wooden fence runs in front of the windmill. A barn is visible in background.

Windmill, Newport

Windmill, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a windmill in Newport, RI. A wooden fence runs in front of the windmill.

Wilson, William Edward

Wilson, William Edward

Providence Public Library

Portrait of the author William Edward Wilson, born 1906, seated at a table. He is wearing a suit and has his hand on his chin.