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

Vanderbilt, Cushing, Mills Mansions, Newport

Image shows mansions along Cliff Walk. The mansions from left to right are: Rough Point, Rock Cliff, and Ocean View. Cliff Walk and waterfront is in foreground of photograph.

Van Wickle Gate

Van Wickle Gate

Providence Public Library

View of the Van Wickle Gate at Brown University and University Hall behind the gate.

Van Wickle Gate

Van Wickle Gate

Providence Public Library

View of the Van Wickle Gate at Brown University from across Prospect Street at the intersection of College Street. University Hall is seen behind the gate.

Van Alen Casino Theater, Newport

Van Alen Casino Theater, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows performers on stage at the Van Alen Casino Theater. A man sits in a wicker chair reading from a piece of paper. A child sits on his lap and a woman stands behind them. three children is holiday attire sit a the man's feet. A prop fireplace is decorated with garland and a christmas tree is partially visible in left of photograph.

USS Sherman Destroyermen in Yokosuka, Japan

Image shows U.S. Navy Destroyermen from the USS Sherman walking on Mikasa Ginza Street in Yokosuka, Japan. The sailors are beneath a large electric sign for Mikasa Ginza Street. The street is crowded with street signs, decorations and people. Edmund S. Perry of Bristol, R.I. is on the left.

USS New Hampshire, Newport

USS New Hampshire, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the USS New Hampshire in Newport Harbor near the Newport Naval Training Station.

USS Chambers, 1st Birthday, Commander George K. Dress with Guests

Image shows two boys and Commander George K. Dress on board a U.S. Naval ship the USS Chambers (DE-391). One of the boys sits on Commander George K. Dress' knee. "Warship marks Anniversary. Cmdr. George K. Dress, Commanding Officer of USS Chambers spins a sea-story to two young guests yesterday during the celebration of that ship's first birthday as a radar picket destroyer escort. The lads are Hal and Rodney Hurst, sons of Lieutenant H.B. Hurst, executive officer of the Chambers. U.S. Navy Photo"

USS Brough Antarctic Picket Station

USS Brough Antarctic Picket Station

Providence Public Library

Image shows two sailors wearing Antarctic weather gear on the deck of the USS Brough. The sailors face each other and appear to be adjusting their head gear. "Who's there? Bundled up in Antarctic foul weather gear, two crewmen of USS Brough appear to be seeking each other's identity as they check masks and sunglasses with heavy gloves on. The Brough left Newport August 26 for her Antarctic picket station.

USS Bainbridge

USS Bainbridge

Providence Public Library

Image shows a navy band on the top deck of the USS Bainbridge. Two talos missiles are visible in the background.

Upper Church Street, North Side, Newport

Image shows houses on Church Street. Houses left to right are the Martha Ailman House, John Vars House, and Thomas Goddard House. A car is passing the intersection of Church and Division Streets. The Thomas Goddard has a round window with masonic symbols on its pediment.

Updike House

Updike House

Providence Public Library

Updike House seen from the opposite side of the street, between store fronts.

Unloading tuna at Galilee

Unloading tuna at Galilee

Providence Public Library

View from the water of fishermen using a crane to unload tuna from their boat onto shore. A small crowd of spectators is gathered around the boat.

Unloading tuna at Galilee

Unloading tuna at Galilee

Providence Public Library

View from the water of fishermen using a crane to unload tuna from their boat onto shore. A small crowd of spectators is gathered around the boat.

University of Rhode Island

University of Rhode Island

Providence Public Library

View of buildings on the quadrangle of University of Rhode Island campus. From left to right are Taft Hall, Lippit Hall and Davis Hall. Several horse-drawn wagons are seen in the field in front of the buildings.

University Club, Benefit St, Providence

Image is of the University Club on Benefit Street. A figure is standing outside of a window, and another figure can be seen looking out a first floor window.

United States Ship Providence CLG 6

United States Ship Providence CLG 6

Providence Public Library

Image shows a close up of three flags behind a plaque for the United States Ship Providence CLG 6. A marine is visible on an upper deck in the background.

United States Atlantic Tuna Tournament

Three men posing with a large tuna hanging by the mouth at the 13th Annual United States Atlantic Tuna Tournament. Spectators are seen in the background behind a fence.

United Congregational Church of Little Compton

Image shows the United Congregational Church of Little Compton. The doors of the church are open. A cemetery is visible to the left of the church. A sign for the Old Meeting House hangs from a lamp post in the foreground. Cars are parked along Commons Street.