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

U.S. Sailors Aboard an Old Naval Vessel

Image shows a group of sailors on deck an U.S. Naval ship. The sailors are in uniform and have white beards. The sailor on the right is sitting on a box and smoking a pipe.

U.S. Navy, Newport

U.S. Navy, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a U.S. Navy official speaking at a podium. Seated Navy officials are visible in background.

U.S. Navy Shore Patrol

U.S. Navy Shore Patrol

Providence Public Library

Image shows a U.S. Navy Shore Patrol officer petting a dog. The dog is sitting with another Shore Patrol officer in a U.S. Navy vehicle.

U.S. Naval War College Museum Display

U.S. Naval War College Museum Display

Providence Public Library

Image shows an exhibit inside the U.S. Naval War College Museum. Ephemera is displayed in glass display cases throughout the room. A glass panel reads " Distinguished Leader and Graduates".

U.S. Naval War College Museum Display

U.S. Naval War College Museum Display

Providence Public Library

Image shows a mural at the Naval War College. The mural depicts a group of naval personnel watching a man pointing at a map. A plaque reading "Naval War College" sits on a reflective surface in foreground.

U.S. Naval War College Museum Display

U.S. Naval War College Museum Display

Providence Public Library

Image shows an exhibit inside the U.S. Naval War College Museum. Ephemera is displayed in glass display cases throughout the room. A glass panel reads " Distinguished Leader and Graduates".

U.S. Naval Station Band, Newport

U.S. Naval Station Band, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Naval Station Newport Band. The band marches in a field off a residential Newport street. Houses are visible in the background.

U.S. Naval Base, Newport; Quarters of Commander

Image shows the Quarters of Commander on the U.S. Naval Base in Newport, RI. The mansion is hidden by tall trees and landscaping. A large anchor sits in front lawn. " Newport, R.I. - Official residence for President and Mrs. Dwight Eisenhower during their proposed summer vacation at Newport will be a 12 room home on the U.S. Naval Stations, quarters of Rear Adm. Henry Crommelin, Commander, Naval Base, Newport

U.S. Naval Base, Newport; Holiday Season

Image shows U.S. Navy ships docked at the Naval Base Newport. the ships are decorated with strings of lights for the winter holidays. Cars are parked in a parking lot. " Newport, R.I. -- Home For Christmas: The United States naval war ships of the Cruiser Destroyer Force, United States Atlantic Fleet, will again be gaily decorated for the holiday season. Members of the crews compete with each other to make their ship the best decorated for the holidays. Visitors are welcome to view this unique display beginning December 16 and continuing to January 4 from 5 P.M. until 8:30 P.M. Automobiles will be permitted to drive to the two huge piers where they can see about 40 of Uncle Sam's warships with their colorful lights, Santa Claus motifs and even a gun or two elevated to their highest position resembling candy canes. Photo: U.S. Navy"

U.S. Naval Base, Newport

U.S. Naval Base, Newport

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of the Naval Base Newport. The Naval War College is in the lower left of the photograph.

U.S. Naval Air Station, Quonset Point

U.S. Naval Air Station, Quonset Point

Providence Public Library

Image shows Governor John Chafee taking a photograph of his children at a carnival for the benefit of Navy Relief at the Quonset Naval Air Station. Gov. Chafee kneels in foreground and the children pose for photograph in front of a E-1B Carrier Based Aircraft.

U.S. Naval Air Station, Quonset Point

U.S. Naval Air Station, Quonset Point

Providence Public Library

Image shows Governor John Chafee taking a photograph of his children at a carnival for the benefit of Navy Relief at the Quonset Naval Air Station. Gov. Chafee kneels in foreground and the children pose for photograph in front of a E-1B Carrier Based Aircraft.

U.S. Custom House

U.S. Custom House

Providence Public Library

Providence Custom House with people gathered at its entrance, and horse-drawn carts visible on the street.

U.S. Atlantic Tuna Tournament

U.S. Atlantic Tuna Tournament

Providence Public Library

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

U.S. Atlantic Tuna Tournament

U.S. Atlantic Tuna Tournament

Providence Public Library

Two men posing with a large tuna hanging by the tail at the United States Atlantic Tuna Tournament. Other fish are seen hanging in the background.

U.S. Atlantic Tuna Tournament

U.S. Atlantic Tuna Tournament

Providence Public Library

View of a fisherman posing with a large swordfish hanging from its tail. Children are gathered around the fish.

U.S. Atlantic Tuna Tournament

U.S. Atlantic Tuna Tournament

Providence Public Library

A fisherman posing with a large tuna hanging by the tail at the United States Atlantic Tuna Tournament. Spectators are seen in the background.

U.S. Atlantic Tuna Tournament

U.S. Atlantic Tuna Tournament

Providence Public Library

Photograph of the scoreboard at the U.S. Atlantic Tuna Tournament, listing competing teams and scores.

U.S. Atlantic Tuna Tournament

U.S. Atlantic Tuna Tournament

Providence Public Library

View of one man handing a trophy to another at a microphone, with other trophies on tables behind them. Spectators are seen in the background.

U.S Naval Station Chapel, Newport; Built in 1906

Image shows the Newport Naval Station Chapel. A sign with times for Protestant and Catholic services is out front. A sailor stands under sign pointing to chaplain's office on left side of the building. The brick church has a white cross on top of front entrance.

Two handled cross cut saw

Two handled cross cut saw

Providence Public Library

Close-up view of two people in overalls using a crosscut saw on a tree that has been cut down, with branches removed.

Turnpike milestone

Turnpike milestone

Providence Public Library

View of a small stone marker built into a stone wall. It indicates a distance of two miles.