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

The Arcade, Providence

The Arcade, Providence

Providence Public Library

Image shows the entrance to the Arcade on Weybosset Street. The Greek Revival building has large ionic columns. The Arcade is decorated with patriotic buntings and American flags.

That's A Big Soup Bowl!

That's A Big Soup Bowl!

Providence Public Library

Image shows a U.S. Navy cook showing a young girl cooking pots on board the USS John Willis (DE-1027). The cook wears a paper hat and the girl wears a winter coat and pigtails. The back of the photograph reads "That's a big soup bowl! Fogarty, RDSN, shows a Narvik girl how the navy cooks for its crew."

Thames Street Looking North From Market Square to Marlborough Street

Image shows a young woman walking along Thames Street in Newport, RI. A group of men walk in front of the Brick Market building. Shops visible on Thames Street include Harold's Cameras and Supplies, Blue Moon, and Kukla's Kitchen. Cars are stopped at the corner of Thames and Market Square.

Thames Street Corner of Mill Street

Thames Street Corner of Mill Street

Providence Public Library

Image shows shops on at the intersection of Thames and Mill Street. Cars are parked along Thames Street and pedestrians walk on sidewalk. Shops on Thames Street include Ryan Real Estate, Blaine Jewelers, and United Rent All.

Thames Street - Entrance to Sullivan's Coal Yard

Image shows the entrance to Sullivan's Coal Yard. The entrance is set back from Thames Street and is background center. Two empty storefronts on Thames Street are foreground left and foreground right. A woman and child stand in doorway of shop on right.

Thames Street - Entrance to Sullivan's Coal Yard

Image shows the entrance to Sullivan's Coal Yard. The entrance is set back from Thames Street and is background center. Two empty storefronts on Thames Street are foreground left and foreground right. A woman and child stand in doorway of shop on right.

Thames & Poplar Streets

Thames & Poplar Streets

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Liberty Tree at the intersection of Thames and Poplar Streets. A small fence surrounds the tree. Farewell Street runs in foreground, Houses along Poplar Street are in background.

Textile Building

Textile Building

Providence Public Library

View from the opposite side of the street of the Rhode Island School of Design's Textile Building, dedicated 1916.

Tew House, Sachuest Point; Middletown

Tew House, Sachuest Point; Middletown

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Tew House at Sachuest Point. The house has a stone foundation, shingle siding and roof. All windows and doors have been removed and there is damage to foundation, roof and chimney. Stones lay in yard around the house.

Temple to Music

Temple to Music

Providence Public Library

View from inside Temple of Music at Roger Wiliams Park showing columns with trees and pond in background.

Temple Beth El

Temple Beth El

Providence Public Library

Front and side view of Temple Beth El from the opposite side of the street.

Tea House Replica on Grounds of Marble House

Image shows a replica tea house on the grounds of the Marble House. Tourists walk around the tea house. A woman sits on porch of tea house. The ocean is visible in background.

Taylor House

Taylor House

Providence Public Library

Front view of the Taylor House, built in 1785 by Deacon Edward Taylor. The three story building is on an inclined street, seen from an entrance surrounded by large columns on the opposite side of the street. A brick path extends from the columns towards the house.

Tall Ship

Tall Ship

Providence Public Library

Image shows a tall ship in a body of water. The sail of the ship are open and people are visible on the decks. A small Fire and Rescue motorboat travels alongside the ship.

Talbot (Mary Arnold) House

Talbot (Mary Arnold) House

Providence Public Library

Interior view of the Gaspee Room at the Mary Arnold Talbot House. The room contains a table surrounded by chairs, bookcases, and a fireplace. A portrait of George Washington is above the mantle, where several vases sit. On the header of the fireplace is text describing the history of the room and building.

Swimming area in Goddard State Park

Swimming area in Goddard State Park

Providence Public Library

View from the water of people swimming and on the beach, and on a small pier into the water. Trees are seen further inland on the shore.