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

Steamer New Shoreham

Steamer New Shoreham

Providence Public Library

Photograph down the length of the steamboat New Shoreham at dock, with passengers boarding and on board ship.

Steamer Larchmont

Steamer Larchmont

Providence Public Library

Full length view of steamboat Larchmont travelling in open water. Coal smoke is seen coming from its smokestacks. A lighthouse is visible in the background, possibly Pomham Rocks.

Steamer George W. Danielson

Steamer George W. Danielson

Providence Public Library

Photograph of a framed painting of steamboat George W. Danielson off of Block Island. Several people are seen on the ship's decks. Ships and the shore are visible in the distance, and a small bird is seen in the waves in the foreground.

Steamer Geo. W. Danielson

Steamer Geo. W. Danielson

Providence Public Library

Photograph of a framed painting of steamboat George W. Danielson off of Block Island. Several people are seen on the ship's decks. Ships and the shore are visible in the distance, and a small bird is seen in the waves in the foreground.

Steamer Commonwealth, Fall River Line

Steamer Commonwealth, Fall River Line

Providence Public Library

Full length view of steamboat Commonwealth on the Fall River Line. Smaller boats are seen in the water in front of the Commonwealth.

Steamer C.H. Northam

Steamer C.H. Northam

Providence Public Library

Photograph of steamboat C.H. Northam, New Haven and Providence Line. Providence, New York, and New Haven, and American flags seen flying.

Steamer C.H. Northam

Steamer C.H. Northam

Providence Public Library

Photograph of steamboat C.H. Northam, New Haven and Providence Line. Providence, New York, and New Haven, and American flags seen flying.

Steamer C.H. Northam

Steamer C.H. Northam

Providence Public Library

Photograph of steamboat C.H. Northam, New Haven and Providence Line. Providence, New York, and New Haven, and American flags seen flying.

Steamer Awashonks

Steamer Awashonks

Providence Public Library

Full length view of steamboat Awashonks travelling through open water. Passengers are visible on the decks of the boat.

Steamer Awashonks

Steamer Awashonks

Providence Public Library

Full length view of steamboat Awashonks travelling through open water. Passengers are visible on the decks of the boat.

Steamer - Day Star

Steamer - Day Star

Providence Public Library

Full length view of steamboat Day Star travelling in open water. Passengers are visible standing on all of the decks.

Steamer - City of Newport

Steamer - City of Newport

Providence Public Library

Steamboat City of Newport docked at the Dyer St. dock in Providence, Rhode Island. Hay and grain company Peck & Black is visible in the background, and also a coal company. Two figures are seen on the dock in the right foreground.

Steamboats

Steamboats

Providence Public Library

Image shows two steamships in Newport Harbor. A sailboat is tied in the foreground.

Steam Boat at Pier

Steam Boat at Pier

Providence Public Library

Image shows a small steamboat approaching a pier. The captain of the steamboat is visible in the cabin. A person is kneeling on the pier in the foreground.

Statue of Thomas A. Doyle

Statue of Thomas A. Doyle

Providence Public Library

Image shows the statue of former Providence mayor Thomas A. Doyle in Cathedral Square.

Statue of Thomas A. Doyle

Statue of Thomas A. Doyle

Providence Public Library

Image shows the statue of former Providence mayor Thomas A. Doyle. Horses stand in front of the statue. Buildings on Cathedral Square.

Statue of Massasoit

Statue of Massasoit

Providence Public Library

Profile view of a statue of the Wampanoag sachem Massasoit, 1580-1661.

Statue of Massasoit

Statue of Massasoit

Providence Public Library

Full profile view of a statue of the Wampanoag sachem Massasoit, 1580-1661.

State Prison, Providence, Hospital room and inmates

Image shows two prisoners seated in Hospital of Jail. One prisoner has head wrapped. A pile of books sit on table in foreground. Paintings hang from jail bars over a line of hospital beds in background.

State Prison, Cranston

State Prison, Cranston

Providence Public Library

Image shows exterior of State Prison. Three workers sit above entrance way and figures can be seen looking out windows.

State Policeman in full dress uniform

State Policeman in full dress uniform

Providence Public Library

A state police officer posing in front of his car, in full dress uniform, along the side of the road. His boots have been accentuated in marker on this print.

State House, Providence

State House, Providence

Providence Public Library

Image shows the R.I. State House in Providence, RI. A woman walks on a dirt road in the foreground.

State House, Newport

State House, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Old Colony House with snow on its roof. Figures walk in the cleared Washington Square. A high pile of snow is in the foreground.

State House Plaque

State House Plaque

Providence Public Library

Photograph of plaque at the Old State House commemorating Rhode Island's assertion of independence.