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

St George's School, Middletown [Construction]

Image shows the construction of St. George's School in background. Various plots of farm lands are in center and foreground of photograph. Cows are visible in field in center right of photograph.

SS What Cheer

SS What Cheer

Providence Public Library

Steamboat What Cheer in a narrow body of water, travelling past industrial buildings. Photographed from dock. Flag visible on bow.

SS Warwick

SS Warwick

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Warwick. The steamship has side wheels and a beam engine. Passengers are visible on all three decks of ship.

SS Richard Borden

SS Richard Borden

Providence Public Library

Full length photograph of steamboat Richard Borden at dock. Businesses Eastman Coal Co. and Peck & Black are visible in the background.

SS Rhode Island

SS Rhode Island

Providence Public Library

Full length photograph of steamboat Rhode Island in open body of water. Flying many flags and paddle wheel prominent. Town visible in far background.

SS Puritan, Main Salon Looking aft from Stair Landing.

Interior view of the main salon on the SS Puritan. Upholstered chairs are arranged in the center of room. Large column stand in center of room. An elaborate wrought iron light fixture wraps around and up the column. The room has decorative carpets, moldings, railings and ceilings.

SS Puritan - Fall River Line Installation of Beam Engine

Image shows a beam engine being lifted by a crane either onto or off the SS Puritan. The crane is built on top of a wooden structure on a wharf. Workers stand on top deck of the near the engine. lower decks and railings appear to have been removed.

SS Puritan - Fall River Line

SS Puritan - Fall River Line

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Puritan in a harbor. The ship has two stacks and a row of lifeboats hanging off the hurricane deck. A sailboat is visible in background.

SS Puritan - Fall River Line

SS Puritan - Fall River Line

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Puritan in a harbor. Passengers stand on all levels of the ship's decks. The masts of tall ships are visible in the background.

SS Puritan

SS Puritan

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Puritan, a Fall River Line docked at a wharf. People are standing on the wharf looking towards the photographer.

SS Puritan

SS Puritan

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Puritan, a Fall River Line in a harbor.

SS Puritan

SS Puritan

Providence Public Library

Side view of the SS Puritan on the Fall River Line sailing through open water.

SS Providence, Fall River Line

SS Providence, Fall River Line

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Providence docked in Newport Harbor. Three piers extend into the harbor in foreground. The US Naval Torpedo Station on Goat Island is in background.

SS Providence, Fall River Line

SS Providence, Fall River Line

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Providence docked at a wharf. A small building with shingle siding is on land in foreground. Large buckets and lobster traps are stacked on ground.

SS Providence, Fall River Line

SS Providence, Fall River Line

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Providence docked at a wharf in Newport Harbor. Three piers extend into the harbor in foreground.

SS Providence, Fall River Line

SS Providence, Fall River Line

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Providence docked in Newport Harbor. The US Naval Torpedo Station on Goat Island is in background. A building with the words "Pipe Crossing Do Not Enter" painted on its side is in the foreground.

SS Providence

SS Providence

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Providence, a Fall River Line in water.

SS Providence

SS Providence

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Providence, a Fall River Line in a harbor.

SS Providence

SS Providence

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Providence, a Fall River Line in water.