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

SS Priscilla, Quarter Deck

SS Priscilla, Quarter Deck

Providence Public Library

Interior view of the quarter deck of the SS Priscilla. The room has decorative columns, ceilings, moldings, and carpets. Men sit in chairs reading newspapers. A man stands at a bar and is smoking a cigarette.

SS Priscilla, Fall River Line

SS Priscilla, Fall River Line

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Priscilla in Newport Harbor. A boat is partially visible in the foreground of photograph.

SS Priscilla, Fall River Line

SS Priscilla, Fall River Line

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Priscilla. Smoke rises from the ship's two stacks. A small boat is moored in foreground.

SS Priscilla, Fall River Line

SS Priscilla, Fall River Line

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Priscilla. Smoke rises from the ship's two stacks. Passengers are visible on all three levels of decks.

SS Priscilla, Fall River Line

SS Priscilla, Fall River Line

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Priscilla. Smoke rises from the ship's two stacks. A second Fall River Line steamship is behind the SS Priscilla.

SS Priscilla, Fall River Line

SS Priscilla, Fall River Line

Providence Public Library

Interior view of a stateroom corridor on the SS Priscilla. The room has decorative moldings, columns, carpets and ceilings. An ornate railing surrounds the balcony in the center of room. doors to staterooms are on left side of room.

SS Priscilla, Fall River Line

SS Priscilla, Fall River Line

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Priscilla dry-docked. The photograph is taken from ground level and looks up at the at the bow of ship.

SS Priscilla - Whistle

SS Priscilla - Whistle

Providence Public Library

Detail of a steam whistle on board the SS Priscilla. The Whistle is against a wood paneled wall. A sign hangs on wall next to whistle.

SS Priscilla - Freight Deck

SS Priscilla - Freight Deck

Providence Public Library

Image shows the freight deck of the SS Priscilla. The foreground of photograph is in shadows. Light pours in on deck in background. Pipes run along ceiling.

SS Priscilla - Engine Room

SS Priscilla - Engine Room

Providence Public Library

Interior view of the Engine Room of the SS Priscilla. A staircase is in the lower right of photograph. The room is filled with wheels, gages and machinery.

SS Priscilla - Engine Room

SS Priscilla - Engine Room

Providence Public Library

Interior view of the Engine Room of the SS Priscilla. A staircase leads to a outside upper deck. The room is filled with pipes and machinery and has grated floors.

SS Priscilla - Engine Room

SS Priscilla - Engine Room

Providence Public Library

Interior view of the Engine Room of the SS Priscilla. A staircase is in the lower right of photograph. The room is very dark and is filled with pipes and machinery.

SS Priscilla - Engine Room

SS Priscilla - Engine Room

Providence Public Library

Interior view of the Engine Room of the SS Priscilla. A staircase is in the lower right of photograph. The room is filled with pipes and machinery.

SS Priscilla - Engine Room

SS Priscilla - Engine Room

Providence Public Library

Interior view of the Engine Room of the SS Priscilla. A staircase leads to a outside upper deck. The room is filled with pipes and machinery and has grated floors.

SS Priscilla

SS Priscilla

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Priscilla off a coast. Passengers are visible on decks.

SS Priscilla

SS Priscilla

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Priscilla.

SS Priscilla

SS Priscilla

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Priscilla in a harbor.

SS Priscilla

SS Priscilla

Providence Public Library

Ships in the distance on the Providence River and Harbor, seen from Fort Hill.

SS Plymouth, Fall River Line, Drydock

SS Plymouth, Fall River Line, Drydock

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Plymouth dry-docked at a wharf. The photograph was taken at ground level, next to the hull of the ship. The deck of the ship is above the camera. Workers stand on dock under the decks.

SS Plymouth, Fall River Line

SS Plymouth, Fall River Line

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Plymouth ashore on Rose Island. The ship tilts slightly to one side and is tied to a tugboat. Rescue workers stand in a row boat at the stern of the ship.