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

Spraying orchard

Spraying orchard

Providence Public Library

View of a horse-drawn wagon in an orchard at Rhode Island College. Four people are around the cart, and one is spraying the trees with a long pole on a hose.

Spouting Rock Beach Association

Spouting Rock Beach Association

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of the Spouting Rock Beach Association. Ocean Avenue runs through the photograph leading to mansions and houses in the distance.

Spinning Wheel, Gilbert Stuart House

Spinning Wheel, Gilbert Stuart House

Providence Public Library

Image shows a spinning wheel in the living room of the Gilbert Stuart House. The spinning wheel is set in front of a wooden bench. Several cast iron pots are on display at the fireplace.

South Water Street

South Water Street

Providence Public Library

Rooftop view of the South Water Street where the Crawford Street Bridge intersects with it. Large boats are in the river and carriages are in front of buildings.

South Water Street

South Water Street

Providence Public Library

Street view south of South Water Street from Weybosset Bridge. Pedestrians and carriages are along the street and in front of buildings.

South Water Street

South Water Street

Providence Public Library

View from the water of pedestrians, carriages, and trolleys on a bridge and buildings along the waterfront. Signs are visible for L.F. Pease Co. Sail Makers

South Water Street

South Water Street

Providence Public Library

Street view along South Water Street from the west side of the Weybosset Bridge. Pedestrians and carriages are along the street and in front of buildings. The steeple of the First Uniterarian Church is in the left background.

South Main Street Fire Department

South Main Street Fire Department

Providence Public Library

Fire Department building seen from the opposite side of the street, with firefighters and wagon outside. Building is on South Main Street between Power & Williams Streets.

South Ferry Church

South Ferry Church

Providence Public Library

South Ferry Church seen from the street, upward from down a hill. Boards are on the windows and the glass in the windows is broken.

South East Light Station, Block Island

Image shows the Block Island Southeast Light. The Lighthouse is attached to the keeper's house. The keeper's house is three stories and two figures are seated on front porch. A man stands in front of a picket fence and four children sit on a rock in the foreground.

South County coastline

South County coastline

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of the coastline of Western Rhode Island looking east, showing beaches, houses, and the open ocean. The photograph has labels for roads, towns, and geographic features.

Soule-Seabury House

Soule-Seabury House

Providence Public Library

Interior view of a colonial era kitchen, showing bench next to a large brick fireplace, a wooden table with chairs, and cooking equipment hanging on the wall and ceiling, with exposed wooden rafters.

Soule-Seabury House

Soule-Seabury House

Providence Public Library

Interior view of colonial era cooking equipment displayed in and on top of a small fireplace. Dishes are arranged on the mantle, and a rifle is displayed above the mantle. The walls are covered in wallpaper with a fruit and floral pattern.

Sorting Fish at Galilee Harbor

Sorting Fish at Galilee Harbor

Providence Public Library

Image shows commercial fishermen sorting fish on a bed of ice. A large basket of fish and ice sits on the top of the bed, and its rope handle is held up by a hook.

Sorting Fish at Galilee Harbor

Sorting Fish at Galilee Harbor

Providence Public Library

Image shows commercial fishermen sorting fish on a bed of ice. A large basket of fish and ice sits on the top of the bed, and its rope handle is held up by a hook.

Sorting fish at Galilee harbor

Sorting fish at Galilee harbor

Providence Public Library

Overhead view of fishermen working around a table covered in fish and ice. A bucket attached to a hook is at one end of the table, full of more fish.

Sorting fish at Galilee harbor

Sorting fish at Galilee harbor

Providence Public Library

Four fishermen sorting fish around a sloped table on a dock. One person is tipping a bucket of fish onto the table. They are surrounded by wooden boxes and ice. Other boats and buildings are seen in the background.

Soldiers' Home

Soldiers' Home

Providence Public Library

View of several large buildings with verandas seen from a lawn at the Soldiers' Home in Bristol. A circular tower with a stone base is in the center of the lawn, and cannons are also displayed in the lawn.

Soap Box Derby trophy being presented to winner

A man in a suit handing a large trophy with a car on top to a boy wearing a helmet that reads "Rocket" at a soap box derby. Other children and adults are gathered behind the two.

Snug Harbor, Bellevue Ave

Snug Harbor, Bellevue Ave

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Queen Anne Revival style "Ivy Tower", also called "Snug Harbor". Ivy climbs on the first floor of the estate. Photograph has been cut into an oval shape and is mounted on a mat.

Snow Skiing

Snow Skiing

Providence Public Library

Image shows a woman snow skiing down a snowy slope. She wears a number "26" on her back.