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

Silver punch set by Gorham Mfg. Co.

Silver punch set by Gorham Mfg. Co.

Providence Public Library

Detail image of the punchbowl and ladle presented to the U.S.S. Rhode Island from the people of Rhode Island. The punch bowl is very ornate with many decorative elements including a prominent eagle, clam shells, an engraved battle scene and portraits. The handles appear to be turkey heads. The ladle is standing up, resting on the punch bowl.

Silver Heels, 'Rosie'

Silver Heels, 'Rosie'

Providence Public Library

Portrait of 'Silver Heels' Rosie, presumed dancer and sex worker, posing in front of a dresser and mementos in a low-cut dress.

Silver Heels, 'Rosie'

Silver Heels, 'Rosie'

Providence Public Library

Portrait of 'Silver Heels' Rosie, presumed dancer and sex worker, posing in front of a dresser and mementos in a low-cut dress.

Silver Heels, 'Rosie'

Silver Heels, 'Rosie'

Providence Public Library

Portrait of 'Silver Heels' Rosie, presumed dancer and sex worker, posing in front of a dresser and mementos in a low-cut dress.

Silver Heels (Rosie)

Silver Heels (Rosie)

Providence Public Library

Portrait of 'Silver Heels' Rosie, presumed dancer and sex worker, posing through a window.

Silver Heels (Rosie)

Silver Heels (Rosie)

Providence Public Library

Portrait of 'Silver Heels' Rosie, presumed dancer and sex worker, posing through a window. The door to the building has the name 'Rosie' painted on. The photograph also contains a double exposure, of a desert landscape.

Silver Heels (Rosie)

Silver Heels (Rosie)

Providence Public Library

Portrait of 'Silver Heels' Rosie, presumed dancer and sex worker, posing through a window.

Silver Heels "Rosie"

Silver Heels "Rosie"

Providence Public Library

Portrait of 'Silver Heels' Rosie, presumed dancer and sex worker, posing in front of a dresser and mementos in a low-cut dress.

Silver Heels "Rosie"

Silver Heels "Rosie"

Providence Public Library

Portrait of 'Silver Heels' Rosie, presumed dancer and sex worker, posing in front of a dresser and mementos in a low-cut dress.

Silver Heels

Silver Heels

Providence Public Library

Photograph of Silver Heels Rosie, most likely a prostitute, and a friend.

Shopkeepers

Shopkeepers

Providence Public Library

Image shows two shopkeepers standing outside a store front. The shopkeepers both wear hats and aprons. Merchandise is on display inside the shop windows and in baskets outside the shop.

Shooting Practice

Shooting Practice

Providence Public Library

Image shows men shooting rifles at a shooting range. A two-story tower with an open window is behind them.

Shipyard, Newport

Shipyard, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows boats dry-docked at the Newport Shipyard. Boats in Newport Harbor are visible in background.

Shipyard, Newport

Shipyard, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a boat dry-docked on a shipyard wharf in Newport, RI. Sailboats are moored in Newport Harbor in background.

Shipyard, Newport

Shipyard, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a boat dry-docked at the Newport Shipyard. Boats in Newport Harbor are visible in background.

Ships in Harbor

Ships in Harbor

Providence Public Library

Image shows boats and a ship traveling in a harbor of a city. A large ferry is docked along a wharf and passengers crowd the wharf. Gas holders are visible in background.

Shepley Library, Benefit Street, Providence

Image shows the Shepley Library on Benefit Street. The library appears to be an addition built onto the Shepley House. A car is parked outside the library. Library no longer stands.

Shenandoah Over Constellation, Newport

Image shows the USS Shenandoah (ZR-1) flying over the USS Constellation. The USS Constellation is docked at a pier at the Naval Station Newport.

Shenandoah Over Constellation, Newport

Image shows the USS Shenandoah (ZR-1) flying over the USS Constellation. The USS Constellation is docked at a pier at the Naval Station Newport.

Shenandoah Over Constellation, Newport

Image shows the USS Shenandoah (ZR-1) flying over the USS Constellation. The USS Constellation is docked at a pier at the Naval Station Newport.

Shenandoah - United States Topsail Schooner

Image shows the "Shenandoah" center. a small boat is at its stern. Two sailboats and a motor boat surround the Shenandoah. Photograph is a duplicate of VM013_GF3842.

Shelling beans by hand

Shelling beans by hand

Providence Public Library

Close-up of a person removing shells from a tray full of beans. The person is sitting in front of a wood stove.

Sheffield House being moved from future site of Court House

Image shows the Levi Gale House (original label called it the Sheffield House) split evenly in half in preparation for relocation to 85 Touro Street. Workers stand between the halves. A gas pump is visible in foreground left of the photograph.

Shakespeare's Head (John Carter House)

The John Carter House, called Shakespeare's Head, constructed in 1772, before its 1938 restoration. To its left a boot repair shop is seen, and to its right, a mason.

Shakespeare's Head (John Carter House)

The John Carter House, called Shakespeare's Head, constructed in 1772, before its 1938 restoration. To its left a boot repair shop is seen, and to its right, a mason.

Shady Lea Mill

Shady Lea Mill

Providence Public Library

View across a pond of large brick buildings at Shady Lea Mill.

Senate

Senate

Providence Public Library

Interior view of the Senate in the Rhode Island State House, showing rows of chairs and desks as seen from the rear of the room.