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

Seekonk River bridges

Seekonk River bridges

Providence Public Library

Washington Bridge and a railroad bridge over the Seekonk River, looking north from Fort Hill. Railroad tracks are seen in the foreground.

Seekonk River bridges

Seekonk River bridges

Providence Public Library

Two bridges over the Seekonk River. The covered bridge in foreground was a railroad bridge of P.W. & B. line. Behind is the Washington Bridge, rebuilt 1930.

Section of Cove and Promenade

Section of Cove and Promenade

Providence Public Library

View from a walkway across Providence Cove, showing factories and other buildings in the distance.

Searchlights, Newport

Searchlights, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the sky above Newport, RI, lit from search lights. The city of Newport is silhouetted in the foreground. The steeple of Trinity Church is visible on the left side of the foreground. The searchlights rise from the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station and Naval Base Newport.

Seaman's boat "Helen", Newport

Seaman's boat "Helen", Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows man standing in the boat "Helen" which is raised on land. Another man stands on platform at the stern of the Helen.

Seaconnet Fishing Company, Newport

Seaconnet Fishing Company, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows fishing boats the Starn and the Seaconnet at Sherman's Wharf. A third large fishing boat is also docked at Sherman's Wharf in center left of photograph.

Scout Monument

Scout Monument

Providence Public Library

Side view of the Scout monument, depicting a soldier with a pistol.

Scituate Reservoir

Scituate Reservoir

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of Scituate Reservoir, showing roads and clearings in the foreground.

School room

School room

Providence Public Library

Interior view from the rear of a school room, showing rows of iron and wood desks facing toward the front of the classroom, with a chair, piano, flag, and alphabet. Chalkboards are along the front and side wall, as well as a fireplace and framed posters.

Scene on Streetcar, Newport

Scene on Streetcar, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows women sitting inside a streetcar in Newport, RI.. The women are wearing long skirts, jackets, gloves and hats.

Sayles Hall and Wilson Hall

Sayles Hall and Wilson Hall

Providence Public Library

View from across a quadrangle of two large stone buildings, Sayles Hall and Wilson Hall at Brown University.

Sayles Hall

Sayles Hall

Providence Public Library

View from a quadrangle of two large stone buildings, Sayles Hall and Wilson Hall at Brown University. Several people are seen walking across the quadrangle.

Sarah C. Coggshall House

Sarah C. Coggshall House

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Sarah C. Coggshall House. The house is three stories and has a large front porch. A wine covered picket fence is in foreground.

Samuel Joy Homestead, Cranston

Samuel Joy Homestead, Cranston

Providence Public Library

Image shows the front of the Samuel Joy House. Figures stand in the yard, and sit in chairs near the front door. of the farmhouse.

Samuel Bridgham House

Samuel Bridgham House

Providence Public Library

Panoramic view of the Samuel Bridgham House and neighboring buildings, including the Old State House up the hill. South Court Street is at far right.

Saltwater fishing

Saltwater fishing

Providence Public Library

View of a fisherman on a rock in the tide. The rocky shore is seen in the background.

Sakonnet Point

Sakonnet Point

Providence Public Library

Waves breaking over a rocky section of the shoreline, with land seen in the far background.

Sakonnet Point

Sakonnet Point

Providence Public Library

Waves breaking over a rocky section of the shoreline, with piles of seaweed on the rocks.

Sakonnet Light Station

Sakonnet Light Station

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Sakonnet Light Station in background. Large rocks on beach are in foreground.

Sakonnet Light Station

Sakonnet Light Station

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Sakonnet Light Station in background. Large rocks on beach are in foreground.

Sailors with Flag

Sailors with Flag

Providence Public Library

Image shows two sailors raising an American flag. Another sailor stands next the large flag post and plays a trumpet. Newport Harbor is visible in the background.

Sailboats

Sailboats

Providence Public Library

Image shows couple in bathing suits on a small sailboat. Other sailboats are tied to buoys in the water. A large building is in the background.