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

Rehearsal session at Musical Theatre

Rehearsal session at Musical Theatre

Providence Public Library

A small round stage full of performers striking poses during a rehearsal at Warwick Musical Theatre. Spectators are seen seated in the folding chairs set up on all sides of the stage.

Redwood Library and Athenaeum

Redwood Library and Athenaeum

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Redwood Library and Athenaeum in Newport, RI. Two large evergreen trees grow on either side of the entrance. A stone fence with pineapple finials encloses the yard of the Athenaeum. Reproduction of photograph "Redwood Library & Athenaeum, Bellevue Ave" VM013_GF4686.

Redwood Library and Athenaeum

Redwood Library and Athenaeum

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Redwood Library and Athenaeum in Newport, RI. A child leans against a tree, and another sits on a wooden fence in front of the library. Bellevue Ave. runs in the foreground. The photograph is a Cartes de visite.

Red Bridge

Red Bridge

Providence Public Library

View from railroad tracks of the Red Bridge over the Seekonk River. On the opposite side of the river is the American Ship Windlass Co.

Ray Carpenter Beach

Ray Carpenter Beach

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of people spread out across a sandy beach and in the water. A parking lot and campground is seen behind the beach.

Randall Square

Randall Square

Providence Public Library

Image shows shops and restaurants on Randall Square. Visible are The Gem Restaurant and Quick Lunch, The Old Bulldog Tavern and The Gem Wines & Liquors.

Railroad Station, Middletown [locally called Chaseville]

Image shows a man sitting on railroad station platform. A railroad worker reclines on platform next to him. A young girl in a plaid dress leans against a wooden pole. Houses along the waterfront are in background.

Railroad Station Newport

Railroad Station Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows crowds gathered outside a railroad station in Newport, RI. Horses and carriages are visible in background.

Railroad Station Newport

Railroad Station Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows crowds gathered outside a railroad station in Newport, RI. Horses and carriages are visible in background.

Railroad Station and Steamship Dock, Newport

Image shows a railroad station and steamship dock at Long Wharf west of Washington Street in Newport, RI. Steamships are visible on both sides of Long Wharf.

Railroad Station

Railroad Station

Providence Public Library

Image shows a woman with a bicycle standing in front of a railroad station.

Railroad Station

Railroad Station

Providence Public Library

Image shows a train stopped at a railroad station in Newport, RI. Men stand on train platform. Houses are visible in background.

Railroad Depot Newport

Railroad Depot Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a train stopped at a railroad station in Newport, RI. Men stand on train platform. Houses are visible in background.

Racing at Lincoln Downs

Racing at Lincoln Downs

Providence Public Library

View from a freshly groomed racetrack of crowds of spectators in the grandstands.

Racers on Home Stretch

Racers on Home Stretch

Providence Public Library

View down a four lane street of three soap box derby cars racing toward the finish line. Spectators are seen behind fences on both sides of the street.

Racers at starting line

Racers at starting line

Providence Public Library

Two drivers in soap box derby cars travelling down a ramp at the start of a race. A man in a suit is seen standing on the ramp in the background.

Racers at starting line

Racers at starting line

Providence Public Library

Two drivers in soap box derby cars at the top of a ramp. In the foreground, a man is holding a starting pistol in the air.

R.I. Tuna Tournament

R.I. Tuna Tournament

Providence Public Library

View of Governor Philip Noel awarding a trophy with a tuna on top to a man at the Rhode Island Tuna Tournament.

R.I. State Normal School

R.I. State Normal School

Providence Public Library

Front view, from across an open lawn, of the Rhode Island State Normal School, later named Rhode Island College. Image shows two main entrances and three main sections to the building.

R.I. State Infirmary

R.I. State Infirmary

Providence Public Library

Interior view of workers preparing large quantities of food in the kitchen at the Rhode Island State Infirmary. One woman drains liquid from a large can, and two others spread food in trays.

R.I. State House, Providence

R.I. State House, Providence

Providence Public Library

Image shows the R.I. State House in Providence, RI. A woman walks on a dirt road in the foreground. People stand on the front steps of the state house.

R.I. State House, Providence

R.I. State House, Providence

Providence Public Library

Image shows the R.I. State House in Providence, RI. Building materials lay in the lawn outside the state house.

R.I. State House, Entrance Hall, North

North view of the interior of the R.I. State House Entrance Hall. A mezzanine with a balustrade is supported by marble Doric columns. Outside light illuminates the windows in the background.

R.I. State House, Entrance Hall, North

North view of the interior of the R.I. State House Entrance Hall. A mezzanine with a balustrade is supported by marble Doric columns. Outside light illuminates the windows in the background.