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

R.I. Soldiers' Home

R.I. Soldiers' Home

Providence Public Library

Panoramic view of the Rhode Island Soldiers' Home, showing large buildings including a tower, taken from a field.

R.I. School for the Deaf

R.I. School for the Deaf

Providence Public Library

Street view of the front of the Rhode Island Institute of the Deaf, a large brick building covered with vines with an entrance through a porch centered on the building.

R.I. Locomotive Works, Providence

R.I. Locomotive Works, Providence

Providence Public Library

Image shows R.I. Locomotive Works Engine 48 stopped on tracks. Two railroad employees pose for the photograph. The Harness Manufacturing and Repair building is visible in the background behind a wooden fence.

R.I. Goddard Memorial State Park, Warwick

Image shows picnickers in Goddard Memorial State Park. Families sit at picnic tables and on ground in the woods. A parking lot is visible in background.

R.I Theodore Francis Green Airport

R.I Theodore Francis Green Airport

Providence Public Library

Theodore Francis Green Airport - The Air National Guard hangar and the Army Aviation unit building are shown in this view of part of the facilities a this fine State airport. Four major airlines also use the facilities at this field. credit: Rhode Island Development Council.

R.I State Prison Interior

R.I State Prison Interior

Providence Public Library

Image shows interior of the second and third levels of the second corridor. Two prisoners are partially visible through jail bars.

Quarters I

Quarters I

Providence Public Library

Image shows a three-story house. Attached note reads: "Newport, R.I. -- Built in 1895, Quarters I will be among the homes open to the public during the Newport Naval Base Officers Wives Club tour on Saturday, November 21, from 11 am to 4pm. It is presently the home of Admiral Thomas Weschler, USN, Commander of Cruiser Destroyer Flotilla 10 and Mrs. Weschler."

Quarters I

Quarters I

Providence Public Library

Image shows a three-story house. Attached note reads: "Newport, R.I. -- Built in 1895, Quarters I will be among the homes open to the public during the Newport Naval Base Officers Wives Club tour on Saturday, November 21, from 11 am to 4pm. It is presently the home of Admiral Thomas Weschler, USN, Commander of Cruiser Destroyer Flotilla 10 and Mrs. Weschler."

Quarters I

Quarters I

Providence Public Library

Image shows a three-story house. Attached note reads: "Newport, R.I. -- Built in 1895, Quarters I will be among the homes open to the public during the Newport Naval Base Officers Wives Club tour on Saturday, November 21, from 11 am to 4pm. It is presently the home of Admiral Thomas Weschler, USN, Commander of Cruiser Destroyer Flotilla 10 and Mrs. Weschler."

Quadrangle, Brown University

Quadrangle, Brown University

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of Wriston Quadrangle and surrounding buildings at Brown University. The large square building just to the right of center is Sharpe Refectory (144 Thayer Street). The quadrangle is bound by Thayer, Charlesfield, Brown, and George Streets.

Putnam Pike

Putnam Pike

Providence Public Library

Image shows Putnam turnpike, with trees on either side.

Puritan (Steamer), Crew in Galley Saloon aft

Group portrait of the SS Puritan crew in the Galley Saloon. The image shows three rows of crewmembers in uniform and holding their hats. The crewmembers are facing forward towards the photographer but are looking to their right.

Puritan (Steamer) Engine Room and Crew

Group portrait of crew members of the SS Puritan in the ship's engine room. Crew members are dressed in their uniforms. Two of the crew are seated. Machinery is partially visible in foreground right of photograph.

Puritan (Steamer) - Interior

Puritan (Steamer) - Interior

Providence Public Library

Interior view of the main salon on the SS Puritan. Upholstered chairs are arranged in the center of room. Large column stand in center of room. An elaborate wrought iron light fixture wraps around and up the column. The room has decorative carpets, moldings, railings and ceilings.

Puritan - Interior

Puritan - Interior

Providence Public Library

Interior view of the main salon on the SS Puritan. Upholstered chairs are arranged in the center of room. A large column stands before a staircase. An elaborate wrought iron light fixture wraps around and up the column. The room has decorative carpets, moldings, railings and ceilings. A portrait hands above the staircase.

Purgatory, Middletown

Purgatory, Middletown

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Purgatory Chasm. Sachuest Bay is visible in background.

Purgatory, Middletown

Purgatory, Middletown

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Purgatory Chasm. Sachuest Bay is visible in background.

Purgatory, Middletown

Purgatory, Middletown

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Purgatory Chasm. Sachuest Bay is visible in background.

Purgatory, Middletown

Purgatory, Middletown

Providence Public Library

Image shows rocks at the Purgatory Chasm. Two boats in Sachuest Bay are visible in background.

Pumping Station

Pumping Station

Providence Public Library

View of the pumping station between Pontiac Road and the Pawtuxet River.

Pulpit and Stairway of Seventh Day Baptist House, Newport

Image shows interior of the Seventh Day Baptist Meeting House (now Newport Historical Society). Rows of wooden chairs are in foreground. Stairs and pulpit are center. Two plaques hand behind the pulpit and a small display is below pulpit.