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

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.

Pulpit and Stairway of Seventh Day Baptist House, Newport

Image shows the interior of the Seventh Day Baptist Church. Photograph is taken from balcony. Pews are in foreground. The pulpit and stairways are center. A pipe organ is in background. A large chandelier hangs from ceiling.

Pulling Boat, Newport Harbor

Pulling Boat, Newport Harbor

Providence Public Library

Image shows rowboat being pulled above water. A larger boat is behind the rowboat, and harbor is in background right.

Prudence Island Light

Prudence Island Light

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Prudence Island Lighthouse, also called the Sandy Point Lighthouse. A stone wall fence on a hill is in foreground. Several small buildings and houses are built on near beach. The Mt. Hope Bridge connecting Bristol and Portsmouth is visible in background.

Prudence Island Light

Prudence Island Light

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Prudence Island Lighthouse, also called the Sandy Point Lighthouse. A small building and bell are enclosed by a frame on beach in foreground.

Providence, looking north

Providence, looking north

Providence Public Library

Rooftop view of Providence from City Hall, looking north over railroad tracks, Providence Cove, and buildings in the distance. The west end of the train station is at far right.

Providence, from Turk's Head Building

Providence, from Turk's Head Building

Providence Public Library

Image shows aerial view of Providence with Railway Express Agency building and railroad in foreground. State House and a parking lot are in background right.

Providence, from Turk's Head Building

Providence, from Turk's Head Building

Providence Public Library

Image shows Courthouse and Old Stone Bank along Main Street in foreground with College Hill in background. Brown University campus and First Unitarian Church are visible.

Providence, from Turk's Head Building

Providence, from Turk's Head Building

Providence Public Library

Image shows aerial view of Providence with Railway Express Agency building and railroad in foreground. Mills and Industrial buildings are in background.

Providence, from Fort Hill, East Providence

View N.W from Fort Hill, East Providence c.1890. Bold Point Road foreground. In distance L-R: R.I Hospital, dome over gas holder, New York boat at Fox Point wharf. Towers of Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral on skyline.

Providence Wharf

Providence Wharf

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Warwick and SS Monhegan docked at a wharf on the Providence River. A third unidentified steamboat is also docked at wharf. Steeple of the old Court House on Main Street and the First Baptist Church steeple are visible in background.

Providence River Scene

Providence River Scene

Providence Public Library

Rooftop view of the Providence River facing south. In the foreground is the Crawford Street Bridge, and buildings advertisements include Mason Mafg. CO. Tin Cans, R.I. Co-Operative Coal Company, and Socomy Gasoline.

Providence River downtown

Providence River downtown

Providence Public Library

Rooftop view along the Providence River, taken from downtown Providence and facing south toward Narragansett Bay. Cars are parked along the Crawford Street Bridge over the river, where boats are also docked. Buildings line both sides of the water, including coal companies with smokestacks prominent.

Providence River Bridge Construction

Providence River Bridge Construction

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of the construction of the Point Street Bridge. The Providence River runs across the top of the photograph. Cars travel on the streets below the in progress bridge.

Providence River Bridge construction

Providence River Bridge construction

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of construction of the Providence River Bridge. Industrial buildings are seen in the foreground and the east side is seen on the opposite side of the river.

Providence River Bridge approach

Providence River Bridge approach

Providence Public Library

Image shows cars on highway. Signs for South Main street and Point Street Bridge. Narragansett Electric building is in background.