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

Providence River and excursion boats

Providence River and excursion boats

Providence Public Library

Steamboat Awashonks travelling in the Providence River past other boats and businesses. The businesses visible include Pomroy Coal Co. and R.C. Smith & Co. Coal.

Providence River

Providence River

Providence Public Library

View looking east across railroad tracks to the Providence River and Harbor. Photograph taken from East Providence looking towards Sassafras Point in Providence.

Providence River

Providence River

Providence Public Library

View along the Providence River of boats at dock, and buildings and businesses visible in the background including the Pease Corporation Awnings and Tents.

Providence River

Providence River

Providence Public Library

Rooftop view of Crawford Street Bridge and Point Street Bridge (in the distance) over the Providence River. Buildings and businesses are seen lining the bridge.

Providence Public Market Company

Providence Public Market Company

Providence Public Library

The Providence Public Market Company seen from opposite corner of the street. A horse drawn cart is seen on the street in front of the building.

Providence Police

Providence Police

Providence Public Library

Police officers posing outside of department, holding signs that read "Stop! Always be careful."

Providence Plantations Club, auditorium

Image is of the interior of the Providence Plantation Club auditorium. Image shows rows of seats, a piano on the center of the stage and paintings hanging on walls.

Providence Opera House

Providence Opera House

Providence Public Library

View from the opposite side of the street of Providence Opera House and other businesses in the building. A row of cars are parked in front of the entrance.

Providence House

Providence House

Providence Public Library

View of a house and fence from the opposite corner of the street.

Providence House

Providence House

Providence Public Library

View of a house and fence from the opposite corner of the street.

Providence House

Providence House

Providence Public Library

Front view of house that is for sale from the opposite side of the street.

Providence Grays

Providence Grays

Providence Public Library

Group portrait of the Providence Grays baseball team, "champions 1894 - 1895," in suits and ties.

Providence Gas Company

Providence Gas Company

Providence Public Library

Panoramic image of the Providence Gas Company's works at Fields Point.

Providence Gas Co.

Providence Gas Co.

Providence Public Library

Aerial photo of the Providence Gas Company plant on Allens Avenue in Providence, Rhode Island. Tanks and smoke stacks scatter the ground below.

Providence from Smith Hill

Providence from Smith Hill

Providence Public Library

View from Smith Hill, looking south above houses, mills, and Providence Cove toward downtown.

Providence Fire Department

Providence Fire Department

Providence Public Library

Providence Fire Department posing on street in front of horse-drawn fire engine. Central Fire Station is behind them.

Providence Fire Department

Providence Fire Department

Providence Public Library

Two firemen in horse-drawn fire wagon in front of building with signs for Potter & Company and Mechanics National Bank.

Providence Fire Department

Providence Fire Department

Providence Public Library

Providence Fire Department posing on street in front of horse-drawn fire engine. Central Fire Station is behind them.

Providence Docks

Providence Docks

Providence Public Library

Image shows ship at dock, with dock workers, barrels and cargo in foreground.

Providence County Courthouse. Dedicated in 1933

Image shows the Providence County Courthouse at the corner of College and Main Street. The image shows many parked and moving cars. There is a sign directing traffic towards Newport, Fall River, Taunton and Cape Cod. Two figures stand at small structure.

Providence College basketball game

Providence College basketball game

Providence Public Library

View from behind the basket of a Providence College basketball game at the Providence Civic Center. Players are clustered around the basket, and a Providence College player is shooting the ball. Spectators are seen in the background.

Providence College basketball game

Providence College basketball game

Providence Public Library

View from behind the basket of a Providence College basketball game at the Providence Civic Center. Players are clustered around the basket, and a Providence College player is dunking the ball. Spectators are seen in the background.

Providence College

Providence College

Providence Public Library

Image shows Harkins Hall on the Providence College campus. Cars are parked in front of the entrance.