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

Parked Cars at the Naval War College

Parked Cars at the Naval War College

Providence Public Library

Image shows a large field on the Naval War College campus. Cars are parked along a street in the foreground. Naval War College students are performing drills in the field.

Parade of Fishing Boats

Parade of Fishing Boats

Providence Public Library

Image shows a parade of fishing boats in a harbor. A crowd of spectators sit on rocks and on top of parked RVs.

Parade

Parade

Providence Public Library

Street view of a parade featuring men in military uniforms marching on a residential street.

Palestine Shrine Club, lobby, Providence

Image show the lobby of the Palestine Shrine Club. Room is decorated with various masonic symbols and images. A taxidermy moose head is mounted on a wall. Presumed photographed by William Mills.

Painting of John Howland

Painting of John Howland

Providence Public Library

Photograph of a painted portrait of John Howland, who served as a Director of the Providence Library, and as President of the Rhode Island Historical Society. The painting was possibly painted by, or a copy of a painting of John Howland by James Sullivan Lincoln.

Painting of Hon. David Howell

Painting of Hon. David Howell

Providence Public Library

Photograph of a painted portrait of Hon. David Howell, the 41st Attorney General of Rhode Island. From back of photograph : "Hon. David Howell, Born in Morristown, New Jersey, Jan 1, 1747. Died in Providence R.I July 31st 1824. This photograph was taken from an oil painting made in 1886 by J.L. Lincoln which was copied from the portrait in the capitol at Washington made by John Trumbull, from sketches taken while in Providence in 1793 for his large picture of "Washington Resigning his Commission"."

Painting Destroyer Gun Barrels

Painting Destroyer Gun Barrels

Providence Public Library

Image shows sailors painting gun barrels on a destroyer. The sailors sit on the barrels while painting them. Back of photo reads: "Painting destroyer gun barrels while ships are moved in Narragansett Bay."

Painted Portrait

Painted Portrait

Providence Public Library

Photograph of a painted portrait of an identified man. The older man has white hair and wears a suit jacket with wide lapels.

Paine (Thomas, d.1715) House; Jamestown

Image shows The Thomas Paine House facing East Shore Road. The house has three stories , a central chimney, shingled siding and roof. A front and side porch are visible.

Overpass

Overpass

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of an overpass. The overpass and on ramps appear to be under construction, but there are no construction materials or vehicles visible.

Overing House

Overing House

Providence Public Library

Side view of the Overing House, a large three-story building that served as the summer headquarters of General Richard Prescott, partially obscured and surrounded by trees.

Outlet Company

Outlet Company

Providence Public Library

The Outlet Company building seen from the opposite side of the street. Crowds of people are seen on the sidewalk outside of the building.

Outlet Co. Decoration

Outlet Co. Decoration

Providence Public Library

The Outlet Company decorations on a downtown street for Old Home Week. People are seen on the street and on a streetcar.

Outhouse or backhouse

Outhouse or backhouse

Providence Public Library

Rear view of a wooden outhouse surrounded by trees and built upon cement blocks.

Our Lady of the Rosary

Our Lady of the Rosary

Providence Public Library

Front view of Our Lady of the Rosary church, seen from the opposite side of the street.

Our Lady of the Rosary

Our Lady of the Rosary

Providence Public Library

Front view of Our Lady of the Rosary church, seen from the opposite side of the street.

Osprey Newport

Osprey Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the "Osprey" docked at a pier in Newport Harbor. Figures are standing on wharf, and on board a ferry in background.

Open car

Open car

Providence Public Library

View of a streetcar with passengers and operator travelling on the Broad Street Line, past a field with trees and fences in it.

One of a three holer

One of a three holer

Providence Public Library

Close-up view of one hole in an outhouse. A cover is seen lifted and set next to the hole in the bench.

Olneyville streetcar

Olneyville streetcar

Providence Public Library

Front view of a street car on the Brook and Hope Street line.

Olneyville Square

Olneyville Square

Providence Public Library

Street view looking west of buildings and businesses at Olneyville Square. Pedestrians and horse-drawn carts are seen on the sidewalk and in the streets.

Oliver Hazard Perry statue

Oliver Hazard Perry statue

Providence Public Library

Front view of a statue of Oliver Hazard Perry in a park, sculpted by William Greene Turner of Newport. Perry is depicted with a jacket over his arm and a hand pointing in the air.

Oliver Hazard Perry House

Oliver Hazard Perry House

Providence Public Library

Image shows a waiter standing in the doorway of the Touro Dining Rooms. A bicycle leans against the building. An iron fence runs in the foreground.

Old Washington Bridge

Old Washington Bridge

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.

Old Union Depot

Old Union Depot

Providence Public Library

View from across an open square down the length of the old Union Station. Wagons, trolleys, and pedestrians are seen passing in front of the building. More buildings including a church are seen in the background.

Old Union Depot

Old Union Depot

Providence Public Library

View from across an open square down the length of the old Union Station. Wagons, trolleys, and pedestrians are seen passing in front of the building. More buildings including a church are seen in the background.