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

Ocean Drive, Newport

Ocean Drive, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows shrubs and hedges in yard next to Ocean Drive. Ocean Drive and the ocean are in background.

Ocean Drive, Newport

Ocean Drive, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a mansion on Ocean Drive. A large flat rock is in foreground with the mansion in center of photograph. Boats in water off the coast.

Ocean Cottage

Ocean Cottage

Providence Public Library

The Ocean Cottage seen from the end of a pier facing toward land. Buildings are seen on the shore.

Oakland Farms, Portsmouth; Vanderbilt Villa

Image shows visitors at Oakland Farms. Two women stand on porch of house. A woman stands at top of stairs, and a woman in a fur coat sits on bottom stairs.

Oakland Beach

Oakland Beach

Providence Public Library

Westward view of Oakland Beach from a grassy field on a hill of a road leading to the shore on Warwick Neck. Large buildings on Oakland Beach are seen on the opposite shore.

North Main Street

North Main Street

Providence Public Library

View south of pedestrians, trolleys, and horse-drawn carriages on North Main Street. In the background the Cheapside Building is seen under construction.

North Light [North end of Conanicut Island]

Image shows the Conanicut Island Light on Jamestown. Vines grows up the exterior of keeper's house and on a picket fence. A field of tall grass and plants are in foreground.

North Burial Ground

North Burial Ground

Providence Public Library

Image shows the marble entrance to the North Burial Ground. The marble was made from the same marble used to build the State House. Houses are visible in background.

North Burial Ground

North Burial Ground

Providence Public Library

Image shows the entrance to the North Burial Ground. The entrance is covered in vines. A suitcase sits on the sidewalk in foreground.

North Battery, Newport

North Battery, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows wall of Fort Greene. A rocky beach is in foreground and houses are visible in background.

Night Watch, Newport

Night Watch, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a sailboat, the "Night Watch" in water near Newport, RI. Crew are visible on board the boat.

Nicholas (Wanton) Hunter House

Nicholas (Wanton) Hunter House

Providence Public Library

Image shows the front of the Hunter house facing Washington Street. The house is three stories, and Georgian Colonial style.

Newport Trolley

Newport Trolley

Providence Public Library

Image shows a streetcar trolley, no. 703 in Newport, Rhode Island

Newport parade

Newport parade

Providence Public Library

View of children marching in a parade in Newport. In the foreground, one child is wearing blackface, and two others wear a tall giraffe puppet, led by a third child. A group of children in large hats is seen behind them, and buildings and vehicles are seen in the background.

Newport Lighthouse, North End of Goat Island

Image shows the Newport Lighthouse and house on Goat Island in Newport Harbor. The house is two stories and has an American Flag flying in fenced area. The top of the lighthouse is visible behind the house.

Newport Harbor with New York Yacht Club

Image shows wharfs and shops along Newport Harbor. New York Yacht Club Station no. 6 and Sayer's Family Grocery are visible in background. Figures board the "Manisees" ferry in center right of photograph.

Newport Harbor with Artist

Newport Harbor with Artist

Providence Public Library

Image shows an artist plein air painting on the waterfront off of Washington Street. The artist is presumed to be Edward M. Bannister, a Black Canadian-American Tonalist painter who died in Providence, RI in 1901. The artist sits on a park bench with children. An umbrella provides shade over his easel. The subject of his painting is a ship that is visible in Newport Harbor.

Newport Harbor Looking North From St. John's Church

Cityscape of Newport from the viewpoint of St. John's Church on Poplar Street. Houses along Washington Street are in foreground. Sailboats are docked in Newport Harbor. The Naval Station Newport is visible in background.

Newport Harbor from the air

Newport Harbor from the air

Providence Public Library

Aerial photograph of Newport. Long Wharf on Newport Harbor is in foreground. The Newport Colony House and City Hall are visible in photograph.

Newport Harbor from Ida Lewis Yacht Club

Image shows view of sailboats in Newport Harbor from the Ida Lewis Yacht Club. A Flag pole and two cannons are on rocks in foreground of photograph.