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

New Haven, Engine No. 837

New Haven, Engine No. 837

Providence Public Library

Image shows the New Haven Engine No. 837 stopped on train tracks. Smoke rises from its smokestack.

New England Telephone & Telegraph Co.

New England Telephone & Telegraph Co.

Providence Public Library

Street view of the front and side of the New England Telephone & Telegraph Co. building, a large brick building, with cars parked on the street in front.

New England Steamship Co. Yards, Newport

Image shows the New England Steamship Company Yard. Lumber and industrial materials lay in piles in the yard. Train cars are line up on the left of the photograph. The U.S. Naval Torpedo Station is visible on Goat Island in Newport Harbor.

Nesbitt J. Bowes

Nesbitt J. Bowes

Providence Public Library

Image of a block of stores along Westminster Street in Providence, Rhode Island. Several businesses are visible. Both men and women are standing in doorways and on the sidewalk. The businesses with signs out front include: J.H. Bongartz Watch Maker, Nesbitt J. Bowes Boot Manufacturer, David Frank, George E. Talbot Ladies Boot Maker, and a Manufacturer of Hairwork/Hair Cutting and Dressing Rooms.

Nayatt Lighthouse

Nayatt Lighthouse

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Nyatt Lighthouse on Nayatt Point. The house has a porch with striped awnings. Vines grow on side of house and a clothesline is in yard.

Navy Ship in Newport Harbor

Navy Ship in Newport Harbor

Providence Public Library

Image shows passengers on board a ferry looking towards a Naval ship in Newport Harbor. The U.S. Naval Torpedo Station on Goat Island is visible in the background.

Navy Ship in Newport Harbor

Navy Ship in Newport Harbor

Providence Public Library

Image shows passengers on board a ferry looking towards a Naval ship in Newport Harbor. The U.S. Naval Torpedo Station on Goat Island is visible in the background.

Navy Ship at Newport Dock

Navy Ship at Newport Dock

Providence Public Library

Image shows crowds of families and sailors on board the Naval ship the USS The Sullivans (DDG-68). Families walk on the dock alongside the ship.

Navy Relief Carnival Searchlight Display

Image shows a searchlight display during the Navy Relief carnival. The search lights shine high in the night's sky above the Quonset Point Naval Air Station.

Navy Band, U.S. Naval Academy, Newport

Image shows a Navy marching band at the Naval War College in Newport, RI. Band members pose with brass instruments and drums in the yard of the Naval War College.

Naval Training Station, Newport

Naval Training Station, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the U.S. Naval Training Station in Newport, Rhode Island. Cannons are lined along the waterfront. Tall ships sail in Newport Harbor in background.

Naval Station Newport

Naval Station Newport

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of the Naval Station Newport. Warships are docked at two piers at the Station.

Naval Base, Drill Ground, Newport

Naval Base, Drill Ground, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows Naval cadets performing drills on the Naval Station Newport. Ships in Newport Harbor are in background.

Nathanael Greene Homestead

Nathanael Greene Homestead

Providence Public Library

Interior view of an upstairs hallway at the Nathanael Greene Homestead, facing toward a stairwell. Open doors have ropes hung across them. A scenic wallpaper lines the hallway but peels at the top.

Narrow River and Pond

Narrow River and Pond

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of Narrow River and Pond, showing farmhouses on the shore.

Narragansett, Jamestown Ferry

Narragansett, Jamestown Ferry

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Narragansett Ferry docked at the Jamestown Ferry Landing. A smaller steam ship is docked at pier in foreground. Sailors and children are visible standing on pier and on steam boat.

Narragansett Town Beach

Narragansett Town Beach

Providence Public Library

Crowds of people on the beach, often under umbrellas, and in the water at Narragansett Town Beach, seen down the length of the shore. Buildings along the beach are seen in the background.

Narragansett Town Beach

Narragansett Town Beach

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of crowds of people on the beach and in the water at Scarborough State Beach. Changing facilities, trees, and a large, full parking lot are seen behind the beach.

Narragansett Sport Car Club

Narragansett Sport Car Club

Providence Public Library

Image shows Mayor Dean J. Lewis of Newport, Rhode Island giving a trophy to a member of the Narragansett Sports Car Club. Onlookers are visible in background.

Narragansett Race Track

Narragansett Race Track

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of the Narragansett Race Track with labels identifying structures, roads, and the Seekonk River. In front of the racetrack is a railroad and horse stables, and residential streets and the river in the background.

Narragansett Race Track

Narragansett Race Track

Providence Public Library

View of jockeys on racehorses running around a curve on the Narragansett Race Track. Crowds of spectators and a large glass building are seen in the background.

Narragansett Race Track

Narragansett Race Track

Providence Public Library

View of spectators in the seating area and grandstand at Narragansett Race Track.

Narragansett Pier hurricane debris

Narragansett Pier hurricane debris

Providence Public Library

Two people standing amidst stone rubble of buildings in the aftermath of a hurricane. Most of the shore is covered in debris. The Narragansett Casino is at left and the small stone building is a lifesaving station. In the distance is water, and buildings seen on the opposite shore.

Narragansett Pier

Narragansett Pier

Providence Public Library

Crowds of people gathered on the beach, possibly at Narragansett Pier. People are seen on the shore, many with parasols, and in the water.

Narragansett Pier

Narragansett Pier

Providence Public Library

View facing open water of people in the water. Some swimmers are standing on a dock and a steamboat is travelling past the beach.