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

Wedding Portrait

Wedding Portrait

Providence Public Library

Wedding portrait of a bride and groom standing on a false staircase.

Wedding Portrait

Wedding Portrait

Providence Public Library

Wedding portrait of a bride and groom. The woman is sitting on the arm of a chair and hold a bouquet of flowers.

Wedding Portrait

Wedding Portrait

Providence Public Library

Group portrait of a wedding party. The bride is seated in center. Two flower girls are on the left, and a woman sits on the arm of the chair to the bride's left. Three men stand behind them.

Weatherly

Weatherly

Providence Public Library

Closeup side view of the sailboat Weatherly heeling in open water. Two members of the crew are in the cockpit.

Waterman Street

Waterman Street

Providence Public Library

Street view across Benefit Street and west down Waterman Street. The First Baptist Church is seen behind a wrought iron fence,. There's large tree at the top of the hill, and buildings and monuments are at the bottom of the hill. Cars are seen travelling along the streets.

Waterman Road, Manton

Waterman Road, Manton

Providence Public Library

Image shows a house in the Manton neighborhood of Johnston, RI. The house has a shingled roof and a brick fireplace. A spinning wheel and two wooden chairs sit in the front yard. The numbers 1685 are above a window on the front of the house.

Waterfront, Newport

Waterfront, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows wharfs and buildings along Newport Harbor. Sailboats are in Newport Harbor in foreground.

Waterfront, Newport

Waterfront, Newport

Providence Public Library

Aerial photograph of Newport Harbor. Boats and ships are in harbor and docked at wharfs. Government Landing, old police station and Trinity Church are visible.

Water Witch Sixes reunion

Water Witch Sixes reunion

Providence Public Library

Group portrait of the "Water Witch Sixes" fire engine company, at a reunion at the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. The large group of men are posing outdoors, around an antique fire engine, mostly in suits and hats.

Watchemoket Square

Watchemoket Square

Providence Public Library

View from the sidewalk of businesses and buildings along a three way intersection at Watchemoket Square. A produce stand is seen under awnings on one side of the street, and E. Fowler & Co. Market is seen at another corner. Pedestrians, horse-drawn carts, and trolleys travel along the streets.

Watchemoket Square

Watchemoket Square

Providence Public Library

View from the sidewalk of buildings on the corner at Watchemoket Square, including a market. horse-drawn wagons are seen in the street.

Washington, George

Washington, George

Providence Public Library

Photograph of a framed painting of George Washington that hangs in the State Reception Room in the Rhode Island State House. In the portrait, Washington is standing at a table. Above the frame is the Rhode Island coat of arms.

Washington Street, Newport

Washington Street, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the William King Covell house and entry way to Newport Harbor on Washington Street. Boats are dry-docked on shore. A tree and front yard are in foreground. The Newport Harbor Light on Goat Island is visible in background.

Washington Square, Park, Newport

Washington Square, Park, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows Eisenhower Park on Washington Square in Newport RI. The park has manicured landscaping and a statue of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry.

Washington Square, Park, Newport

Washington Square, Park, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows Eisenhower Park on Washington Square in Newport RI. The park has manicured landscaping and a statue of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. The Old Colony House is visible in background.

Washington Square, Newport

Washington Square, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows Eisenhower Park at the meeting of Washington Square and Touro Street in Newport RI. Horses and carts travel on the streets. The Opera house is visible on Touro Street.

Washington Square, Looking East; San Diego Day, Newport

Image shows Washington Square decorated with flags and patriotic decorations. Horses and carriages travel on the street. National Exchange Bank Island Saving Fund (38 Washington Square) is on the right.

Washington Square at Thames Street Newport

Image shows the Old Brick Market, now the Museum of Newport History on Thames Street. Horses and coaches travel in both streets. Patriotic flags and buntings decorate the Old Brick Market.