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.
Image show the monument for William Ellery Channing in Touro Park. The statue of Channing hold his hands up and wears an open robe. An iron fence surrounds the base of the monument. Figures sitting on a park bench and the Newport Tower are in background.
Image shows a woman in a bathing suit posing for a photograph at the stern of a boat. A man kneels with camera in the foreground. The Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge is in the background of photograph.
Aerial view of people on the beach and in the ocean. Rows of cars are parked behind the beach, and more water, fields, and houses are seen in the background.
Image shows passengers on a miniature paddle wheel riverboat in a man made pond at Highland Orchards. The paddle boat is two stories with children on the top deck and adults on the second. A crowd stands on the bank of the pond watching the boat. "North Scituate, R.I. -- Miniature paddle-wheel river boat at Highland Orchards offers a delightful ride for young and old through apple orchards."
Image shows a military ceremony at a memorial. An American flag is draped over a large rock with a plaque. Soldiers stand in formation and point riffles towards the sky.
Image shows a banjo player performing with a military band at the Temple to Music at Roger Williams Park. Microphones from WPJB FM are placed around the musicians.
View of a small stone marker that indicates the distance to Providence. It is leaned against a stack of smaller rocks, and has a historical marker plaque on it.
Image shows the porch of the Middleton House in Bristol Rhode Island. The house was also known as "Hey Bonnie Hall" or the "DeWolf-Middleton House". The house has a portico supported by ionic columns and a second floor balcony. Potted plants sit on the front porch and steps. The house was demolished.
Image shows an abandoned house. Sides of house are separating from the frame. All window panes are missing in front windows. Front door is missing and is blocked by debris.
Image shows three men in suits standing around a seated man who is signing documents. Bookcases with glass doors are filled with book volumes. The desk where the man is signing documents is covered in books, office materials and a small American flag.
Image shows a U.S. Naval officer speaking at a Memorial Day service. The officer stands at a podium in front of the Atlantic Fleet Reserve Monument at Government Landing.
A young woman in a long plaid dress, apron, and bonnet sitting and eating a large forkful of food from a plate that she holds in the other hand during a May Day breakfast at Oak Lawn Community Baptist Church. Jars and plates of food are seen on the table next to her, and other people are working in the background.
Two older men in aprons, identified as brothers John and Edward Barden, preparing Jonny Cakes for a breakfast event at Greenville Grange. One of the men mixes batter, with ingredients spread across a table in front of him, and the other cooks the cakes on a griddle.
Image shows the steamboat the May Archer in Newport Harbor. Passengers are visible on the main deck. A door is open on the bridge level of the ship. A large ship is visible in background.
Image shows the Maxim House at the corners of Spring and Barney Streets. A coach is parked on Barney Street and a church steeple is visible in background.
View of the corner of Mathewson and Washington Streets, showing pedestrians and police officers in front of large billboards for Redmont Cigarettes and T.F. Randall Sales Exchange.