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

Monument Erected in Honor of William Channing

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.

Mohican (Ferry)

Mohican (Ferry)

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Mohican ferry in the Narragansett Bay. Passengers and crew are visible on front, rear and top decks of ferry.

Moffett Mill

Moffett Mill

Providence Public Library

Side view of a wooden mill building on a stone foundation, next to a dammed river. Trees and snow are seen on the opposite bank of the river.

Model on Boat

Model on Boat

Providence Public Library

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.

Miss Margaret Champlin's slipper

Miss Margaret Champlin's slipper

Providence Public Library

Full length view of a slipper worn by Margaret Champlin while dancing with George Washington, seen against a plain background.

Misquamicut State Beach

Misquamicut State Beach

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of people on the beach and in the ocean. Rows of cars are parked behind the beach, and fields are seen in the background.

Misquamicut State Beach

Misquamicut State Beach

Providence Public Library

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.

Miniature Paddle-wheel Riverboat at Highland Orchards, Scituate

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."

Military Monument

Military Monument

Providence Public Library

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.

Military encampment

Military encampment

Providence Public Library

View of a long row of soldiers in uniform posing in front of structures at their encampment, possibly during the Civil War.

Military Band

Military Band

Providence Public Library

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.

Milestone

Milestone

Providence Public Library

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.

Middleton House, Bristol RI

Middleton House, Bristol RI

Providence Public Library

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.

Metropolitan Rapid Transit Company

Metropolitan Rapid Transit Company

Providence Public Library

View from the sidewalk of two passengers boarding a trolley on the Pawtuxet via Broad Street line of the Metropolitan Rapid Transit Company.

Metcalf Bowler House

Metcalf Bowler House

Providence Public Library

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.

Meshanticut interchange

Meshanticut interchange

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of the Meshanticut Interchange, showing highways joining, surrounded by suburban housing. A movie drive-in is seen in the foreground.

Meshanticut Green Interchange

Meshanticut Green Interchange

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of a highway interchange, surrounded by houses and fields. A more heavily developed area is seen in the background.

Meshanticut Green Interchange

Meshanticut Green Interchange

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of a highway interchange, surrounded by houses and fields. A more heavily developed area is seen in the background.

Men Signing a Document

Men Signing a Document

Providence Public Library

Image shows two men seated at a desk. The man on the left is signing a paper document. The man on the right looks at him and points to the document.

Men in Office

Men in Office

Providence Public Library

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.

May breakfast

May breakfast

Providence Public Library

People gathered at the doorway of a church, and socializing outside in the driveway. An outbuilding and a parking lot are seen in the background.

May breakfast

May breakfast

Providence Public Library

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.

May breakfast

May breakfast

Providence Public Library

A man wearing an apron washing silverware in a basin outside. A woman in a dress and hat watches.

May breakfast

May breakfast

Providence Public Library

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.

Maxim House, Spring and Barney Streets

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.

Mathewson Street

Mathewson Street

Providence Public Library

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.