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

Man with Lobsters

Man with Lobsters

Providence Public Library

Image shows a man holding two lobsters. He wears a cap, wool sweater and dirty work pants.

Man sitting at desk

Man sitting at desk

Providence Public Library

Image shows a man posing for the photograph while sitting at a desk. He holds a pen in one hand, writing on a document and looks off to the side.

Man on Weybosset Street

Man on Weybosset Street

Providence Public Library

Portrait of a well-dressed man with mutton chops on the sidewalk of Weybosset Street.

Man at Desk

Man at Desk

Providence Public Library

Portrait of a man posing for the photograph at a desk. The man sits in and office and an open book sits in front of him on his desk. An ashtray sits on the edge of the desk in the foreground.

Man and Piano Player

Man and Piano Player

Providence Public Library

Image shows a man standing at a microphone. A piano player sits at a piano and looks over his shoulder at the man. Posters for the "Jimmy Fund" hand on the back wall.

Majestic Theatre, Empire and Washington Street, Providence

Image shows the Majestic Theatre, later the Trinity Repertory Theatre in Providence, RI. The Theatre is at the corner of Empire and Washington Streets. Theatre advertisements are in display windows on the first floor. Two Large electric signs for the Majestic are on the front of the building. A police officer is directing traffic at the intersection.

Majestic Theatre

Majestic Theatre

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Majestic Theatre, later the Trinity Repertory Theatre in Providence, RI. The Theatre is at the corner of Empire and Washington Streets. Theatre advertisements are in display windows on the first floor. Two Large electric signs for the Majestic are on the front of the building. A police officer is directing traffic at the intersection.

Majestic Theater

Majestic Theater

Providence Public Library

View from the opposite side of the street of the Majestic Theatre, with cars and pedestrians passing outside.

Main Street

Main Street

Providence Public Library

A woman in a dress holding a back walking along a residential street. Houses, trees, and parked cars are seen on the opposite side of the street.

Main picture gallery

Main picture gallery

Providence Public Library

Interior view of the main picture gallery at the Rhode Island School of Design. The walls are filled with framed paintings and on the floor are several sculptures and glass cases.

Magee & Snow Furniture and Carpets

Magee & Snow Furniture and Carpets

Providence Public Library

Image shows The Magee & Snow Furniture and Carpets building on Main Street in Plymouth, MA. A horse pulled cart for the furniture company is stopped on the street. Wilde's Spa occupies the corner storefront.

M. Louise Andrews

M. Louise Andrews

Providence Public Library

Portrait of a woman posed in a chair in ornate dress: hat, gloves, and a plaid, puffy bridesmaid dress.

Lyceum Building

Lyceum Building

Providence Public Library

Detail view of a statue depicting Benjamin Franklin on the Lyceum Building between windows. Signs for businesses in the building are seen including Danielson Newspaper Advertising and Franklin Books.

Lumber wagon

Lumber wagon

Providence Public Library

Side view of a cart loaded with a large stack of lumber, drawn by two horses. Brick buildings are seen in the background.

Louis A.R. Pieri

Louis A.R. Pieri

Providence Public Library

Image shows Louis A.R. Pieri, an ice hockey and basketball coach. Pieri sits at a table with a beer bottle and plate of food in front of him.

Looking north across Cove

Looking north across Cove

Providence Public Library

Rooftop view, looking north over railroad tracks and freight yard, Providence Cove being filled in by cranes, and buildings in the distance.

Looking north across Cove

Looking north across Cove

Providence Public Library

Rooftop view, looking north over railroad tracks, Providence Cove being filled in by cranes, and buildings in the distance.

Looking East up Swan Ave. from Norton's Boatyard

Image shows boats dry-docked in a lot in Norton's Boatyard. Swan Avenue runs through the center of the photograph. Shops on Thames Street are visible at the end of Swan Ave.

Lonsdale Company Bleachery

Lonsdale Company Bleachery

Providence Public Library

Composite image of the Lonsdale Company Bleachery in Lincoln, Rhode Island. The bleachery was run by Goddard Bros., Agents. The photo attempts a panoramic view of the mills by combining two photos; one is black and white and the other is sepia.

Long Wharf, Newport

Long Wharf, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows Franklin Lunch Room and a shooting gallery on Long wharf. A horse is center left.

Long Wharf, Newport

Long Wharf, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a chop house (left) and Newport Grinding Machine Co. (right) on Long Wharf. The Chop House has clapboard and shingle siding. Building has damage to its siding and many window panes are broken or missing. Three cars are parked in front of the shops.

Long Wharf, Newport

Long Wharf, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows shops on waterfront and sailboats docked at Long Wharf.

Long Wharf, Newport

Long Wharf, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows waterfront shops at Long Wharf. Building materials, befris and a large mound of dirt are in foreground. Sailboats are docked at pier in harbor.

Long Wharf, Newport

Long Wharf, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows buildings and dry-docked boats at Long Wharf. A railroad station and town of Newport are in background.

Long Wharf, Newport

Long Wharf, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a horse-drawn carriage in front of storefronts on Long Wharf. Signs advertise for a stationary and souvenir shop, pub and lobster shop.