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

Laurel Hill Yarn Company

Laurel Hill Yarn Company

Providence Public Library

Composite image of the Laurel Hill Yarn Company in Pascoag. The top image is in a rectangular shape and features a building with a central tower. The bottom image is in an oval shape; it shows a two-storied building and a larger stone building along a body of water.

Lauderdale Building

Lauderdale Building

Providence Public Library

Photograph of the Lauderdale Building on Westminster Street. The Arcade is seen on the left of the frame and three businesses are visible: Ryan & Co., Child's, and Sea Grill Restaurant.

Larner Building

Larner Building

Providence Public Library

Photograph from opposite corner of street of the Larner Building. Businesses visible are Bond Dentist, a music store, Jones & Spencer, and Providence Medical Institute. Several people are seen standing on the corner.

Large tree

Large tree

Providence Public Library

View form up a hill in a mowed field of a woman wearing a bonnet standing underneath a large, wide tree. She is reaching out to touch a low branch.

Lanphear Machine Company

Lanphear Machine Company

Providence Public Library

Photograph of the Lanphear Machine Co. machine shop in Phenix. Notes on back mark the location as Harris, RI (Coventry) and Phenix, RI (West Warwick)

Ladd Observatory

Ladd Observatory

Providence Public Library

Front view of Ladd Observatory. Two people stand underneath an umbrella in front of the building.

La Salle Academy

La Salle Academy

Providence Public Library

Image shows the La Salle Academy building. The brick and stone building has a large front stairs.

Kinsley Building

Kinsley Building

Providence Public Library

Kinsley Building seen from the opposite corner of the street. Businesses in the building include Smart's, Regal Shine Co., The Vocalion Co., and Laskey's. A church is seen in the background.

Kingstown Rd. Interchange

Kingstown Rd. Interchange

Providence Public Library

Aerial view looking north of Kingtown Road and the interchange onto Route 95. The roads are surrounded by wooded areas and fields.

Kingston Congregational Church

Kingston Congregational Church

Providence Public Library

Front view of the Kingston Congregational Church, seen from the opposite side of the street. The church is surrounded by trees and an iron fence is seen in the foreground.

King Street and Kent County jail

King Street and Kent County jail

Providence Public Library

The Kent County jail, a large stone and wood building, seen through a stone bridge over a dirt road. Power lines run along the road and the bridge, and a man is seen passing beneath the bridge.

King Street and Kent County jail

King Street and Kent County jail

Providence Public Library

The Kent County jail, a large stone and wood building, seen through a stone bridge over a dirt road. Power lines run along the road and the bridge, and a man is seen passing beneath the bridge.

Kentish Guards on parade

Kentish Guards on parade

Providence Public Library

Members of the Kentish Guards in uniform standing in formation on a lawn. Multiple flags are held by members in the front row.

Kentish Guard

Kentish Guard

Providence Public Library

Members of the Kentish Guard in uniform marching out of their armory, led by flag bearers. The entrance is flanked by columns and reinforced wood panels, and letters above the door read Kentish Guards 1774.

Kentish Guard

Kentish Guard

Providence Public Library

Members of the Kentish Guard in uniform marching out of their armory, led by flag bearers. The entrance is flanked by columns and reinforced wood panels, and letters above the door read Kentish Guards 1774.

Kendall Mfg. Co.

Kendall Mfg. Co.

Providence Public Library

Side view of a wagon advertising Soapine, a product of Kendall Mfg. Co. The wagon is painted on all sides with images and descriptions of Soapine's use. A row of buildings is in the background.

Kendall Mfg. Co.

Kendall Mfg. Co.

Providence Public Library

Image of a man in a horse-drawn carriage, standing in front of a stone wall with gate. Reverse of photo reads, "Kendall Mfg. Co., Prov."

Kaniksu, Fishing Boat

Kaniksu, Fishing Boat

Providence Public Library

Image shows the fishing boat "Kaniksu". Fishermen are visible on the rear deck. The driver of the boat leans out a cabin window.

Kaniksu, Fishing Boat

Kaniksu, Fishing Boat

Providence Public Library

Image shows the fishing boat "Kaniksu". Fishermen are visible on the rear deck. The driver of the boat leans out a cabin window.

Kaniksu, Fishing Boat

Kaniksu, Fishing Boat

Providence Public Library

Image shows the fishing boat "Kaniksu". Fishermen are visible on the rear deck. The driver of the boat leans out a cabin window.

Kaniksu, Fishing Boat

Kaniksu, Fishing Boat

Providence Public Library

Image shows the fishing boat "Kaniksu". Fishermen are visible on the rear deck. The driver of the boat leans out a cabin window.

Just fishing

Just fishing

Providence Public Library

View from the shore of a young girl sitting on a fishing basket at the edge of a pond, with a fishing rod made from a straight branch and string.

Julia Ward Howe House

Julia Ward Howe House

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Julia Ward Howe House in Newport. The house is three stories and has clapboard siding and a gambrel roof. A cellar door is open on the side of the house.

Julia Ward Howe House

Julia Ward Howe House

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Julia Ward Howe House in Newport. The house is three stories and has clapboard siding and a gambrel roof. A cellar door is open on the side of the house.

Judge Luigi DePasquale

Judge Luigi DePasquale

Providence Public Library

Portrait of Judge Luigi DePasquale standing by the fireplace in the old State House office with a book.