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

Washington Square at Thames Street Newport

Image shows cars traveling on Washington Square at the intersection of Thames Street. Pedestrians walk in street and on sidewalk. A sign for Old City Hall Hardware Co. hangs on the front of the Old Brick Market.

Washington Row Buildings

Washington Row Buildings

Providence Public Library

The Washington Buildings, as photographed from the opposite side of the Providence River. Businesses visible are Akerman's Blank Book Manufactory; Joseph Knowles's Printing Office; Sweet & Butts Hats, Caps & Furs; Fireman's Mutual Insurance Company; Cranston Print Works.

Washington Buildings, Providence

Washington Buildings, Providence

Providence Public Library

The Washington Buildings, as photographed from the opposite side of the Providence River. Businesses visible are Akerman's Blank Book Manufactory; Joseph Knowles's Printing Office; Sweet & Butts Hats, Caps & Furs; Fireman's Mutual Insurance Company; Cranston Print Works.

Washington Buildings, Providence

Washington Buildings, Providence

Providence Public Library

The Washington Buildings, as photographed from the opposite side of the Providence River. Businesses visible are Akerman's Blank Book Manufactory; Joseph Knowles's Printing Office; Sweet & Butts Hats, Caps & Furs; Fireman's Mutual Insurance Company; Cranston Print Works.

Washington Building

Washington Building

Providence Public Library

Front view of the Washington Building on Washington Row. Visible businesses include American Stationery Co., Geo. H. McFadden & Bros. Agency, and May's.

Washington Bridge Tablet

Washington Bridge Tablet

Providence Public Library

Photograph of a tablet installed on the Washington Bridge in 1930, commemorating its construction.

Washington Bridge

Washington Bridge

Providence Public Library

View across railroad tracks of a railroad bridge, the Washington Bridge, and the Red Bridge.

Warwick Neck

Warwick Neck

Providence Public Library

Hills and fields of Warwick Neck from the roof of the Oakland Beach Hotel. A wooden bridge over a narrow body of water leads from the hotel to a wooded area.

Warwick Avenue

Warwick Avenue

Providence Public Library

View down the length of Warwick Avenue, a four-lane highway with cars travelling in both directions. Buildings and businesses are seen along the side of the road, including Palumbo's Market Garden and a church.

Warships, Newport Harbor

Warships, Newport Harbor

Providence Public Library

Image shows U.S Navy warships in Newport Harbor. Small boats trail the warship.

Warship in Newport Harbor

Warship in Newport Harbor

Providence Public Library

Image shows a U.S Navy warship in Newport Harbor. The decks are crowded with passengers.

Warship

Warship

Providence Public Library

Image shows a warship docked at a pier at Newport Naval Station. Sailors line the decks. Pedestrians stand on the pier and look up at the ship.

War College, Newport

War College, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows Founders Hall, now home of the Naval War College Museum in Newport, RI. An American flag hangs from a tall flagpole in front lawn.

War College, Newport

War College, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows Founders Hall, now home of the Naval War College Museum in Newport, RI. A man walk on path in front of the hall.

Wanskuck Company

Wanskuck Company

Providence Public Library

Aerial photo of the Wanskuck Mill complex. The surrounding neighborhood and river is also seen.

Walter Place

Walter Place

Providence Public Library

Image shows the ruins of a stone wall in a wooded area. The back of the photograph reads "Walter Place, Battle of July, 31, 1676".

Wakefield, Point Judith Pond, Harbor of Refuge, and Block Island

Aerial view looking south showing a school at bottom center (at corner of Columbus & School Streets) and Riverside Cemetery at bottom right corner and other buildings in Wakefield in foreground and Point Judith Pond in background. Point Judith appears at extreme left background. The breakwaters of the Harbor of Refuge are shown. Block Island appears out in the Atlantic in extreme background.

Wagon in parade

Wagon in parade

Providence Public Library

Street view of a band of people dressed as cowboys riding a horse-drawn wagon. Spectators are seen on the side of the street and in building windows.

W.W. Whipple Company

W.W. Whipple Company

Providence Public Library

Exterior view of the W.W. Whipple Company, advertising "Gold Medal Creamery." A horse-drawn cart for the company is in front of the store, and barrels are seen outside on the street.

W.E. Barrett & Company

W.E. Barrett & Company

Providence Public Library

Photograph of a building housing many stores: W.S. Fifield & Co (chairs and wooden ware). W.E. Barrett & Co. (Agricultural Warehouse) and M.S. Daniels & Co (possibly oils)

W. Alton Jones Campus

W. Alton Jones Campus

Providence Public Library

View of a dirt road along a small pond on University of Rhode Island's W. Alton Jones Campus.

Vue Del'Eau (Steamer)

Vue Del'Eau (Steamer)

Providence Public Library

Full length photograph of the steamboat Vue Del'Eau at dock offering steamboat rides at Crescent Park. Various businesses along the dock in background.

Vue Del'eau (Steamer)

Vue Del'eau (Steamer)

Providence Public Library

Full length photograph of the steamboat Vue Del'Eau at dock offering steamboat rides at Crescent Park. Various businesses along the dock in background.