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

Haying with hand scythe

Haying with hand scythe

Providence Public Library

Close-up view of a person using a hand scythe to cut hay in a field, showing only the person's hands and legs.

Harris, Wm. A., Steam Engine Company

Harris, Wm. A., Steam Engine Company

Providence Public Library

Harris-Corliss Engine Works seen from the opposite side of a canal. The photograph has been altered to depict a street in place of the canal.

Harold S. Vanderbilt

Harold S. Vanderbilt

Providence Public Library

Image shows Harold S. Vanderbilt standing at the helm of a yacht. A sail is behind him to the left.

Handicraft Club, College Hill, Providence

Image shows the Truman Beckwith House, home to the Handicraft Club at the corner of College Hill and Benefit Street. The house is built on a hill and has a fence enclosing its yard.

Hammonton Ferry, Newport

Hammonton Ferry, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Hammonton Ferry in Newport Harbor. Passengers and large truck are visible on front deck.

Hammonton (Ferry)

Hammonton (Ferry)

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Hammonton Ferry in Narragansett Bay. Passengers are visible on front deck.

Halcon, Dutee W. Flint's Yacht

Halcon, Dutee W. Flint's Yacht

Providence Public Library

Image shows a yacht, the "Halcyon" in the water near Newport, RI. The Halcyon was owned by Dutee W. Flint. Passengers are visible on both decks.

Haffenreffer Museum of the American Indian

Interior view of a man in a suit seated at a desk, surrounded by artifacts and sculptures, including one in his hands and displays in glass cases behind him.

H.H. Ashman

H.H. Ashman

Providence Public Library

Exterior view of H.H. Ashman, a coffee business. Four people are posed together at the entrance, and signs for "Ashman House Coffee" are posted. Other businesses are seen on either side of the building, including Wm. Mills & Son, Photographers.

H.G. Martin & Company

H.G. Martin & Company

Providence Public Library

Street view of people outside of H.G. Martin & Co. Automobile Storage & Repairs, a brick building with a wooden garage. A row of automobiles is on the street in front, with a man sitting in one of them.

H. Midwood's Sons Co.

H. Midwood's Sons Co.

Providence Public Library

H. Midwood's Sons Company building, seen from the opposite side of the street.

Gutta Percha Paint Co.

Gutta Percha Paint Co.

Providence Public Library

The U.S. Gutta Percha Paint Co brick building seen from above, showing factory buildings and barrels. Another brick building reading "Rice's Mill White" is in the foreground.

Gun Salute

Gun Salute

Providence Public Library

Image shows sailors firing missiles over Newport Harbor. A warship is visible in the water.

Gum Factory, Third Street

Gum Factory, Third Street

Providence Public Library

Image shows employees standing outside entrance to the L. P. Larson Jr. Chewing Gum Manufacturers Co.

Group Portrait, Women

Group Portrait, Women

Providence Public Library

Group portrait of woman posing on the front steps of a house with a large front porch. Two children are also in the photograph.

Group Portrait, Children

Group Portrait, Children

Providence Public Library

Group portrait of girls sitting on the steps of a house with a large front porch. Two women and another child are visible on the porch.

Group Portrait of Children

Group Portrait of Children

Providence Public Library

Group portrait of three children. Two of the children are sitting on a bench, one holds a ball in his hand.

Group Portrait in front of car

Group Portrait in front of car

Providence Public Library

Tintype shows two men and a woman posing for the photographer in front of a car. The woman stands between the two men.

Group Portrait

Group Portrait

Providence Public Library

Group portrait of five children standing in a yard with a young woman. Two of the girls wear large bows in their hair which partially obscures the faces of the children standing behind them. The back of the photograph reads "To little Golden Hair Louise Martie".

Group Portrait

Group Portrait

Providence Public Library

Image shows six people seated, six people standing behind them and a child on a bicycle in front posing for a group photograph. A second child is visible in the background.

Group Portrait

Group Portrait

Providence Public Library

Group portrait of two men and two women. The women are seated and wear corsages on their coats. The two men are dressed in suits and stand behind them.

Group Portrait

Group Portrait

Providence Public Library

Image shows four men standing together. The men in the center of the center of the group look at each other. The men on either sides wear suits.

Group Portrait

Group Portrait

Providence Public Library

Image shows a large group of people standing along a water bank next to a building. Two horse pulled carts are in the front of the yard. The people look across the body of water towards the photographer.

Group at Party

Group at Party

Providence Public Library

Image shows a group of young adults at a party. Four young men dressed in suits stand around a young woman. The young men hold cigarettes and drinking glasses. The woman wears a polka dot veil, and a heart shaped pin on her dress. She wears several charm bracelets and carries a purse.