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

Visiting Japanese Admiral

Visiting Japanese Admiral

Providence Public Library

Image shows an U.S. Naval Admiral posing for photograph with a Japanese Naval Admiral. Both men are unidentified.

Vim

Vim

Providence Public Library

Closeup side view of the sailboat Vim sailing in open water. Members of the crew are working around the boat.

Village of Little Compton

Village of Little Compton

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Little Compton Town Common. The United Congregational Church (1 Commons) is in the foreground right of photograph.

Village of Adamsville

Village of Adamsville

Providence Public Library

Image shows the "Spite Tower" in the village of Adamsville in Little Compton, RI. The surround yard is enclosed by a low stone wall.

Villa Marina

Villa Marina

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Sanford-Covell Villa Marina, also known as the William King Covell III House on Washington Street. Newport Harbor is visible in background.

Viking, Ferry

Viking, Ferry

Providence Public Library

Image shows the "Viking", a ferry at pier. Cranes are visible on a wharf in the background. Sailboats sail in the harbor. From attached note: "Quonset Naval Air Station, R.I. -- Quonset Naval Air Station hosts one of southern New England's largest and best carnivals each year for the benefit of Navy Relief. Tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders join with the civilians and naval personnel at Quonset and the Davisville Construction battalion to make this a success. There are many outstanding exhibits including a score or more of various types of aircraft in use by the United States. Some of the features also include thrilling flying performances by the Blue Angels or other equivalent units from the armed forces. It is an ideal family carnival."

Viking, Ferry

Viking, Ferry

Providence Public Library

Image shows the "Viking", a ferry at pier. Cranes are visible on a wharf in the background. Sailboats sail in the harbor. From attached note: "Quonset Naval Air Station, R.I. -- Quonset Naval Air Station hosts one of southern New England's largest and best carnivals each year for the benefit of Navy Relief. Tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders join with the civilians and naval personnel at Quonset and the Davisville Construction battalion to make this a success. There are many outstanding exhibits including a score or more of various types of aircraft in use by the United States. Some of the features also include thrilling flying performances by the Blue Angels or other equivalent units from the armed forces. It is an ideal family carnival."

Viking, Ferry

Viking, Ferry

Providence Public Library

Image shows the "Viking", a ferry at pier. Cranes are visible on a wharf in the background. Sailboats sail in the harbor. From attached note: "Quonset Naval Air Station, R.I. -- Quonset Naval Air Station hosts one of southern New England's largest and best carnivals each year for the benefit of Navy Relief. Tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders join with the civilians and naval personnel at Quonset and the Davisville Construction battalion to make this a success. There are many outstanding exhibits including a score or more of various types of aircraft in use by the United States. Some of the features also include thrilling flying performances by the Blue Angels or other equivalent units from the armed forces. It is an ideal family carnival."

View of Washington Street, Newport

View of Washington Street, Newport

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of Washington and Walnut Street in Newport, Rhode Island. Houses including the William King Covell III House, also called the Sanford-Covell Villa Marina, and the Common Ground Cemetery are visible.

View of visitors entering Hunter House

Image shows a child taking a photograph of a couple on front steps of the Hunter House. The doorway has two pilasters on either side and a decorative scrolled pediment with a pineapple in center.

View of the Jesse Howard Place

View of the Jesse Howard Place

Providence Public Library

Image shows the house of Jesse Howard in Cranston, RI. The house is built into a hill. A stone wall encloses the yard. A figure is visible near a wooden structure in the background. The house has a sign for groceries above the front door. Jesse Howard 1793-1881 was a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas and the Treasurer of the people's Savings Bank in Providence, RI. Jesse Howard was the father of Henry Howard, the 32nd Governor of Rhode Island.

View of Registry of Motor Vehicles

View of Registry of Motor Vehicles

Providence Public Library

Photograph of the Registry of Motor Vehicles from across a plaza. Two automobiles, one modern (at the time of the photograph) and one antique are prominent in the foreground.

View of Providence River Bridge

View of Providence River Bridge

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of the Providence River Bridge and the Point Street Bridge over the Providence River. Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church and Wickenden Street, and Narragansett Electric Co. building are visible.

View of Providence looking west from roof of Narragansett Electric Lighting building

From Back: View toward W. from Narra. Elec. Lighting Bldg at end of Elm Street.,. Center bottom, tower of Nottingham Mill, corner of Dyer & Ship. At upper left, towers of Sts. Peter & Paul Cathedral; below, Chestnut St. Methodist Church corner of Clifford St. A little rafter right, tower of Central Baptist Church and dome of Round Top Church. At right center, spire of Grace Church.