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

Festivities at Indian Church with English sailors participating

A large group of people outside of the Narragansett Indian Church, a small stone building, holding hands in concentric circles. Some people are dressed in traditional Narragansett dress, and others, English sailors, are in Navy uniform.

Festival Field

Festival Field

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of a stage and seating built in an open field. A high wooden fence surrounds the stage, and trailers and tents are seen at the edges of the fence.

Ferryboat in Newport Harbor

Ferryboat in Newport Harbor

Providence Public Library

Image shows "Jamestown" ferry in the Narragansett Bay. Passengers are visible on front and back decks of ferry.

Ferry Conanicut, Newport

Ferry Conanicut, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Conanicut Ferry in Newport Harbor. Passengers are visible on both rear, front, and top decks. Newport is in the background.

Ferry "Newport" Approaching the Dock

Ferry "Newport" Approaching the Dock

Providence Public Library

Image shows the "Newport" ferry approaching the "Newport" ferry landing. Passenger and cars are visible on front lower deck. A worker stands on landing in foreground.

Ferry - Prudence

Ferry - Prudence

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Prudence Island ferry docked with people on upper and lower level docks.

Ferry - Jamestown

Ferry - Jamestown

Providence Public Library

Image shows the ferryboat Jameston in the water. Figures can be seen on the deck.

Ferry - Beavertail

Ferry - Beavertail

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Beavertail ferry in water with buildings in the background.

Federal Hill House School of Music

Federal Hill House School of Music

Providence Public Library

Front view of the entrance to the Federal Hill House School of Music, showing a door with a portico facing an inclined street. A sign on the door identifies it as the school of music.

Federal Building, Post Office

Federal Building, Post Office

Providence Public Library

The Federal Building in Providence, stonework indicates building as Post Office, Court House, and Custom House. Horse drawn carriages, automobiles, and pedestrians are seen outside.

Faxon Lodge, Cliff Avenue

Faxon Lodge, Cliff Avenue

Providence Public Library

Image shows Faxon Lodge, now called Conley Hall and part of the Salve Regina campus. The Tudor style lodge is two stories and has a smaller building to its rear. A figure stands in open window on second floor of the lodge.

Favorite Italian boccia game

Favorite Italian boccia game

Providence Public Library

View of men playing bocce on a flat lawn, including a man pitching a ball. Cars and buildings are seen in the background.

Faunce House

Faunce House

Providence Public Library

Students passing through a Brown University quadrangle, showing Faunce House campus center in the background.

Farmland

Farmland

Providence Public Library

Image shows two farmers driving tractors on a farm. A dump truck is in the right of photograph.

Farmland

Farmland

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of farmlands near a residential area.

Family Portrait

Family Portrait

Providence Public Library

Group portrait of two women, a child and man. The child is seated between the two women. He is barefoot. The man stand behind them. A tropical backdrop hangs behind them. The photograph is printed on a souvenir postcard from Narragansett Pier.

Family Portrait

Family Portrait

Providence Public Library

Portrait of a husband and wife and their two children. The woman and one of the children sit on a platform. The other child stands on the platform and is supported by the man who stands behind the platform.

Family Portrait

Family Portrait

Providence Public Library

Portrait of a husband and wife and their baby. The husband sits on a chair that has built in platform for the baby to sit on. The wife stands next to them.