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

Corrigan's Drugstore

Corrigan's Drugstore

Providence Public Library

View of the window display of Corrigan's Drugstore, advertising Be-Be-Co Straw Hat Dye.

Corliss engines

Corliss engines

Providence Public Library

View inside a factory of a component of a Corliss steam engine, showing a gears and chains attached to a large wheel that extends into a notch in the floor. A large steam engine is seen in the background.

Corliss engines

Corliss engines

Providence Public Library

View of a large steam engine inside of a warehouse or factory. Stairs are seen up the sides to different controls on the steam engine.

Corliss engines

Corliss engines

Providence Public Library

View of a large steam engine inside of a warehouse or factory, showing two large identical pistons with a wheel in the center. Stairs are seen up the sides to different controls on the steam engine.

Cooper & Sisson

Cooper & Sisson

Providence Public Library

Cooper & Sisson storefront, seen from the opposite side of the street. Crates of products are under an awning, visible are eggs and coffee.

Convict ship (Success)

Convict ship (Success)

Providence Public Library

Convict ship Success at dock. Businesses are visible on the pier behind the ship.

Convict ship (Success)

Convict ship (Success)

Providence Public Library

Convict ship Success at dock. Businesses are visible on the pier behind the ship.

Continental Band

Continental Band

Providence Public Library

A group of men, standing in a line, with two in the front holding drums. Men further back in the line have removed their jackets, and two have their arms raised. The group is in a field, with trees seen in the background.

Construction Site

Construction Site

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of the construction of a building. Construction materials and equipment are on the construction site.

Construction of Post Office

Construction of Post Office

Providence Public Library

Image shows the construction of a U.S. Post Office in Providence, RI. Workers and cranes are visible on the construction site.

Construction of Point Street Bridge

Construction of Point Street Bridge

Providence Public Library

Image shows the construction of the Point Street Bridge on the Providence River. A crane stands on a barge below the bridge.

Construction of a Structure

Construction of a Structure

Providence Public Library

Image shows a crowd gathered around the construction of a structure. Men place long planks of wood on a ramp like frame.

Constitution (Frigate) at Newport

Constitution (Frigate) at Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a detail of the bow of the USS Constitution in Newport Harbor. The bow has ornate decorative details. An anchor hangs from the bow.

Constitution (Frigate) at Newport

Constitution (Frigate) at Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the USS Constitution (right) and a steamboat in Newport Harbor. Small boats are visible in the background.

Constitution (Frigate) at Newport

Constitution (Frigate) at Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a detail of the Larboard side of the USS Constitution in Newport Harbor. Rigging, cannons and the great cabin are visible.

Constitution (Frigate) at Newport

Constitution (Frigate) at Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a detail of the bow of the USS Constitution in Newport Harbor. The bow has ornate decorative details. An anchor hangs from the bow.