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

Burnham by the Sea, Newport

Burnham by the Sea, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the mansion Burnham by the Sea, also known as Seaview Terrace and the Carey Mansion. A car is parked on the circular driveway near front entrance way.

Burleigh (George S.) House

Burleigh (George S.) House

Providence Public Library

A group of people posing outside on the lawn of a house covered in ivy. Several people are holding tennis rackets.

Bullock's Point

Bullock's Point

Providence Public Library

Children playing on a swing set at Bullock's Point. A carousel is seen in the background.

Building New Seawall

Building New Seawall

Providence Public Library

Image shows construction site of seawall. Newport Harbor is partially frozen.

Bryant College

Bryant College

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of Bryant College, showing a large parking lot in front of the campus. Woods and a pond are seen in the background.

Brush Neck Cove

Brush Neck Cove

Providence Public Library

Image shows a wooded area near Brush Neck cove.

Brown University, rear campus

Brown University, rear campus

Providence Public Library

View towards Waterman Street from the Brown University College Green quadrangle of rear of University Hall and the Haffenreffer Museum on the left, trees, and people spread out walking across the grass.

Brown University, front campus

Brown University, front campus

Providence Public Library

View towards Waterman Street from the Brown University green with the front entrance of University Hall and the Haffenreffer Museum beyond on the right and rows of trees.

Brown University Outing Reservation

Brown University Outing Reservation

Providence Public Library

View from the rocky shore of Brown University students at a pond surrounded by trees. Several are in rowboats, two stand on the dock, and two sit on the rocks on the shore.

Brown University front campus

Brown University front campus

Providence Public Library

View of large brick buildings behind a row of trees on the Brown University front campus, seen from the opposite side of Prospect Street. The buildings are, from left to right, Manning Hall (just a small corner is visible), University Hall, Slater Hall, Rhode Island Hall.

Brown University dining hall

Brown University dining hall

Providence Public Library

View of students and faculty at tables in the Brown University dining hall. In the background food is being served cafeteria style.

Brown University commencement

Brown University commencement

Providence Public Library

View of a marching band following a man in graduation robes passing through Van Wickles Gate on the Brown University campus. Spectators are seen on both sides of the procession.

Brown University commencement

Brown University commencement

Providence Public Library

View of a procession of men in academic robes during Brown University commencement. Crowds of spectators are seen in the background, as well as campus buildings (Sayles Hall is at right).

Brown University

Brown University

Providence Public Library

Composite photograph of four views of buildings at Brown University. The buildings are labeled, clockwise from top left, Maxey Hall, Lincoln Field, Gymnasium, Sayles Hall, Wilson Hall, Library (today's Robinson Hall).

Brown University

Brown University

Providence Public Library

Image shows the campus of Brown University at the intersection of Waterman and Prospect Streets. Hope College and Manning Hall are visible behind an iron fence. A horse and carriage are stopped next to the Hope College building.

Brown University

Brown University

Providence Public Library

View of a row of buildings behind bare trees on Brown University's campus, seen from the east side of Carrie Tower at the corner of Waterman & Prospect Streets. Several people are seen walking across the grass. The buildings are, from left to right, Hope College, Manning Hall, and University Hall.

Brown University

Brown University

Providence Public Library

Composite photograph of four views of buildings at Brown University. The buildings are labeled, clockwise from top left, Maxey Hall, Lincoln Field, Gymnasium, Sayles Hall, Wilson Hall, Library (today's Robinson Hall).

Brown University

Brown University

Providence Public Library

View across a quadrangle, dotted with trees, of a row of buildings at Brown University. The buildings are, from left to right, Slater Hall, University Hall, Manning Hall, and Hope College.

Brown University

Brown University

Providence Public Library

View of Brown University campus from the opposite side of the street, showing buildings behind a row of trees and a fence. The building at left behind the trees was originally a library, but has been known has Robinson Hall since its 1946 renovation.

Brown Univ. Physics laboratory

Brown Univ. Physics laboratory

Providence Public Library

Interior view of a person in the Brown University physics lab, adjusting knobs while surrounded by equipment.

Brown Street

Brown Street

Providence Public Library

Street view of houses and trees down the length of Brown Street.

Brown football team

Brown football team

Providence Public Library

The Brown University football team posing in uniform with a stuffed Kodiak bear at the goalposts of their field.

Brown & Sharpe Mfg. Co.

Brown & Sharpe Mfg. Co.

Providence Public Library

Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Co. plant and its workers seen from the opposite side of the street.

Broadway, opposite City Hall, Newport

Broadway, opposite City Hall, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows shops along Broadway opposite City Hall. People walk along sidewalks and horse-drawn carts and carriages are in street. A sign for roller skating is on center shop.

Broadway United Presbyterian Church, Providence

Image shows the Broadway United Presbyterian Church on the corner of Broadway and Pallas Streets in Providence, RI. The white church has two towers and stained glass. Two children stand on sidewalk outside the entrance to the church. Church no longer stands.

Broadway North from Washington Square (Peanut Joe)

Image shows shops along Broadway. Iron fence around Washington Square is in foreground. Two men stand with a cart in front of fence. Figures walk along sidewalks and horse-drawn carts are in street.

Broadway North from Bull Street, Newport

Image shows horse-drawn carriages and trolleys on Broadway. A young boy stands foreground right. Shops and houses are on either sides of Broadway.