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

Broad Street

Broad Street

Providence Public Library

Street cars travelling on Broad Street near an arch marking the entrance to Jenks Park. Trees line both sides of the street.

Broad Street

Broad Street

Providence Public Library

Broad Street lined with trees and houses, and horse-drawn carts in the background.

Broad Street

Broad Street

Providence Public Library

Broad Street seen from Trinity Square, showing a wide street lined with trees and houses.

Broad Street

Broad Street

Providence Public Library

Street view of pedestrians and horse-drawn carts along Broad Street looking east.

Broad Street

Broad Street

Providence Public Library

Street view of pedestrians and horse-drawn carts along Broad Street looking east.

Broad and Dorrance Streets

Broad and Dorrance Streets

Providence Public Library

View of people posed in front of businesses in a brick building from the opposite corner of the street. Signs advertise Church, Metcalf & Co., G & S. Owen, Manufacturing Jewelers, H. Armington & Co. Hardware & Jewelers Supplies.

Bristol, Fall River Line

Bristol, Fall River Line

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Bristol in open water. Crowds of passengers are visible on the upper three decks. A rowboat with four figures rows in foreground of photograph.

Bristol Ferry Road

Bristol Ferry Road

Providence Public Library

View across a corn field, before crops have started growing, toward houses, farms, and a bridge over Narragansett Bay.

Bristol Ferry Light

Bristol Ferry Light

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Bristol Ferry Light house on shore overlooking water.

Bristol Ferry Light

Bristol Ferry Light

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Bristol Ferry Light at Bristol Point. A rocky beach is in foreground.

Bristol Armory, Bristol

Bristol Armory, Bristol

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Bristol Naval Reserve Armory from the Bristol Harbor. There are boats in the water and on land next to the armory.

Bridgeport

Bridgeport

Providence Public Library

View from a grassy bank across a narrow body of water at fishing boats moored at docks, with buildings and cars behind the docks.

Bridge Over Providence River

Bridge Over Providence River

Providence Public Library

Image shows horse pulled carts traveling across the Point Street Bridge, a metal bridge, over the Providence River. Wharves and industrial buildings are visible on both sides of the river. Providence Coal Company and Olney's Coal (117 South Water Street) are visible in the background. Boats are docked along the wharves.

Bridge construction near Dyer Ave.

Bridge construction near Dyer Ave.

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of bridge construction with Dyer Avenue in the foreground. Industrial buildings are also seen in the foreground, and residential buildings in the background.

Bridge construction

Bridge construction

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of mills and houses in Pawtucket. The Division Street Bridge over the river through the city is seen, next to supports for Route 95 under construction.

Brick Market House, Newport

Brick Market House, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows figures standing outside the Brick Market House. Shop merchandise is on display on sidewalk.

Brick House

Brick House

Providence Public Library

Image shows a three-story brick house with a gambrel roof. Vines grow up the exterior of the house. The house has two dormer windows and a portico on its front. A large tree grows in front of the house. A dirt road runs through an open gate in the foreground.

Brick Building

Brick Building

Providence Public Library

Image shows a large brick building. The building has a portico and a bell tower. A man walks on the sidewalk in front of the building. Trolley tracks run through the street.

Brick Building

Brick Building

Providence Public Library

Image shows a large brick building. The building has a portico and a bell tower. A man walks on the sidewalk in front of the building. Trolley tracks run through the street.

Brick Building

Brick Building

Providence Public Library

Image shows a large brick building. The building has a portico and a bell tower. A man walks on the sidewalk in front of the building. Trolley tracks run through the street.

Brenton's Reef, Newport

Brenton's Reef, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a family on rocks at Brenton Reef. An elderly woman sits on the rocks with her legs extended and has her left arm wrapped around a child who is squatting next to her. Waves are crashing against the rocks and the rocks behind the family are wet.