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

Brenton Cove, Newport

Brenton Cove, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Beacon Rock mansion built on the top of rocky cliffs. Brenton Cove is in foreground.

Brenton Cove, Newport

Brenton Cove, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Beacon Rock mansion built on the top of rocky cliffs. Brenton Cove is in foreground.

Boyd's Windmill, West Main Road, Portsmouth

Image shows Boyd's windmill on West Main Road in Portsmouth, RI. Crops grow in front of the windmill, and a farmhouse is visible in the distance. The windmill was moved multiple times and now located on Prescott Farm in Middletown, RI.

Boyd's windmill

Boyd's windmill

Providence Public Library

View from behind a stone wall of a clapboard sided windmill with eight arms and a domed roof. Farm buildings, trees, fields, and walls are seen in the background.

Boyd's windmill

Boyd's windmill

Providence Public Library

View from the road and behind a stone wall of a clapboard sided windmill with eight arms and a domed roof. Farm buildings are seen in the background, and a field is in between the stone wall by the road and the windmill.

Boxing Ring

Boxing Ring

Providence Public Library

Image shows a group of men standing around a boxing ring. Two boxers wearing boxing shorts and gloves stand inside the ring.

Boxing Gym

Boxing Gym

Providence Public Library

Image shows children and men standing at attention facing an American Flag with their hands over their hearts. Police officers stand saluting. They stand inside a boxing gym. A boxing ring in the background.

Boxers

Boxers

Providence Public Library

Image shows two boxers mimic boxing a man wearing a Native American war bonnet.

Boxer

Boxer

Providence Public Library

Image shows a man shaking the hand of a boxer. The boxer wears boots, a robe and a towel around his neck.

Boxer

Boxer

Providence Public Library

Image shows men standing around a boxer. Two men are shaking the hands of the boxer.

Boxer

Boxer

Providence Public Library

Image shows men standing around a boxer. Two men are shaking the hands of the boxer.

Boxer

Boxer

Providence Public Library

Image shows men standing around a boxer. Two men are shaking the hands of the boxer.

Bowen Perkins House

Bowen Perkins House

Providence Public Library

Image shows front a large house with multiple gables, a porte-coch��re, and rounded porch on Bellevue Avenue. Original label may misidentify name of the house.

Bonnet Shores Beach Club

Bonnet Shores Beach Club

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of the Bonnet Shores Beach Club. Sunbathers are on the beach and swimmers in the water. A residential area and Wesquage Pond are visible in background.

Body of Water

Body of Water

Providence Public Library

Image shows a body of water. A marsh is on the left side of photograph. Houses along the waterfront are visible in background.

Body of Water

Body of Water

Providence Public Library

Image shows a body of water. A small building and is in the center of the body of water. A dirt path and trees run in the foreground, next to the water.

Boats Tied in Harbor

Boats Tied in Harbor

Providence Public Library

Image shows boats tied to a damaged pier in the Barrington River. A man is working with ropes on one of the small boats. A house and the Barrington Bridge are visible in background.

Boats on Providence River

Boats on Providence River

Providence Public Library

View from shore of steamboats on the Providence River travelling past businesses including Pomroy Coal Co. and M. Dewing Oyster Dealer.

Boats in Harbor

Boats in Harbor

Providence Public Library

Image shows boats docked at marina in a harbor.

Boats in Galilee Harbor

Boats in Galilee Harbor

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of fishing boats at dock at Galilee Harbor. A parking lot is directly behind the dock. A bridge and houses are seen in the background.

Boats at Pier

Boats at Pier

Providence Public Library

Image shows ships and boats docked at a pier. A ferry is approaching the pier. Passengers are visible waiting on the pier. A restaurant with a sign for 50 cent dinners is on the right.

Boats at Launch

Boats at Launch

Providence Public Library

Image shows boats dry-docked at a launch. A lighthouse is visible in the water in the background.

Boating, Narragansett Bay

Boating, Narragansett Bay

Providence Public Library

Image shows boats in the Narragansett Bay. From attached note: "Outboard motor boating is booming in Rhode Island. Narragansett Bay, a large wedge of saltwater which divides the state, provides many courses for races, or family boat cruises."

Boating, Narragansett Bay

Boating, Narragansett Bay

Providence Public Library

Image shows boats in the Narragansett Bay. From attached note: "Outboard motor boating is booming in Rhode Island. Narragansett Bay, a large wedge of saltwater which divides the state, provides many courses for races, or family boat cruises."

Boathouse

Boathouse

Providence Public Library

View from the water of the boat house at Roger Williams Park, with many people seen gathered on the shore.

Boathouse

Boathouse

Providence Public Library

Side view of the Roger Williams Park Boathouse and the pond that it sits on. A tour boat is seen in the foreground.

Boathouse

Boathouse

Providence Public Library

View from the water of the boat house at Roger Williams Park, with empty rowboats in the foreground.

Boathouse

Boathouse

Providence Public Library

View from the water of the boat house at Roger Williams Park, with empty rowboats in the foreground.

Boathouse

Boathouse

Providence Public Library

Rear view of the boat house at Roger Williams Park.