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

Boathouse

Boathouse

Providence Public Library

Side view of the Roger Williams Park Boathouse and the pond that it sits on.

Boat Ramp at the Point, Newport

Boat Ramp at the Point, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the boat ramp at on Poplar Street in Newport RI. Photograph was taken from a pier leading to Newport Harbor.

Boat Launch

Boat Launch

Providence Public Library

Image shows boats lying on the ground at a boat launch. Houses are built on a slight hill in the background. A dirt road runs in the foreground.

Boat in Workshop

Boat in Workshop

Providence Public Library

Image shows a boat in the process of being built in a workshop. The boat raised of the ground and tools lay on the ground. A woman sits inside the boat and two men stand on crates behind the boat.

Boat in Workshop

Boat in Workshop

Providence Public Library

Image shows a boat in the process of being built in a workshop. The boat raised of the ground and tools lay on the ground. A woman sits inside the boat and two men stand on crates behind the boat.

Boat Ethelyn, Newport

Boat Ethelyn, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows figure steering the "Ethelyn" in Newport Harbor. A pier and houses are in background.

Boat

Boat

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of a boat, the Capt. Sonny. Fishermen are visible on the boat and one waves to the camera. Rear of the photograph reads: "Coming in at the end of the day after showing there heels to many a craft"

Board of Trade building

Board of Trade building

Providence Public Library

Street view of the Board of Trade Building. Businesses awnings are seen along the street side.

Block Island Settlers' Rock

Block Island Settlers' Rock

Providence Public Library

Image shows close up of Settlers' Rock. Plaque on rock gives brief description and lists names of the original settlers and purchasers of Block Island.

Block Island boat Jamestown Bridge

Block Island boat Jamestown Bridge

Providence Public Library

A deck full of passengers on a boat passing underneath the Jamestown Bridge. The passengers sit in deck chairs, look through binoculars, and stand at the railing.

Block Island boat Jamestown Bridge

Block Island boat Jamestown Bridge

Providence Public Library

A deck full of passengers on a boat passing underneath the Jamestown Bridge. The passengers sit in deck chairs, look through binoculars, and stand at the railing.

Block Island (Steamer)

Block Island (Steamer)

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Block Island steamship. The steamship has side wheels and has a large Block Island flag. Figures on visible on pier the ship is docked at.

Block Island

Block Island

Providence Public Library

Image shows a man looking up at a woman on the porch of a house. A picket fence is in foreground.

Blithewold

Blithewold

Providence Public Library

Front view of Blithewold, a stone mansion seen from underneath large trees and with smaller trees and shrubs in front of the building.

Blackstone Canal, no. 3

Blackstone Canal, no. 3

Providence Public Library

View of a pool of water, underneath power lines, at the former site of the third lock along the Blackstone Canal. A house is seen in the background.

Blackstone Canal

Blackstone Canal

Providence Public Library

View through of a flooded grove of birch trees toward the Blackstone Canal, between Farnumsville and Fisherville.

Blackstone Canal

Blackstone Canal

Providence Public Library

View of the remains of a foundation for a bridge at the Blackstone Canal.

Blackstone Canal

Blackstone Canal

Providence Public Library

View down the length of the Blackstone Canal, north of the Northbridge Station. Broad Pond is seen on the right, behind a row of trees along the canal

Blackstone Canal

Blackstone Canal

Providence Public Library

Front view of an abandoned tavern, a large house with clapboard siding and boarded up windows, located at the beginning of the Blackstone Canal towpath.

Blackstone Canal

Blackstone Canal

Providence Public Library

View down the length of railroad tracks, at the site of the Blackstone Canal, looking northwest beyond the Northbridge Station.

Blackstone Canal

Blackstone Canal

Providence Public Library

View of the remains of a lock along the Blackstone Canal, seen from the bank, with brush on both sides of the canal. The lock is located between Fisherville and Saundersville.

Blackstone Canal

Blackstone Canal

Providence Public Library

View of rocks on the bank of the Blackstone Canal, with brush in the foreground.

Blackstone Canal

Blackstone Canal

Providence Public Library

View down the length of the tow path along the Blackstone Canal, a raised grass covered path, with trees on either side, north of the ice house.

Blackstone Canal

Blackstone Canal

Providence Public Library

View of a flooded stretch of forest, at the site of the Blackstone Canal.

Blackstone Block

Blackstone Block

Providence Public Library

Street view of the Blackstone Block Building. Signs for businesses on the building include Curran & Burton Coal, John R. White & Son, Spencer & Boss Insurance, and Winfield Fuller Company. Cars are seen parked outside.

Blacksmith Shop

Blacksmith Shop

Providence Public Library

Street view of Jim Scele's Blacksmith, a wooden building with trees in the rear. A billboard advertisement is seen on the right of the frame. A newspaper article "An Ancient Smithy" by Robert Wheeler is attached.

Biltmore Hotel

Biltmore Hotel

Providence Public Library

The Biltmore Hotel and neighboring buildings seen from across a plaza.