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

Aerial View of Races, Newport Harbor

Aerial View of Races, Newport Harbor

Providence Public Library

Image shows aerial view of a regatta in Newport Harbor. Sailboats are in harbor foreground and center. A pier connects the Ida Lewis Yacht Club to the mainland.

Aerial View of Providence.

Aerial View of Providence.

Providence Public Library

Aerial photograph of the Market Square area of Providence, RI. Market Square (center), Turks Head (bottom right), and the First Baptist Church in America (top left) are visible in photograph.

Aerial view of Providence at night

Aerial view of Providence at night

Providence Public Library

Nighttime aerial photograph of downtown Providence from where 195 meets the west bank of the Providence River. Lights from cars the streets and highway are visible.

Aerial View of Providence

Aerial View of Providence

Providence Public Library

Aerial photograph of Providence. R.I. State House is in the upper right of photograph and Union Station is at center.

Aerial View of Providence

Aerial View of Providence

Providence Public Library

Aerial photograph of Providence. R.I. The Rhode Island Normal School / Rhode Island College is at far right center, just above the river. The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is at bottom, to the left of center.

Aerial View of Pier

Aerial View of Pier

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of small boats docked at a pier. Sailboats and yachts are in the water in the top half of the photograph. Cars are parked near a building next to the pier.

Aerial view of Pawtucket before Rte. 95

Aerial view of Exchange Street Bridge, mills, government buildings, and houses in Pawtucket. Pawtucket City Hall (137 Roosevelt Street) is in the bottom left corner, a high school (150 Exchange Street, today called William E. Tolman High School) is just left of center, and the Pawtucket Armory (172 Exchange Street) is just right of center

Aerial view of Interchange

Aerial view of Interchange

Providence Public Library

Aerial view looking north of a highway interchange. Houses with large fields surrounded by woods are seen in the foreground, and in the background is a larger town center and a river.

Aerial View of Fire

Aerial View of Fire

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of a fire in a residential area. Smoke rises from two city blocks. The ruins of buildings fill the sites. Cars travel in streets around the fire.

Aerial View of Fire

Aerial View of Fire

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of a fire in a residential area. Smoke rises from two city blocks. The ruins of buildings fill the sites. Cars travel in streets around the fire.

Aerial view of downtown Providence

Aerial view of downtown Providence

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of downtown Providence, overlooking the eastern end of Union Station and Exchage Place, Post Office Square, College Hill, and the Seekonk River in the distance.

Advertising and U.S. Navy

Advertising and U.S. Navy

Providence Public Library

Image shows Admiral E. B. Taylor receiving a framed "Destroyer Men, Men of America" advertisement from an advertising representative. Mayor of Newport, Dean Lewis looks on. The men stand in an office. A desk and chair are behind them, and framed naval portraits hang on walls. "Destroyermen, Men of America, will soon be featured in a nationwide advertising series, and Rear Admiral E. B. Taylor, Destroyer Commander gets an advance look at the full page, multi-colored advertisement which will tell the "sub-hunters" story. Mr. Peter J. Patropoulos, the Liggett & Myers representative who helped prepare the Men of America series, presents a framed copy to the Admiral. Mr. Dean Lewis, former Mayor of Newport looks on. The advertisement will be seen in leading magazines and on major television programs."

Admiral Sims, War College, Newport

Admiral Sims, War College, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows Naval officers including Admiral Sims seated in a car outside the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. Two additional men stand in street.

Admiral Hopkins statue

Admiral Hopkins statue

Providence Public Library

Monument to Esek Hopkins in a park with trees and buildings in the background.