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

Admiral Esek Hopkins Monument

Admiral Esek Hopkins Monument

Providence Public Library

Image shows a crowd surrounding the Admiral Esek Hopkins Monument in Hopkins Square. Servicemen in uniform stand saluting at the foot of the monument. St Ann Catholic Church is visible in the background.

Academy Cove, Wickford

Academy Cove, Wickford

Providence Public Library

Image shows houses around Academy Cove in the Wickford Village of North Kingstown. A low stone wall lines the cove.

Abraham Whipple

Abraham Whipple

Providence Public Library

Photograph of a framed painting of Abraham Whipple, 1733-1819, First Commodore of the United States. The painting is mounted in front of a map.

Abraham Whipple

Abraham Whipple

Providence Public Library

Photograph of a framed painting of Abraham Whipple, 1733-1819, First Commodore of the United States. The painting is mounted in front of a map.

Abandoned Cars

Abandoned Cars

Providence Public Library

Image shows two cars abandoned on the side of a dirt road. A man is examining a mirror on the driver's side of the car in foreground. A large body of water and bridge is visible in background.

9 Views of Lincoln Woods State Park

9 Views of Lincoln Woods State Park

Providence Public Library

Image shows a view of Lincoln Woods State Park in Lincoln, RI. Trees grow around a large rock formation. Fallen leaves cover the ground.

9 views of Lincoln Woods

9 views of Lincoln Woods

Providence Public Library

Image shows a pond in Lincoln Woods State Park. Trees grow on a hill in the background.

9 views of Lincoln Woods

9 views of Lincoln Woods

Providence Public Library

Image shows a pond in Lincoln Woods State Park. Trees grow on a hill in the background.

9 views of Lincoln Woods

9 views of Lincoln Woods

Providence Public Library

Image shows a pond in Lincoln Woods State Park. Trees grow on a hill in the background. A small stone cottage sits next to the pond.

4-H Rhody Riders

4-H Rhody Riders

Providence Public Library

Rows of the 4-H Rhody Riders on parade on horseback in a field, carrying flags. Crowds of spectators are seen in the foreground.

4-H Rhody Riders

4-H Rhody Riders

Providence Public Library

Rows of the 4-H Rhody Riders on parade on horseback in a field, carrying flags. Crowds of spectators are seen in the foreground.

265 Washington Street

265 Washington Street

Providence Public Library

Front view of a house from the opposite side of the street, where Abraham Lincoln stayed in 1860 and demolished 1951-52.

265 Washington Street

265 Washington Street

Providence Public Library

Front view of 265 Washington Street, a large house with two front doors, where Abraham Lincoln stayed in 1860. A fire escape connects all the windows on the front of the building.

20 Willow Street, The Point, Newport

20 Willow Street, The Point, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a house at 20 Willow Street in the Point neighborhood of Newport, RI. Children sit on the front steps of the house and a doll carriage stands on the sidewalk. The house has a saltbox roof, clapboard and shingle siding.The house was located at the southeast corner of Second and Willow Streets. It was demolished and eventually replaced.

107th Signal Company, R.I. National Guard

According to the print's label, the photograph depicts five members of the 107th Signal Company of the National Guard standing and kneeling in a field, with two tripods and a square flag. Small buildings are seen in the background. A researcher has suggested that it may in fact depict a five-man Signal Detachment (see "Rhode Island's Early Defenders" by J. J. Richards, p. 71).