The Museum of Work & Culture will host a new exhibit titled How Immigrants Became Icons: The History of Soccer in Rhode Island in its rotating gallery beginning June 18. The exhibit, created by The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, is part of the Ocean State 2026 Rhode Island Summer of Soccer.
The exhibition highlights landmark stories, including that of the J. & P. Coats Football Club and the Pawtucket Free Wanderers. Born from the immigrant workforce of Pawtucket’s thread mills, they would go on to become two of the most celebrated clubs in early American professional soccer, with J. & P. Coats Football Club hosting eight U.S. Open Cup Finals at Coats Field on Lonsdale Avenue.
Through historic photographs, period artifacts, and compelling narratives, visitors will walk through 141 years of Rhode Island soccer history — from the muddy mill-town pitches of 1885 to the professional stadium rising in Pawtucket today.
An opening reception will be held on Wednesday, June 17th, from 5:30-7:30.
The exhibit is presented by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council in partnership with the Society for American Soccer History, Heritage Alliance of Pawtucket, Pawtucket Public Library, The Museum of Work & Culture, The Rhode Island Historical Society, Ocean State 26, and Al Daniel.
Guests can register here.