Museum of Work & Culture
Open today from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
ABOUT THE MUSEUM
The Museum of Work & Culture presents the compelling story of immigrants who came to find a better life in the mill towns along the Blackstone River. Visitors recreate this journey, beginning in a Quebecois farmhouse before making their way to the workday world of Woonsocket at the turn of the century. Guests explore the lives of immigrants at home, work, and school through nine immersive exhibits.
REOPENING THE MUSEUM OF WORK & CULTURE
We are excited to once again welcome visitors and share Rhode Island’s history of resilience, ingenuity, and unity in the face of difficult circumstances, the same qualities that allow our community to persevere today.
Museum Hours
The Museum is open 9:30am-4pm Tuesday-Friday and 10am-4pm on Saturday.
Prior to your Visit
We encourage visitors to reserve tickets in advance of arriving at the Museum, though it is not required.
Please note: If you do not have a reservation, immediate admission to the Museum is not guaranteed at the time of your arrival.
COVID-19 Symptom Screening
Please be sure to review the Self-Screen Symptom list before your arrival. If you exhibit any symptoms or have been exposed to anyone with symptoms, we will ask that you please visit the Museum at a later date.
Masks & Social Distancing
We encourage guests to wear a mask while visiting the Museum, but they are not required. We do ask that all guests maintain at least three feet of distance between themselves and guests who are not members of their party. Masks are required for those participating in group tours, including schools.
Clean Environment
The Museum team will clean shared surfaces, such as handrails and elevator buttons, more frequently. We thank you for your assistance in maintaining a clean space by making use of our hand sanitizer stations and washing your hands in our restrooms.
SCHOOL TOURS & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
The Museum offers free virtual tours for educational groups, including schools, homeschool families, and distance learners. Please see our School Tours page for details about our free virtual tours and educational programs. You can contact us directly with any questions at mowc@rihs.org
ONLINE GIFT SHOP
Our gift shop items are now available online by visiting shopmowc.com. Shop a selection of history books, locally made products, as well as children’s books and games. Visit shopmowc.com.
What You'll See & Experience Here
- Take a seat in the parlor of a 1930s Triple Decker house and listen to a radio program of the day.
- Explore the transformation of this textile city over 200 years on an interactive touch table.
- Discover the story of Rhode Island’s Merci Boxcar.
- Shop a variety of local products, including blankets produced by Woonsocket’s last operating textile mill.
Did You Know?
- Our exhibits are presented in both French and English.
- Many Woonsocket mill baseball teams produced great players, including Hall of Famer Napolean LaJoie.
- 1920, 70% of Woonsocket’s population was of French and French Canadian descent.
- The former Alice Mill on Fairmount Street helped produce the inflatable tanks used by the “ghost army” during World War II.
Events & Programs at Museum of Work & Culture
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Aug1
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Aug15
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Oct19
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Oct26
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Nov2
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Nov9
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday
- 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday
- 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Saturday
- 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Closed: New Year’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Rental Information
The Museum of Work & Culture is a beautifully restored mill in historic Market Square Woonsocket. It is an ideal venue for meetings, receptions, birthday parties, showers, and class or family reunions. Click here for more information.
Tickets
Adults: $8
Seniors (62+), Veterans, and Students: $6
Children under 10: FREE with adult
RIHS Members: FREE
EBT Cardholders: FREE (up to four individuals per EBT card)
Groups of 10 or more: $6 per person with prior reservation
Location & Directions
Museum of Work & Culture 42 South Main Street Woonsocket, RI 02895
Phone: 401-769-9675
Email: mowc@rihs.org
Parking is located in front of the museum, as well as in the municipal lot across the street.