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The Rhode Island Historical Society

The Rhode Island Historical Society

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Museum of Work & Culture

42 South Main Street, Woonsocket RI 02895
Closed today
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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.

Due to COVID-19, we are unable to offer on-site tours at this time. 

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

  • Mar
    7

    Virtual Valley Talks: The Sentinelle Affair

    • MOW&C Valley Talks Series
    • Taking a Stand in RI
    • Virtual
  • Mar
    10

    Smithsonian Affiliations Women's History Lecture Series: Lena Richard and Julia Child: Two Women Who Changed Culinary History

    • francophonie
    • Smithsonian affiliate event
    Proudly Sponsored by
  • Mar
    11

    Virtual Winter Walking Tours: Woonsocket's Franco Landmarks

    • Virtual
    • walking tour
    • woonsocket
  • Mar
    15

    5th Annual Poutine Indulgence

    • food
    • francophonie
    • Virtual
    Proudly Sponsored by
  • Mar
    18

    Streamable Quebecois Films: Grand Cru

    • film
    • francophonie
    • Virtual
    Proudly Sponsored by
  • Mar
    18

    Cine Quebec: Grand Cru with Cheese Tasting & Wine

    • film
    • francophonie
    • Virtual
    Proudly Sponsored by
Hours

We are currently closed until further notice due to the increase in cases of COVID-19.

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Virtual tours are available. Visit our ticketing page for more information.
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
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

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Location & Directions

Museum of Work & Culture
42 South Main Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895

Parking is located in front of the museum, as well as in the municipal lot across the street.

Accessibility
Accessible
Access for Low Vision
Audio Description
More Accessibility Information

    

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110 Benevolent Street
Providence, RI 02906
401-331-8575

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