Museum of Work & Culture
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.
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
THE LANDMARK MEDICAL GALLERY
Current Exhibit
CURRENT: The Heart of Wattayai by Vimala Phongsavanh is an exhibit of photographs and family keepsakes that traces one family’s story of loss, strength, and migration—from a village in Laos to the mill towns of Rhode Island. Centered on Phongsavanh’s grandmother, Khamhoth, the exhibit honors her quiet courage through war, displacement, and rebuilding a new life in America. It also uplifts the collective resilience of Woonsocket’s immigrant families and confronts a history often forgotten: the Secret War in Laos. Join Phongsavanh as she discusses the exhibit, which will be on display in the Museum’s Landmark Medical Center changing gallery from January 9 to February 28.
WISH WALL
The Museum of Work & Culture invites the community to participate in a Wish Wall, a nationwide initiative capturing Americans’ hopes and dreams for the future. Visitors can add a personal wish for the nation, state, or city — from small acts of kindness to big visions for change — to a frame loom, weaving their wishes into a colorful community tapestry.
The initiative, coordinated by Made By Us and rolled out nationwide across dozens of museums, libraries, parks, community hubs, and gatherings, creates a powerful experience for individuals to participate in envisioning – and then shaping – the future. Visitors can also add their wishes online at OnOur250th.org, hosted by a collective of 25 museums.
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.
RENTING THE MUSEUM
The Museum of Work & Culture is an ideal place to hold a variety of functions and events. From bridal to baby showers, and business meetings to award dinners, the Museum can accommodate groups of up to 60 people for a sit-down meal, and up to 100 for casual gatherings. Please call Anne Conway at 401-769-9675 or email aconway@RIHS.org for rental information.
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.
- Discover the history of the Blackstone River by visiting Flowing Through Time, our new, state-of-the-art interactive exhibit.
Did You Know?
- Our exhibits are presented in both French and English.
- Many Woonsocket mill baseball teams produced great players, including Hall of Famer Napoleon 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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Feb22
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Mar8
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Mar22
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Mar29
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. Please call Anne Conway at 401-769-9675 or email aconway@RIHS.org for rental information.
Tickets
Adults: $10
Seniors (62+), Veterans, and Students: $8
Children under 10: FREE with adult
RIHS Members: FREE
EBT Cardholders: FREE (up to four individuals per EBT card)
Groups of 10 or more: $8 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.