Museum of Work & Culture
Open today from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
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.
In addition to our permanent exhibits, the Museum also offers a variety of special events and programs throughout the year, which can be found below or on the Events & Program calendar. The Museum offers free School Tours for schools & universities, home school families, educational groups (such as scout troops), and all-ability day programs, as well as discounted Group Tours for pre-schedule groups of 10 or more people. Click here to learn more about School Tours. You can schedule a tours by contacting Jordan Jones, Education and Program Assistant at jjones@rihs.org or by telephone at (401) 769-9675 x4.
Become a part of the Museum’s dedicated team of volunteers and help provide educational programming and support special events.
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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Mar30
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Apr4
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Apr5
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Apr27
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May2
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May18
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
Unless otherwise noted for program. - 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
- 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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
Parking is located in front of the museum, as well as in the municipal lot across the street.