Museum of Work and Culture
IN OUR CHANGING GALLERY
Over the twentieth century, Woonsocket’s six theaters–the Laurier, the Bijou, the Rialto, the Music Hall, the Park, and the Stadium–hosted a dazzling variety of acts, including vaudeville, Francophone performers, blockbuster film, live performance, and “eggrolls and jazz.” Hollywood Comes to Woonsocket reveals the city’s history as a prime destination for national and international performers. On display through February 15, 2023.
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 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.