Step into the story of ambition, resilience, and revolution at the Museum of Work & Culture — where history comes alive on the banks of the Blackstone River. Operated by the Rhode Island Historical Society, this unforgettable destination brings this year’s AASLH theme, “The Work of Revolution,” to life through immersive experiences and powerful personal stories.
Travel back to a time when thousands of immigrants journeyed to Woonsocket in search of opportunity in America’s booming textile industry. From Italy, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, and Syria, families arrived with hope in their hearts — but it was the French Canadians who transformed the city, helping earn Woonsocket the title of “the most French city in America” by 1920.
Experience the courage of La Survivance — the determination to preserve language, faith, and culture against all odds. Walk through a recreated Quebecois farmhouse where animated shadows of the past tell the emotional story of a family deciding whether to leave everything behind for a new life in America.
Then embark on a one-of-a-kind virtual canoe ride along the Blackstone River, witnessing the dramatic transformation of the region before and after the Industrial Revolution. Continue your journey through the 20th century as you follow immigrant families through everyday life — at home, in the mills, at church, at school, and in the community they built together.
As a proud Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum delivers engaging, accessible, and inspiring educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
Join us on September 16, 2026, for a special guided tour experience, complete with a traditional French Canadian catered luncheon served inside the museum’s historic ITU Hall exhibit. Discover the people, passion, and perseverance that shaped the Blackstone River Valley — and continue to inspire it today.
