museum of work and culture

A very eye opening history that is a perfect example of what happens when industry lures people from their homes with the promise of a better life and then abandons them when they are no longer sufficiently profitable.The lesson here completely translates into todays corrupt corporate structure.The French Canadians were promised a new life and prosperity in this country during the industrial revolution.They were offered transportation here,not realizing they would have to pay back the cost of resettling out of their own wages.They worked horrific hours in hot factories with terrible working conditions for many years until the unions were formed.A very few individuals made out like bandits while workers lived in relative poverty.When cheaper manufacturing methods were invented,these factories left this city behind to ruin.Sound familiar?This is a more a story of human beings than machines and the culture that was created around the mills.The museum itself is exceptionally well laid out and the staff at the front desk are very informative.I particularly enjoyed sitting in the recreated classroom and looking through yearbooks from various schools in the area.The story of the local unions is also fascinating.The Museum of Work and Culture is the best attraction in the city of Woonsocket and a must for children and adults who want a glimpse into the not so distant past.They also have a great gift shop!We bought a framed piece of local art at a bargain price.

Located in Woonsocket, RI, the Museum of Work & Culture is an interesting walk through the history of labor in our country, with a focus on the mill towns of Rhode Island in the 1800's and 1900's. This is a great way to learn how our ancestors fought for the rights we enjoy as workers today. It takes about one hour to walk through the museum. In addition, if you collect the National Park Passport Stamps, there is one at this location.

I could spend hours here! Maybe because my family is from the area and was part of the great French-Canadian migration. The museum is fascinating, and in the schoolroom upstairs I was able to my find many of my relatives in the local yearbooks they have on display.

The museum documents the mill towns and workers from the 1700s and 1800s. The Blackstone River Valley was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in America. (Previously it had been exclusively in Great Britain.)There are many displays of artifacts as well as paintings. Unfortunately, in most cases, you will need to read the descriptions in order to understand what you're seeing. If you're lucky, there will be a movie presentation or guide to provide a context.

This museum of work and culture is very educational and gives in depth detail of the industrial revolution.

I have been to the museum and enjoyed the experience very much. Do you have copies of the book "The French in Rhode Island: A History? It covers a lot of information found in the museum.Loupneige.

This museum is a real gem and quite unique. The museum focus is the rich heritage of the mill town of Woonsocket and the role the city played during the 1800s and early 1900s. As you visit each exhibit you learn how the people lived, worked and fashioned a strong ethnic French culture. Each exhibit is historically accurate with recreations of school rooms, factories, homes, artifacts, machinery, tools, furnishings, and a voice narrative that activates when you enter each exhibition area. The museum also has a gift shop stocked with local authors works along with Woonsocket and Canadian memorabilia. If you're in this area dinning at a local restaurant, make this museum part of your visit to Woonsocket.

I stopped in for area info and maps. It's always good to talk to the locals. The Tourist Info Center is attached to the museum and the two women at the desk - both named Irene - were very friendly and helpful. The Irene who loves the mountains is a wealth of knowledge and knows her history. If I am ever back in the area I will check out the museum.

The museum does a wonderful job of sharing the city's mill history. It also hosts speakers has a nice Labor Day open house (free day) to share it's "wealth" of knowledge. Friendly and informative staff and volunteers.

Having lived in this area I can honestly say this is the closest to the real thing. Visiting is like stepping into the past, not to be missed if you want to see life as it was in this area.

The museum is located in an old mill building and has done a remarkable job of recreating the life of the early immigrants that came down from Canada. The layout of the building makes it easy to follow the life progression.

It is a beautiful historical place to visit. It reminds you that you ancestors migrated from Canada to come here and how hard they had to work. The textiles were the main source of work years ago and it shows when the union came it. It also shows prohibition time. I think it is a great place for all to visit if they are passing through Woonsocket.

Who new that a little Gem of a place was right here in Woonsocket, the Museum is the history of the French Canadiens who came down to work in the mills and make a better life for themselves. Yet it could really be the histories of any relative from anywhere in the world who came here for the very same purpose. Great for the kids too.

This is a small museum done well. It engaged our 12 year old, teenager, us, and my parents. You move through a time line of environments that are animated by video or audio. This visit is a great compare and contrast for anyone visiting Newport RI as this represents the other 99%.

If you are French Canadian, this is a must. Walks you through the movement of people from Canada to the wool factories in Woonsocket and nearby.