Museum of Work and Culture

06/17/2026

⚽ As excitement builds around the 2026 FIFA World Cup, discover the stories that helped shape soccer in America right here in the Blackstone Valley.

Opening tomorrow, June 18 - How Immigrants Became Icons: The History of Soccer in Rhode Island traces 141 years of local soccer history through photographs, artifacts, and stories of the players, clubs, and communities that made Rhode Island a powerhouse of the early game.

From the mill workers who brought football to the Valley in the 1800s to the professional stadium rising in Pawtucket today, this new exhibit explores Rhode Island's lasting impact on the sport.

On view at the Museum of Work & Culture beginning June 18 through September 7.⚽

The exhibit, created by Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, is part of the Ocean State 2026 Rhode Island Summer of Soccer.

05/14/2026

This Saturday is your last chance to experience Rewoven, our artist-made textile exhibit in the museum’s changing gallery.

Get a preview through this digital zine, but nothing compares to seeing these works in person! https://heyzine.com/flip-book/f4a43a8a53.html /1

05/11/2026

Last week, the Museum of Work & Culture welcomed guests for a special plaque unveiling reception honoring William and Isabella Naismith, founders of the Barnai Worsted Company, the original textile mill business that once operated in the building that now houses the museum.

We were honored to welcome Dr. Robert Naismith, grandson of William and Isabella, along with members of the Naismith family, to celebrate and recognize this important piece of Woonsocket’s industrial history.

Guests also enjoyed viewing artist Andrew Grover’s incredible LEGO model of the Barnai Worsted Company, creatively bringing the historic mill to life. The Lego model will be on display at the museum, and a limited number of miniature models of the Barnai Worsted Mill building are available for purchase at the Museum store.

04/29/2026

!!You won't want to miss this special program at the museum!!

The Rhode Island Historical Society is proud to welcome Richard Kurin, distinguished Scholar and Ambassador-at-Large for the Smithsonian. for the first Newell D. Goff Lecture of 2026. Experience this rare chance to hear from a leading voice of the Smithsonian Institution.

Join us Thursday, May 14 at 6 PM for Representing the Nation: A Look Back at the Bicentennial, held at the Museum of Work and Culture

Kurin, who started his 50-year career with the Smithsonian working on the Bicentennial, will examine key initiatives of the time and the events that shaped them.

✨ Light reception at 5:30 PM
🎟️ Free registration - reserve your spot today : https://www.simpletix.com/e/goff-lecture-representing-the-nation-a-loo-tickets-267541

04/13/2026

📝 Looking for a hands-on summer opportunity in the museum field?

The Museum of Work & Culture is now accepting applications for its paid Richard and Lyse-Anne Lepine Internship! This 13-week, part-time position ($18/hr, 21 hours/week) offers college students the chance to gain real experience in exhibit research, education, public programs, and day-to-day museum operations.

If you’re a Rhode Island college student with an interest in history, museums, or public engagement, this is a great way to build your skills and explore career paths in the field.

Click here to learn more: https://www.rihs.org/jobs/richard-and-lyse-anne-lepine-internship/

03/20/2026

Join the Museum of Work & Culture for an afternoon-long event on Sunday, March 29, celebrating French-Canadian music, food, and culture, featuring performances from Montreal musicians Seán & Maia Dagher, poutine, and more!

03/19/2026

Get ready for a performance that will have you tapping your feet and singing along ⚓🎶

At this year’s Salute to Spring ~ Bonjour Printemps, Montreal musician Seán Dagher brings his energy to the Museum of Work & Culture stage. Known for his powerful sea shanties and global musical influences, from Celtic and French-Canadian traditions to Maritime sounds, Seán has captivated audiences around the world (and millions of listeners online).

Joining him is his daughter, Maia Dagher, whose fiddle playing blends Québécois roots with Appalachian, bluegrass, and Cajun styles for a sound that’s both lively and soulful.

Experience them live during performances at 1:30 PM and 3 PM as part of an afternoon celebrating French-Canadian culture; music, food, family fun, and more.

Get your tickets now at the link in the comment section!

🎥 Get a taste of Seán’s unforgettable style below with one of his iconic sea shanties:

T-SHIRTS !!!! https://seandagher.bandcamp.com/merchhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/seandagherYou can get the songs at https://seandagher.bandcamp.com/releases.Y...

03/03/2026

🎥 There's still time to secure your tickets Ciné-Québec: La Bolduc, this Thursday, March 5th! Join the museum for an evening of Québécois cinema in celebration of the month of Francophonie!

Known to the world as “La Bolduc,” singer-songwriter Mary Rose-Anne Travers Bolduc was a French-Canadian folk musician who blended Irish and Québec styles. Known as the Queen of Canadian Folk Singers in the 1930s, she pioneered Québec's singer-songwriter tradition and is credited with revitalizing the Quebec folk genre in the 20th century.

🎟️ Get your tickets now: https://www.simpletix.com/e/cine-quebec-la-bolduc-tickets-255769

02/26/2026

❄️ The Museum is open today, and has parking available!

02/24/2026

March is around the corner, and the month of Francophonie is less than 1 week away! 🎉 Celebrate French language & culture with the museum starting March 5th!

Kick off the month with Ciné-Québec, featuring a screening of La Bolduc, a biopic of the Queen of French Canadian folk music, as well as a wine and cheese reception.

And you won't want to miss Salute to Spring ~ Bonjour Printemps, an afternoon of live music, poutine, crafts, storytelling, and more!

Be sure to buy your tickets today! https://rihs.simpletix.com/