Today, I visited a great little museum in the city where I was born and grew up.  The Museum of Work and Culture is located in Woonsocket, RI.  Although small, this museum is packed tight with information, exhibits, photos and videos on the life, faith and work of the people of Woonsocket and other mill cities of Rhode Island.  We spent about two hours going through the museum.  There are reproductions of a farm house from Quebec, the facade of a local church, the inside of a woolen mill’s machinery, a two decker home that you can enter the living room, a school room with statues of a Priest and Sister who give a lesson and take questions.  The desks, blackboard and the works will bring back many memories to anyone who attended Catholic Schools of old.  There is also the re-creation of the Industrial Trade Unions meeting hall and a real box car that was sent from the French people, filled with gifts in thanksgiving for U.S. aid after World War II.  These things and more will give the visitor a great view of the faith, work, culture and life of Rhode Islanders during the industrial revolution and beyond.

The museum is well worth the visit.  If you are from the area, or just passing through, make the extra effort to visit the Museum of Work and Culture, you won’t regret it.

Another link on the museum with more information.