Valley Talks return on January 7!

Join the Museum of Work & Culture in the new year on a journey around Woonsocket, our state, and the world as Valley Talks return in-person for the first time in three years! Hosted on alternating Sundays at 1:30pm, you won't want to miss a single talk!

Registering for each talk by clicking the titles listed below!

January 7: Making the French Connection: Industrial Architectural Heritages of Woonsocket, Roubaix, and Tourcoing with Jonathan Bell

At the turn of the 20th century, Woonsocket became the perfect American city for several French and Belgian textile companies to expand their operations leaving a global and architectural legacy.

January 21: Village Shaker, Puzzle Maker: Creating the Documentary Series Slatersville with Christian de Rezendes

Filmmaker Christian de Rezendes presents his story of the decade-long process of creating his award-winning documentary series Slatersville: America's First Mill Village, which premiered on Rhode Island PBS in the Fall of 2022.

February 4: Making Art History with Gage Prentiss and RIHS Executive Director Dr. C. Morgan Grefe

Discover Edward Bannister’s history and legacy from RIHS Executive Director Christiana Morgan Grefe, followed by sculptor Gage Prentiss detailing his inspiration and process in creating this tribute.

February 18: Making History Alive: The Work of Historical Re-Enactors with Paul and Denise Bourget

Living historians and re-enactors do not simply buy and wear costumes that resemble the period. Join Denise and Paul Bourget as they discuss the process and dedication of becoming Civil War re-enactors and returning to one of the country’s most difficult periods.

March 4: Mille Après Mille and Making a New Franco-American Identity with Pierre Lavoie

In his book Mille après mille, historian Pierre Lavoie takes a fresh look at how early 20th-century Francophone celebrities helped shape the collective identities of Francophones in Quebec and New England.