museum of Work & Culture New york lunch Woonsocket is a city of factories that is almost perfectly divided by the mighty Blackstone River. many of the buildings were woolen textile mills that made uniforms for the military from the Civil War up to World War II. Today, one manufacturer - Northwest Woolen mills - still operates and is the largest woolen blanket manufacturer in America, making army blankets and emergency relief blankets used all over the world. Visitors interested in this type of history should note that the ingenious “ghost Army” tanks used during World War II were, in fact, manufactured here in Woonsocket. more importantly, you will not want to miss the Veterans Memorial Museum. This impressive space houses one of the largest collections of military artifacts in RI and includes weapons, uniforms, medals and readiness gear from the Revolutionary War to today’s military. In the city’s market Square district, the immigrants' story is masterfully told through immersive exhibits at the Museum of Work & Culture. See the lives of these people from a farmhouse in quebec to their work, school, and church life here in Blackstone Valley. market Square also boasts several acclaimed restaurants including river Falls, Christopher’s kitchen, and the famous 100-year-old ye Olde English Fish & Chips. Cross the street and take a peek at the Thundermist dam. These natural falls with a 30’ drop show just how powerful the Blackstone River can be. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, this area was primarily inhabited by the Nipmuc and Pokanoket Native Americans and the term Woonsocket may be derived from a Native American term meaning “thunder in the mist.” For theater and music, head further down main Street to see who may be playing at the famous jazz & blues club, Chan’s, or catch a performance at either the stadium Theatre or rhode island stage Ensemble. your trip to Woonsocket (or Rhode Island for that matter) won’t be complete without seeing the stunning fresco paintings at st. ann arts & Cultural Center. Take a tour to hear the incredible story of this decommissioned church and how it is rightfully described as “America’s Sistine Chapel.” Blackstone Valley Polar Express Train Ride Chan’s Chinese Restaurant and jazz & Blues Club TOuRBlACkSTONE.COm 67