What: Museum of Work & Culture’s Holiday Open House
When: Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10am – 5pm
Where: The Museum of Work & Culture (42 S. Main St., Woonsocket)
Free Holiday Open House at the Museum of Work and Culture
Celebration to Feature Programming and Activities for All Ages
(WOONSOCKET, R.I.) – The Museum of Work & Culture, a division of the Rhode Island Historical Society, will host a free Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 7, from 10am to 5pm.
The day’s program will feature a new exhibit in the Museum’s rotating gallery, the Rhode Island Historical Society’s Winter Toy Display, which will feature classic historic toys and games from the collection of the Rhode Island Historical Society. Visitors and community members will also have the opportunity to submit images of themselves with their favorite toys to be projected as part of the exhibit.Those interested can bring it to the Museum between 10 am and 5 pm to be scanned and uploaded to the gallery. Additionally, photos can be submitted ahead of time online at rihs.org.
At 11am, join artist and curator Brett Day Windham for a talk on dollmaker and entrepreneur Martha Jencks Chase.
Born in 1851, Chase lived her entire life in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, a town founded by her family.
Chase became involved in the social reform movements of the Progressive Era, using her privileged position to improve the lives of others. The Era’s focus on child development–combined with her familial access to the latest advances in medical care–inspired her to make a soft-bodied doll with a molded face that was durable and easy to clean.
The faces were pretty, detailed, and reminiscent of porcelain dolls of the time, but sturdy and practical.
One of Chase’s dolls from the RIHS collection will be on display in the Museum’s rotating gallery. Attendance for the talk is free, but registration is required. Registration is available at rihs.simpletix.com.
Starting at 1pm, as part of the Woonsocket Holiday Stroll, the Museum will host a holiday cookie decorating station, where children can decorate their own cookie with a variety of frosting and sprinkles. Cookies and decorations are available until supplies last.
Finally, at 1:30pm, join the Museum for a Toy Show and Tell.
Guests have the opportunity to bring in a vintage or favorite toy from childhood to celebrate and discuss childhood memories as part of the Winter Toy Display.
Attendance is free, but registration is required. Registration is available at rihs.simpletix.com.
About the Rhode Island Historical Society
The Rhode Island Historical Society, the state’s oldest and only state-wide historical organization, welcomes everyone to engage with Rhode Island’s complex and significant past through its collections, museums, and educational initiatives. Founded in 1822, the RIHS is an advocate for history as a means to develop empathy and 21st-century skills, using its historical materials and knowledge to explore topics of timeless relevance and public interest. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, it is dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible public programming and educational opportunities for all Rhode Islanders through its four sites: the John Brown House Museum, the Museum of Work & Culture, the Mary Elizabeth Robinson Research Center, and the Aldrich House.
The headquarters of the Rhode Island Historical Society are located at 110 Benevolent Street, Providence, RI 02906. Information: (401) 331-8575. Website: rihs.org. Follow the RIHS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.