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How Immigrants Became Icons Opening Reception

  • June 17, 2026 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

  • Museum of Work and Culture

    42 South Main Street
    Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895
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Description

The Museum of Work & Culture will host a new exhibit titled How Immigrants Became Icons: The History of Soccer in Rhode Island in its rotating gallery beginning June 18. The exhibit, created by The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, is part of the Ocean State 2026 Rhode Island Summer of Soccer.  

The exhibition highlights landmark stories, including that of the J. & P. Coats Football Club and the Pawtucket Free Wanderers. Born from the immigrant workforce of Pawtucket's thread mills, they would go on to become two of the most celebrated clubs in early American professional soccer, with J. & P. Coats Football Club hosting eight U.S. Open Cup Finals at Coats Field on Lonsdale Avenue.

Through historic photographs, period artifacts, and compelling narratives, visitors will walk through 141 years of Rhode Island soccer history — from the muddy mill-town pitches of 1885 to the professional stadium rising in Pawtucket today.

An opening reception will be held on Wednesday, June 17th, from 5:30-7:30.

The exhibit is presented by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council in partnership with the Society for American Soccer History, Heritage Alliance of Pawtucket, Pawtucket Public Library, The Museum of Work & Culture, The Rhode Island Historical Society, Ocean State 26, and Al Daniel. 

Date & Time

Wed, Jun 17, 2026 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Venue Details

Museum of Work and Culture

42 South Main Street
Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895 Museum of Work and Culture
Rhode Island Historical Society

The Rhode Island Historical Society, the state's oldest and only statewide historical organization, is dedicated to honoring, interpreting and sharing Rhode Island's past to enrich the present and inspire the future. 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.


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