I’m a Canuck (pronounced KUH-nook)

Rhode Islanders don’t get out much. We (not-so-jokingly) say, “If I’m driving from Woonsocket to Westerly, I’d better pack an overnight bag!”

Woonsocket to Westerly is 57 miles.

“I’m not driving ALL THE WAY to Providence to go to a bar.”

It’s nine miles.

Leaving the state is challenging for Rhode Islanders because our roots are planted very deep. I’m the third generation of my family born in Woonsocket.

Woonsocket was known for its French Canadian population. We were a city of Canucks. But we don’t pronounce it like the hockey team. Or the rest of the world. We put the accent on the other syllable.

WOONSOCKET: KUH-nook

REST OF WORLD: kuh-NUCK

And yet, I’d never been to the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket, despite the fact that it’s housed in the former mill building my grandfather worked his whole life.

SPOILER ALERT: Tiny opted to stay in the car.

My overall impression was that it’s pretty cool. But you’ve got to give yourself a couple of hours. There are video exhibits that take some time. And I got to chatting with a couple of the very friendly and helpful volunteers. Who, as it turns out, are mothers of former high school classmates. Small world.

Go to the museum. See how my city was built. Throw a few bucks in the donation box. Check out the interesting books in the museum shop.

And, by the way, it’s “wuhn-SAH-kit” not “WOOOON-sock-it.” There, now you sound like one of us.