This March, Engage With French Language & Culture During the Month of Francophonie
(WOONSOCKET, R.I.) – The Museum of Work & Culture, a division of the Rhode Island Historical Society, announces this year’s programming for La Francophonie, a month-long celebration of French language & culture honored each March. Guests can register for all events at rihs.simpletix.com.
What: Ciné-Québec
When: Thursday, March 6 at 6 p.m.
Where: Aldrich House (110 Benevolent St, Providence, RI 02906)
The museum’s Francophonie programming begins with Ciné-Québec, an evening celebrating Québécois cinema, held this year at the Rhode Island Historical Society’s headquarters, Aldrich House in Providence. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a wine and cheese reception followed by a screening of the film Ru. Ru is a drama adapted from acclaimed Vietnamese-born Canadian author Kim Thúy’s award-winning novel of the same name. The film centers on Tinh, a young girl who escapes Vietnam with her wealthy family following the fall of Saigon. After a dangerous sea crossing and a stay in a camp in Malaysia, the family is accepted as refugees in Canada, where they must begin their new life in Montréal. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for RIHS members, and $15 for students and may be purchased at rihs.simpletix.com. This event is presented by the Délegation of Québec in Boston and the Museum of Work & Culture Preservation Foundation.
What: Virtual Valley Talk: French-Canadian Quilts in Rhode Island with Professor Linda Welters
When: Sunday, March 9 at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Valley Talks, a series of biweekly historical lectures, continues on Sunday, March 3, at 1:30 p.m. with a virtual presentation by University of Rhode Island Professor Linda Welters exploring the quilting culture of French Canadians who left Canada to live and work in Rhode Island. The presentation will be drawn from a book co-edited with Margaret Ordoñez, Down by the Old Mill Stream: Quilts in Rhode Island, and exhibitions of French-Canadian quilts Welters and Ordoñez co-curated. Quilts made by French Canadians in Rhode Island will be featured. Admission to the Valley Talk is free, but registration is required. Guests can register online at rihs.simpletix.com. The Museum’s 2025 Valley Talks series is presented by the Museum of Work & Culture Preservation Foundation and the RI AFL-CIO.
What: “All-Things-French” Trivia
When: Thursday, March 20 at 6 p.m.
Where: Ciro’s Tavern (42 Cherry St, Woonsocket, RI 02895)
Gather a team and test your knowledge on Thursday, March 20th at 6 p.m. at “All-Things-French” Trivia, a competition featuring trivia highlighting the diversity of the Francophone world hosted by Ciro’s Tavern in Woonsocket. Guests will travel the globe with questions testing their knowledge of the various countries and cultures that make up the Francophone diaspora while enjoying a spread of Ciro Tavern’s most popular appetizers. Prizes will be awarded to the winning teams. A cash bar will also be available. Tickets are $25 for General Admission and $20 for RIHS members and may be purchased at rihs.simpletix.com.
What: Virtual Valley Talk: St. Ann’s: Towers of Faith and Family with Paul Bourget
When: Sunday, March 23 at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Valley Talks, a series of biweekly historical lectures, concludes on Sunday, March 23, at 1:30 p.m. with a virtual presentation by Paul Bourget exploring the history of St. Ann’s Church in Woonsocket. St. Ann’s Church has been called “America’s Sistine Chapel,” with over 20,000 square feet of magnificent fresco paintings. Bourget, co-author of Towers of Faith and Family, will share what he learned in researching the frescoes, including the subject matter of the frescoes and the artistry of its creator Guido Nincheri. As part of the presentation, Bourget will relate personal stories of the people who lived, worshiped, and became part of the artistry of St. Ann’s Church. This talk will be presented virtually through Zoom. Admission to the Valley Talk is free, but registration is required. Guests can register online at rihs.simpletix.com. The Museum’s 2025 Valley Talks series is presented by the Museum of Work & Culture Preservation Foundation and the RI AFL-CIO.
What: 2025 RI Francophonie Flag Raising
When: Thursday, March 27 at 3 p.m.
Where: State Room, Rhode Island State House (82 Smith St, Providence, RI 02903)
The public is invited to join the League of Francophone Organizations of Rhode Island, state leaders and Francophone dignitaries as they gather to celebrate French language and culture in Rhode Island. The event will take place in the State Room of the RI State House on Thursday, March 27, at 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
What: Salute to Spring ~ Bonjour Printemps Concert
When: Sunday, March 30, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Blackstone River Theatre (549 Broad St, Cumberland, RI 02864)
Join the Museum of Work & Culture on Sunday, March 30th, for its annual Salute to Spring ~ Bonjour Printemps concert, hosted at the Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland. Grosse Isle, a traditional trio that represents the musical best of two great cultures, Ireland and Québec, will perform. Involved in the traditional music scene for more than a decade, Gross Isle carefully curates a musical journey with arrangements featuring uilleann pipes, fiddle, piano, whistle and banjo. Doors will open at 2 p.m., with a sample of poutine, delicious pastries from Wright’s Dairy Farm, and other refreshments available for all guests. The concert will begin at 3 p.m. and will last 90 minutes, with one intermission. Following the concert, the event will conclude with the announcement of the winners of the Museum’s Annual Raffle. Tickets are $30 for adults, $10 for children 5-11, and free for children 4 and under. To purchase tickets, visit rihs.simpletix.com.
The month of Francophonie is made possible by the Délégation of Québec in Boston. Thank you to our generous sponsors Brule, Nault & Hainley, Lepine Financial Advisors, RI AFL-CIO, The Brickle Group, New England Laborers, Bourget & Associates, Paul and Denise Bourget, Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery; with additional support from Council General of Canada, David Soucy, NEARI, Single Source Disaster Recovery Specialist, Inc; as well as, Councilman Dan Gendron, Northern RI Chamber of Commerce, Sheahan Printing, Wealth Management Resources, Inc, Hunter Insurance Company, McGee Re/Max Properties, and L’il General Stores.
The Trump administration is ending the temporary protected status of Haitian immigrants. Back in June, former President Biden announced Haitians would receive temporary protection due the island's violent domestic turmoil. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has announced it will end those protections. 
