All industrial & heritage museums to visit in Rhode Island

Explore the impact of industry on society at 8 industrial heritage museums in Rhode Island. These museums showcase the history of manufacturing, technology, and labor.

Are you curious about the history of industry and innovation? These are the top industrial heritage museums in Rhode Island:

  1. Slater Mill Historic Site1

    Slater Mill Historic Site

     Providence, RI
    The Slater Mill, located on the banks of the Blackstone River in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is a historic water-powered textile mill complex. Its design was inspired by the cotton spinning mills that were first established in England. This makes it a significant site for those interested in the history of industrialization and textile manufacturing.
  2. New England Wireless and Steam Museum2

    New England Wireless and Steam Museum

     East Greenwich, RI
    The New England Wireless and Steam Museum is a unique destination for those interested in electrical and mechanical engineering. Located at 1300 Frenchtown Road in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the history and development of these fields. Visitors can explore working steam engines, an early wireless station, and technology archives.
  3. Beavertail Lighthouse3

    Beavertail Lighthouse

     Jamestown, RI
    Beavertail Lighthouse, constructed in 1856, is a significant landmark in Rhode Island. It marks the entrance to Narragansett Bay and is located on the southernmost point of Conanicut Island in the town of Jamestown. The lighthouse stands at a height of 64 feet and is situated in Beavertail State Park. It serves as a navigation aid for boats and ships entering Narragansett Bay in the East Passage between Conanicut Island and Newport, Rhode Island on Aquidneck Island.
  4. Old Slater Mill4

    Old Slater Mill

     Pawtucket, RI
    The Slater Mill, located on the banks of the Blackstone River in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is a historic water-powered textile mill complex. Its design was inspired by the cotton spinning mills that were first established in England. This mill holds a significant place in the history of American industry as it was the first of its kind in the country.
  5. Museum of Work & Culture5

    Museum of Work & Culture

     Woonsocket, RI
    The Museum of Work and Culture, situated in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, is a unique institution that highlights the city's rich textile manufacturing heritage. It provides an in-depth look into the industrial past of the region, making it an interesting destination for those interested in history and culture.
  6. Rhode Island Computer Museum6

    Rhode Island Computer Museum

     Warwick, RI
    The Rhode Island Computer Museum is a vintage computer museum situated in Warwick, Rhode Island. The museum's Learning Lab and display area are located in the lower level of the La-Z-Boy building at 1755 Bald Hill Road, Warwick, RI 02886. This location is where visitors can explore the rich history of the development of computers and digital technology.
  7. Herreshoff Marine Museum7

    Herreshoff Marine Museum

     Bristol, RI
    The Herreshoff Marine Museum, located in Bristol, Rhode Island, is a maritime museum that focuses on the history of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, yachting, and the America's Cup. This museum provides a deep dive into the rich maritime history of the region, showcasing the significant contributions of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company to the world of yachting and the prestigious America's Cup.
  8. Southeast Lighthouse Foundation8

    Southeast Lighthouse Foundation

     New Shoreham, RI
    The Block Island Southeast Light is a significant landmark located on Mohegan Bluffs at the southeastern corner of Block Island, Rhode Island. It was recognized as a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1997, marking it as one of the most architecturally sophisticated lighthouses constructed in the United States during the 19th century. This recognition highlights the lighthouse's historical and architectural importance, making it a notable site for visitors interested in history and architecture.