In Woonsocket, the Museum of Work and Culture provides some great insights into life in a mill town through the experience of immigrant workers, particularly the French Canadians from the farms of Quebec who made Rhode Island their home. The best way to get to know their descendants is to visit on Columbus Day weekend for the annual Autumnfest, featuring live entertainment, carnival rides, a parade and fireworks. Woonsocket is 14 mi/22 km north of Providence.