As part of its Welcome Blanket special exhibit programming, the Museum of Work and Culture is excited to host the first book talk in a two-part series. Each talk will feature a local author sharing their own family’s migration journey and how they came to call New England home.
On September 11 at 6pm, learn the story of the Tellier family, as featured in The Way We Were. Written by Rene Tellier, the Tellier family was one of many families who left their homeland to find work in the textile mills of New England. Settling in Woonsocket, RI, they found "le Canada en bas, " the Canada below, where their French-Canadian Culture was preserved in all aspects of their lives. The author’s son, Jim Tellier, as well as his cousins and two of the book’s editors, Bruce Tellier and Janine Tellier Reale, will share their family’s experiences of growing up French Canadian in Woonsocket, and how the two often intertwined and intersected.
Rene Tellier (1930-2019) was born in Woonsocket, RI, attended Mount Saint Charles Academy and, as a Brother of the Sacred Heart, earned degrees as a teacher. He later returned to Mount as a guidance counselor after earning that degree at Boston College. After leaving the order, he continued to counsel students at Norton High School, MA. He was a frequent contributor to The Call and the Valley Breeze. He spent many happy years in North Smithfield, RI with his wife Pat and son Jim.
Following the talk will be a book signing, with the author’s book available for purchase.
Welcome Blanket is made possible with the support of Welcome Blanket and Jayna Zweiman, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, the Blackstone Valley Piecemakers Quilting Guild, and the Blackstone Valley Quilting Company.
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.
Find more Rhode Island Historical Society Events and Community & Culture events in Woonsocket
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