Join us for a group bike ride on the Blackstone River Bikeway in Lincoln, RI, on Saturday, September 24, with Ranger Tim from Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park as we celebrate National Public Lands Day and National Bike Your Park Day. For more info and to RSVP, visit https://bit.ly/BikeYourPark2022.
Photo of the Blackstone River Bikeway in Lincoln, RI, by Rebecca Murray.
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Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor |
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September Sampler -- Events Around the Valley |
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Museum of Work and Culture
Labor Day Open House
Saturday, September 3
10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
42 S. Main St., Woonsocket, RI
Join the Museum of Work & Culture, a division of the Rhode Island Historical Society, as they celebrate Labor Day with free admission and events for the whole family. Learn more about the day's special activities at https://fb.me/e/2t58Fu0yA.
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Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival
Saturday, September 3
Festival Pier, Pawtucket, RI
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Learn the History of New England Apples
The Sutton Historical Society, Inc. will host Christie Higginbottom, Garden Research Historian, on Tuesday, September 6, at 7 pm in the First Congregational Church, 307 Boston Road, Sutton, MA.
Her presentation entitled “An Infinite Variety of Fruit”: Historic New England Apples will explore the roles played by apples at the table and on the farm landscape in the past and will celebrate the revival of interest happening today.
Sutton Beauty, painted by Deborah Passmore-Griscom 1840-1911.
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Night Sky Program
Friday, September 9
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
River Bend Farm, 287 Oak St., Uxbridge, MA
Free!
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Pawtucket Arts Festival
September 9 - 18
The Pawtucket Arts Festival celebrates the City’s creative and cultural life by presenting vibrant arts events throughout the month of September to Pawtucket residents and visitors to the Blackstone River Valley. Learn more at https://www.pawtucketartsfestival.org/.
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ZOSIA: Immigration and Industry in Grafton, MA -
a Polish Immigrant's Perspective
a re-enactment and PowerPoint presentation by author Helen Rawinksi Blazis
Thursday, September 15
7:00 p.m.
Asa Waters Mansion,123 Elm Street, Millbury, MA
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Season One will premiere on September 16, with a new episode to follow every Friday evening at 8 pm through October 21. Season Two will premiere in 2023 on a date to be determined.
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Pirates on the Blackstone
September 16 to October 30
Central Falls Landing
Are you ready to become a pirate? Excitement, surprises, and shanty singing are all in store for you aboard The Explorer. This 20-minute journey is great for children of all ages and includes a FREE GIFT and fun activities on shore. Come fully dressed as a pirate to increase the fun! Click here for tickets.
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Hopedale Day in the Park
Saturday, September 17
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North Smithfield Great Pumpkin Festival
Saturday, September 17
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Burrillville Arts Festival 2022
Saturday, September 17 & Sunday, September 18
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18th Annual stART on the Street - Worcester
Sunday, September 18
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6th Annual Apple Festival at Daniels Farmstead - Blackstone
Sunday, September 18
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National Bike Your Park Day
Saturday, September 24
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Meet at Capt. Wilbur Kelly House
1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI
Celebrate National Bike Your Park Day with Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park! Ranger Tim will take us on a guided ride along the Blackstone River Bikeway and Canal Towpath as we ride to the Pratt Dam. The approximate round-trip distance is 5 miles.
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National Public Lands Day
Saturday, September 24
Family Hike at West Hill Dam
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
West Hill Dam
518 East Hartford Ave., Uxbridge, MA
Join us while we learn about nature and explore the trails and pond at West Hill Dam with Ranger Viola in celebration of National Public Lands Day! This easy hike will be about 50 minutes and between ¾ of a mile to one mile. For questions about this walk or weather conditions, please contact Molly at Mcardoza@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org or 508-234-4242.
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Great Road Day
Saturday, September 24
Hearthside House
667 Great Road, Lincoln, RI
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Group Ride
Sunday, September 25
10 AM - 1 PM
Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center, Worcester
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Antique Truck, Tractor, and Car Show at Daniels Farmstead - Blackstone
Sunday, September 25
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Historical Walking Tour of Whitinsville with Ken Warchol
Saturday, October 1
10 a.m. to Noon
Pre-registration required.
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Get Your Events on Our Calendar! |
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Share your events with us by listing them on the Blackstone Heritage Corridor's events page.
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Get on the Water with BRWC/FOB |
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Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone presents Connecting with Canoes
Saturday, September 17
Saturday, October 15
Come and enjoy a canoe adventure on the Blackstone River. No experience is required. Meet at 100 New River Road, Manville, RI, at 9:00 a.m.$30.00 per person. Instruction, equipment, and guides are provided. Wear good water shoes and bring water. RSVP at 401-644-3215.
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Congrats to the Blackstone Valley Paddle Club on 22 Years! |
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Cheers to the Blackstone Valley Paddle Club on finishing its 22nd season. The Paddle Club is a Blackstone River Valley Volunteers-In-Parks program and volunteers lead public paddles on Tuesday evenings between May and August. The 2023 season begins May 10, 2023. Learn more at http://www.ricka-flatwater.org/bvpaddlers.htm.
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The Blackstone Valley Paddle Club at Lincoln Woods State Park. Photo by Cheryl Thompson. |
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Let's Hit the Hiking Trails! |
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Save the dates for hikes with BHC Trail Ambassador Ernie Germani!
Sunday, November 6: Historic Providence (second half) - details coming soon!
Friday, November 25: Wolf Hill, Smithfield, RI
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New Hikes in Massachusetts
led by new BHC Trail Ambassador Phil Johansen
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Second Saturday Hikes With the North Smithfield Heritage Association |
Join the North Smithfield Heritage Association for its History and Nature Walks series on the second Saturday of each month at 9:30 a.m.
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Nominations Open for John H. Chafee Heritage Awards |
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The John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor (BHC) is seeking nominations for John H. Chafee Heritage Awards. This award honors individuals or groups who have worked on projects, programs, and institutions that promote the cultural heritage and the preservation of natural areas and strive to enrich the quality of life in the Blackstone River Valley.
BHC established the award to honor the late Senator John H. Chafee and recognize citizens and organizations whose work in the Blackstone Valley embodies Chafee’s vision and ideas. Recipients have included community leaders, preservation heroes, business partners, environmental advocates, or students whose achievements resulted in public benefit.
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Thank You ZAPsters for ZAP50! |
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Thank you, Blackstone Valley, for making history....One More Time! In celebration of the 50th anniversary of ZAP the Blackstone, partners came together to plan a watershed-wide cleanup on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The goal was to rally 10,000 volunteers like they did in 1972. While the final numbers aren't in just yet, the work that was accomplished by volunteers from all over (and even outside) the watershed is phenomenal, and we hope to keep that passion and enthusiasm going!
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Blackstone River Revival ZAP 50 Celebration |
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In addition to live music, food trucks, and informational vendors, Ranger programs will be offered on the half-hour, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (meet in front of Old Slater Mill). You can also pop into the Old Slater Mill Bell Tower between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to see artifacts, including machinery. |
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News from Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park |
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“IT’S ABOUT TIME...”
What does Labor Day mean to you?
For more than a century, people have honored the contributions of workers in the United States on Labor Day. Many people are not always free to celebrate on the holiday, however, and there is a long tradition of gathering to enjoy rest and leisure on other surrounding days of rest.
Join us for a weekend of special tours, meditation, music, and picnicking in the shadow of America’s first cotton spinning mill. There will be special programs at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark from September 2-4, 2022, all free of charge.
In addition to picnic tables onsite, there will be a tent and yard games. The RI Spinners Guild will be onsite to explain traditional spinning practices. All visitors are invited to participate in a public art project. Please feel free to bring your own blankets and chairs.
Note: The Labor Day holiday will be observed on the site and there will be no programs on Monday, September 5, 2022. The grounds will be open from dawn to dusk.
Visitor Center: 10 AM – 4 PM
Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet, watch the park film, and explore exhibits.
Pack a Picnic: 12 PM – 2 PM
Pack a picnic and a blanket, and bring the whole family for old-timey games, music, and other activities.
Move and Recharge: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Participate in a free Contemplative Dance Practice session. This group activity combines meditation and movement (created by Barbara Dilley and offered locally by Nikki Lee).
Bring your own blanket, yoga mat, or cushion to be comfortable on the ground. When you arrive, arrange your cushions underneath the trees in the picnic area on the side of Old Slater Mill. This program is offered in partnership with Metamorphosis Dance Company.
Guided Tours
Special 45-minute ranger-led tours will be offered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. These tours are presented in lieu of the usual program of general mill tours. See historic artifacts and learn about the history of work inside Old Slater Mill. No reservations are needed.
10:30 – Strike!
Join Ranger Jillian Forrester as she investigates the history of America's first wage earners strike. Led by 102 women weavers working in Pawtucket, this strike lasted for over a week in the spring of 1824. Learn about the ways people navigated challenging working conditions 200 years ago and discuss the legacy of the strike.
12:30 – Who’s Scared of Slater Mill?
Hark! Do you hear the factory bell? In 1833, Thomas Man wrote a rambling, scathing poem (“Picture of a Factory Village”) about the harsh realities of work in local factories. Join Ranger Mark Mello for a tour built around Man’s lengthy and lyrical critique of the mill system. Together, we will explore the gothic history of the village of Pawtucket, separating truth from fiction.
2:30 – Slater Mill and the Slave Trade
Colonists in Rhode Island played a major role in the global slave trade. When local investors sought to invest in manufacturing in the 1790s, their mills also became part of the world’s cotton economy. Learn about Rhode Island’s gradual emancipation laws and the Black laborers who made the industrial boom in Pawtucket, RI, possible. Led by Ranger Allison Horrocks.
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River Bend East Songwriters Workshop
Thursday, September 8
6:30 p..m. to 8 p.m.
Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark
67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI
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This free program will be led by Mark Cutler, a singer, songwriter, and director of The Same Thing Project. Mr. Cutler is a RI Music Hall of Fame inductee.
Special thanks to Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Pawtucket Arts Festival, Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, and The City of Pawtucket.
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Press Play Pawtucket
Thursday, September 15
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark
67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI
Come Relive the Past!
Free Event - silent films and live music. See historical footage of Pawtucket parades, dances, pet show, archeological digs, river cleanups, and more!
Bring a chair or blanket. Rain Date of September 16, 2022 - same time and place. Follow the Facebook event for updates: https://fb.me/e/2PM8UnHip.
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Come Relive the Past!
Free Event - silent films and live music. See historical footage of Pawtucket parades, dances, pet show, archeological digs, river cleanups, and more!
Bring a chair or blanket. Rain Date of September 16, 2022 - same time and place. Follow the Facebook event for updates: https://fb.me/e/2PM8UnHip.
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NEW JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM! |
Looking for a fun, family-friendly activity to do at your local national park?
The theme for this program is revolutions.
Every page of your activity set is in the shape of a circle. Learn about waterpower, water cycles, what clothing is made of, the history of time, and much more.
Get started at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark, 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI.
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Visit Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark
Through December 3, 2022
Thursday - Sunday
10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM
(except for 09/02, 09/03, 09/04, and 09/10)
Join a Park Ranger on a tour of the mill that started the American Industrial Revolution. These 30-minute guided tours investigate the historical significance of Slater Mill and what valuable lessons the building is still teachings us. For more info, visit nps.gov/blrv. Free admission. The visitor center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Meditation and Movement at the Mill
On select Saturdays through fall 2022, Metamorphosis Dance Co. will be presenting free meditation and movement workshops at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark. Join them for Contemplative Dance Practice (CDP) from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
CDP combines meditation and movement. Bring a blanket, yoga mat, and your own cushions to be comfortable on the ground. When you arrive to the mill, arrange your cushions around the edges of the space.
This practice was created by Barbara Dilley. Nikki Lee will facilitate at Slater Mill. There are no fees to participate and no need to register.
Dates: September 3, September 10, September 17, September 24, October 1, October 8, October 15, October 22, October 29.
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Self-Guided Tours on the NPS Mobile App |
Do you plan on visiting Slater Mill or Slatersville? If so, check out Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park's new self-guided tours.
These audio tours are available on the NPS Mobile App. The Mobile App can be downloaded for Apple or Google phones. Once on the app, choose Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, then select self-guided tours.
More self-guided tours will soon be available for the Blackstone River State Park and Ashton, Whitinsville, and Hopedale.
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Do you enjoy learning about the history of the Blackstone River Valley? Subscribe to the park's YouTube page to see recordings of past programs, episodes of Along the Blackstone, and more.
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"Explore, Discover, Protect, and GO!"
The Junior Ranger motto is recited by children around the country, each taking an oath of their own to protect parks, continue to learn about parks, and share their own ranger story with friends and family. Here in the Blackstone River Valley, Junior Rangers are called GearHeads. What's a GearHead, you might ask?
GearHead (n.): a kid, powered by the gears in their brain, who explores nature, discovers history, protects the environment, and goes on adventures throughout the Blackstone River Valley.
Click through the GearHeads website and claim your Junior Ranger status today! Submit a completed activity, and we'll send you a Junior Ranger badge!
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Calling All Scouts - Earn a Scout Ranger Certificate or Badge! |
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Click here to learn about the Boy Scout Ranger program. |
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Click here to learn about the Girl Scout Ranger program. |
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Be a Scout Ranger in the Blackstone River Valley!
Scouts and Park Rangers have a lot in common! We are all inspired to act as good stewards of public lands and to learn more about our communities.
Participants in the Scout Ranger program can earn a certificate or a patch.
As a Scout Ranger you will:
- Learn about the mission of the National Park Service.
- Help protect the nation’s natural, cultural, and historic resources.
- Explore and learn about your national parks.
- Achieve unique recognition from the National Park Service.
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Navigate & Explore the Blackstone River Valley
With Our Interactive Map!
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Blackstone Heritage Corridor, working with community partners, provides strong leadership to preserve, promote, and celebrate the Valley’s historic, natural and recreational resources for current and future generations. |
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670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588
(508) 234-4242
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