We're excited to introduce you to Anya Wilczynski, our new Director of Volunteers & Community Engagement. Anya is originally from Ashburnham, MA, but is happy to now call Worcester home! With her previous experience in heritage area programming and nonprofit operations and her background in historic preservation, Anya is excited to dive into all things Blackstone Heritage Corridor and work with volunteers and community members to discover and enjoy all that is great in this region. Feel free to drop Anya a line to introduce yourself and tell her what you love about the Blackstone Heritage Corridor! 

2024 Year in Review

Join us on a visual journey through 2024! We covered a lot of ground with many hikes throughout the Valley, made the world a better place by volunteering at many sites, and traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the Blackstone Valley. We thank our many volunteers and partners for a great year!

Watch video here.

Volunteer Spotlight: Betty Mencucci

Meet our volunteer, Betty Mencucci. She serves as a Cemetery Conservation Ambassador and is president of the Burrillville Historical and Preservation Society.

Betty came into the office recently to claim her free National Parks Pass that she earned by serving 250+ hours this past year. She recorded 551 volunteer hours!

Betty is hosting a volunteer activity for MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 20. She is looking for help organizing the archives for the Burrillville Historical and Preservation Society.

MLK Day of Service

Monday, January 20, 2025

Several organizations are looking for volunteers to serve on MLK Day on January 20.

If you would like to host volunteers, reach out to Bonnie Combs at bcombs@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org.

Register to volunteer here: https://bit.ly/mlkvol25.

Worcester Magazine Spotlights Volunteers Joe and Joanne Johnson

Read about this extraordinary couple and how volunteering has brought them comfort and connection.

Click here.

The Legacy Campaign: Reimagining Our Future

The Blackstone Heritage Corridor shares inspiring stories of cultural evolution in partnership with dozens of local organizations and communities. Through signage, interpretive panels, brochures, exhibits, five heritage centers, and a cadre of passionate volunteers, we honor the past as we look to the future. Learn about our Legacy Campaign here.

Old Slater Mill is closed for the season. Click here for visitor information.

Superb Owl Bird Walk

Saturday, February 8, at 2 p.m.

1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI

Before settling in to watch the Super Bowl, take some time to enjoy the nature world on our "Superb Owl" Bird Walk! Take a walk with a local birder and a park ranger to explore Blackstone River State Park. Learn about the best places to look for birds in this season and what you can do to protect raptor species, including owls and hawks. Learn more here.

Winter Hike Series

Take a hike with us this winter!

During the months of December, January, and February, rangers will lead outdoor hikes throughout the Blackstone Valley. Enjoy the crisp area and explore new or familiar territory during the colder months.

Find the details at nps.gov/thingstodo/winter-hikes.htm.

Parked at Home Virtual Series

Thursdays, March 6 through April 10 at 7 p.m.

March 6 – Minute Man National Historical Park

March 13 –Rocky Mountain National Park

March 20 – Saratoga National Historical Park

March 27 – Carlsbad Caverns National Park 

April 3 – Valley Forge National Historical Park

April 10 - Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

Registration link coming soon!

Internship Opening: Community Engagement Ambassador with the Latino Heritage Internship Program

Internship Opening: Fish and Feathers Internship Program