The Blackstone River powered America's entry into the Age of Industry. The success of Samuel Slater's cotton spinning mill in Pawtucket, RI touched off a chain reaction that changed how people worked and where they lived. Learn how this revolution transformed the landscape of the Blackstone Valley and the United States. Old Slater Mill is open Thursdays - Sundays.

Slater Mill, Wilkinson Mill and Brown House at Blackstone River Valley NHP

Slater Mill Site

Slatersville

Blackstone canal outside of the Wilbur Kelly House

Ashton Kelly House and canal

Little Red Shop

Wilkinson Mill interior

Autumn in the Blackstone Valley

Blackstone River Valley

The park grounds are open from Sunrise to Sunset.  

The headquarters are located at Slater Mill
67 Roosevelt Ave
Pawtucket, RI 02860

401-521-7266

Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park

Hiking

People walking up hill. Some wearing orange safety vests

Winter Hikes

<h3 paraeid="{a57e9cd7-6b6b-406b-8ac8-9e764903da38}{183}" paraid="1935544640">Walk into Winter!</h3> 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. Please wear sturdy footwear and comfortable gear suitable for the weather. Many hikes will cover uneven terrain (expect exposed roots, rocks, and mud). Bring your own water and wear orange, particularly during January hikes. Hikes will proceed in the case of light rain, but staff will cancel events if harsh or dangerous conditions are expected. Upon arrival at the starting point, look for signs to indicate parking locations. For all programs, seek additional information and updates/cancellations on our <a href="http://www.nps.gov/blrv">website</a> and <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBlackstoneNPS&data=05%7C02%7CMark_Mello%40nps.gov%7C6d686dd2e07749fee0bd08dce48400be%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C638636502795141699%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5RAmEVjn5qd%2Bpgf7A%2FBC28qq5bsstJ4TvyhR96zW6ZA%3D&reserved=0">Facebook</a>.   <hr /> <h3 paraeid="{54829970-ea67-4d1f-a9e1-10ea71abbf7d}{18}" paraid="903806003">Hike Schedule </h3> <h4>December 21 - Rice City Pond to Overlook (Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation)</h4> Description: Kick off our Winter Hike Series with a jaunt through the woods that culminates in a scenic view of the Blackstone River Valley from Lookout Rock. Details: Coordinates: 42.09966 N, 71.61941 W Parking (GPS): Rice Pond, 390 Hartford Ave E., Uxbridge, MA Length/Miles: 2.5 miles Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Hazards: Exposed roots and rocks   <hr /> <h4>December 28 - Mercy Woods Preserve (Cumberland Land Trust)</h4> Description: Enjoy paths of contemplations as we explore the trails at the Mercy Woods Preserve. This picturesque preserve offers a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Blackstone Valley in winter.   Details: Coordinates: 42.01464 N, 71.41265 W  Parking (GPS): Turn off Wrentham Rd (Route121) on to Sumner Brown Rd. Parking is available on the Right after turning onto Sumner Brown Road Cumberland, RI.  Length/Miles: Roughly 3  Difficulty: Moderate  Hazards: Exposed roots and rocks    <hr /> <h4>January 4 - West Hill Dam (Army Corps of Engineers)</h4> Description: Check out a modern example of water management as we trek over the West Hill Dam and explore trails managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Details:  Coordinates: 42.10423 N, 71.60822 W  Parking (GPS): 518 Hartford Ave E, Uxbridge, MA Length/Miles: 2.5 miles Difficulty: Easy/Moderate  Hazards: *Hunting allowed on site*, exposed roots and rocks     <hr /> <h4>January 11 - Moshassuck River Preserve (Nature Conservancy)</h4> Description: The Moshassuck River served an important role as a connection between the Blackstone River and the bustling seaport of Providence. Join us as we walk along Nature Conservancy trails that give new perspectives on industrial history. Details:  Coordinates: 41.91456 N, 71.44240 W  Parking (GPS): 3 Sherman Ave, Lincoln, RI  Length/Miles: 2.5 miles Difficulty: Easy/Moderate  Hazards: Exposed Roots and Rocks     <hr /> <h4>January 18 - Booth Pond (North Smithfield Conservation Commission)</h4> Description: Booth Pond nature preserve sits in a highly developed area, but it is an important refuge for certain animal species like dragonflies and salamanders. Hike and learn how a fishless pond is still teeming with life. Details: Coordinates: 41.97906 N, 71.50582 W  Parking (GPS):  Booth Pond Way, North Smithfield, RI. (or 11 Dowling Village Blvd)  Length/Miles: 2 - 2.5 miles Difficulty: Easy  Hazards: Some Wet areas and exposed roots    <hr /> <h4>January 25 - Peppercorn Hill (Upton Conservation Commission)</h4> Description: Join us in Upton for our most challenging hike yet. Peppercorn Hill has multiple elevation changes, but the hard work pays off with a picturesque view of the valley. Participants should be in good physical condition and be prepared for a strenuous hike. Details: Coordinates: 42.18460 N, 71.55709 W  Parking (GPS): Parking lot opposite side of road from 55 Crockett Rd, Upton, MA.   Length/Miles: 3.25 miles Difficulty: Difficult  Hazards: Uphill Elevated slopes, exposed roots and rocks    <hr /> <h4>February 1 - Castle Hill Farm (Town of Northbridge)</h4> Description: Join us on an adventure through the lands of Castle Hill Farm in Northbridge, MA. This farm site has a rich history and deep connection to the Whitin family, who made a textile empire in Northbridge. Learn more about this landscape and the links between farms and factories.    Details:  Coordinates: 42.10485 N, 71.66858 W  Parking (GPS): 174 Castle Hill Rd, Whitinsville, MA.  Length/Miles: Roughly 2.5 miles Difficulty: Moderate  Hazards: Slopes and exposed roots    <hr /> <h4>February 8 - Wolf Hill (Smithfield Conservation Commission)</h4> Description: Wolf Hill Forest Preserve offers a look into a quintessential New England landscape. Accompany us as we traverse this rocky terrain to take in the beauty the Blackstone Valley has to offer. Details:  Coordinates: 41.89839 N, 71.54025 W  Parking (GPS): 5 Waterview Drive, Smithfield, RI Length/Miles: 2.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult  Hazards: Some uphill elevation with exposed roots and rocks   <hr /> <h4>February 15 - Hopedale Parklands (Hopedale Conservation Commission)</h4> Description: As one of the six sites that comprise Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, Hopedale played a vital role in the progression of the Industrial Revolution. Citizens of Hopedale have enjoyed the Parklands for over a hundred years, and we invite you to join us as we do the same. Details:  Coordinates: 42.13489 N, 71.54409 W  Parking (GPS): 1 Hopedale St, Hopedale, MA (Parking along pond side of Hopedale Street).  Length/Miles: Roughly 3 miles Difficulty: Easy  Hazards: Exposed Roots     <hr /> <h4>February 22 - Blackall Family and Ballou Farm Preserve (Cumberland Land Trust)</h4> Description: Venture out with us and trek through the Blackall Family/Ballou Farm Preserve in Cumberland, Rhode Island. Explore trails preserved by the Cumberland Land Trust and see remnants of farming communities lost to time.   Details: Coordinates: 41.98340 N, 71.46701 W  Parking (GPS): 3751 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI  Length/Miles: 3.2  Difficulty: Easy/Moderate  Hazards: Some Wet areas with Exposed Roots and Rocks     <hr /> Presented in partnership with: The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Cumberland Land Trust, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Nature Conservancy, North Smithfield Conservation Commission, North Smithfield Heritage Association, Upton Conservation Commission, The Northbridge Conservation Commission, Town of Northbridge, Smithfield Conservation Commission, Hopedale Conservation Commission, and Town of Hopedale.  <hr />

Join a Park Ranger for weekly hikes at varying locations in the Blackstone River Valley from December 21, 2024 - February 22, 2025. Hikes start at 10:00 AM on Saturday mornings. See listing for details.

Industry

Laborer and Worker

Natural Sounds

River and Riparian

Scenic Views

Museum Exhibits

White, two-story house with brick center chimney and green door

Kelly House

Follow Lower River Road until it ends. Turn right, drive over the Blackstone Canal, and then turn left into the parking. The parking lot is located underneath the 116 bridge (Ashton Viaduct).

From the time of Julius Caesar to the nineteenth century, the way humans transported goods changed very little. Beginning with the Industrial Revolution, a revolution in transportation also occured. Over the next century and a half, people went from using vehicles pulled by animals to leaving this planet and going to the moon. The Kelly House Museum of Transporation tells this story. Located in the beautiful Blackstone River State Park in Lincoln, RI, visitors can tour the museum and learn more about the evolution of transportation at this site. The exhibits begin by talking about the natural water crossing which had been used by centuries by indigenous peoples, then the early road system, the Blackstone Canal, the Providence and Worcester Railroad, the modern highway system, and the production of beta cloth for the Apollo Mission Spacesuits which was manufactured in the Ashton Mill.  Once done touring the museum, visitors can walk around the grounds, check out our pollinator garden, and read the interpretive waysides along the Blackstone Canal and the Blackstone River. Stop by the recreated historic barn, just down the old towpath from the museum to see more interesting exhibits and speak to a Park Ranger. The museum is operated seasonally from April 1 - October 31. Check the Park's calendar for events and more information about operating hours and seasons.

Pets are not allowed in the museum. However, they are welcome to walk the grounds as long as they are leashed.

The museum is operated on a seasonal basis. The normal operating season is from April 1 - October 31. Check the Park's calendar for up-to-date information on operating hours and seasons.

Learn the story of the Transportation Revolution by exploring the museum and site. Walk along the river and the Blackstone Canal. Check out the reconstructed historic barn for more exhibits. Ride a bike or walk down the Blackstone Bikeway. There are many ways to explore the site and learn more about the history. Check the Park's calendar for updates on operating hours and events.

Kelly House Museum of Transportation

Dams

Engineering

Geology

Immigration

Factories

Mills

Labor Movement

Migrant Workers

Native American Heritage

Science, Technology and Innovation

Trails

Transportation

Bridges

Canals

Roads, Routes and Highways

Trains and Railroads

Waterfalls

Watersheds

Paddling

Individuals who attempt to paddle the canal should be old enough to safely be in a canoe or kayak, and should be in good health. Paddlers are reminded to always wear personal flotation devices when on the water.

Man in a green canoe paddles down the Blackstone River

Canoeing the Blackstone River

There are numerous locations to begin a beautiful paddle down the Blackstone River or the Blackstone Canal. Visit our Outdoor Activity webpage for more information on where to paddle the Blackstone by <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blrv/planyourvisit/outdooractivities.htm">clicking here</a>. The Blackstone River is a great spot to paddle the canal and river.

The story of the Blackstone River and Canal can be told from many vantage points, but perhaps the best way to experience its history and beauty is on the waterways themselves. The river and canal segments form an interesting and sometimes seamless exploration of the Valley and its industrial heritage where you will discover the dams, canal locks, bridges and other structures that tell the story of “America’s Hardest Working River”. The main stem of the river meanders 46 miles from Worcester, Massachusetts to Providence, Rhode Island through urban landscapes, historic villages, farmlands, and forests. The Blackstone drops an average of almost 10 feet per mile. This drop allowed for the development of the many mills you will see along the way. Today, 18 dams are still in place and presents paddlers with the challenge of several portages in certain stretches of the river. To learn more about where you can paddle on the Blackstone River, visit the<a href="https://blackstoneheritagecorridor.org/exploring-the-blackstone-river-valley/maps-tours-guides/self-guided-paddling/"> Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor's website.</a>

Whether kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding, the Blackstone River and the remaining parts of the Blackstone Canal offer great places to get out on the water. There are numerous locations across the river valley which are great for paddling. Different locations can accommodate beginner and intermediate paddlers. 

Paddling the Blackstone

Animals

Water Trails

Wetlands

Biking

Individuals should be able to bike or walk along the path. Visitors should be in good health and able to bike or walk, and should bring plenty of water, wear comfortable clothes, and should not attempt in poor weather conditions.

This section of the bikeway is about 10 miles long. It is a paved bikepath and is relatively flat for most of it's length. Take into account how fast you bike in order to determine how long it will take you to complete this section of the bikepath. Time for completion will increase as more sections of the bikepath are completed.

People on bikes riding down paved pathway

Biking the Park

One of the easiest places to start on the bikepath is at the Blackstone River State Park. Follow Lower River Road until it ends. Turn right and cross the bridge that goes over the Blackstone Canal. Turn left and park underneath the large bridge in front of you (Ashton Viaduct). The bikepath is located just behind the Kelly House Museum of Transportation.

The Blackstone River Bikeway is a beautiful way to explore the Blackstone Valley, whether by bike or on foot and offers something for everyone to enjoy. With over 24 miles already constructed, the vision is for it to extend 48 miles from downtown Worcester, MA, to India Point Park in Providence, RI. When completed, the Blackstone River Bikeway will serve as an alternate mode of transportation for commuters as well as the region’s premier recreational resource, connecting New England’s second and third largest cities. The Bikeway takes you through the heart of Valley. Peddle past historic mills, workers housing, the Blackstone Canal, the Providence and Worcester Railroad, and of course the Blackstone River itself. A 10-mile contiguous section of the bikepath, running from Woonsocket, RI to Valley Falls, RI is the easiest to access and provides the most options. A great starting point, is the Kelly House Museum of transporation. From there you can ride south for 4 miles or north for 6 miles. To learn more about the Bikeway and to view a map visit the <a href="https://blackstoneheritagecorridor.org/exploring-the-blackstone-river-valley/maps-tours-guides/blackstone-river-bikeway/">Blackstone Heritage Corridor's website by clicking here.</a>

Although the bikeway is open all year around, the bikepath is not cleared of snow in the winter. Bikers should use caution when on the bikepath during the winter months as ice or snow could be covering the path.

The Blackstone River Bikeway is a beautiful way to explore the Blackstone Valley, whether by bike or on foot and offers something for everyone to enjoy. With over 24 miles already constructed, the vision is for it to extend 48 miles from downtown Worcester, MA, to India Point Park in Providence, RI.

Blackstone River Greenway and Bikeway

Architecture and Building

Join a Park Ranger for a 3 - 6 mile bike ride along the Blackstone River Bikeway

Group of cyclists gather wrong a Ranger and wayside panel for a guided bike ride

Bike the Blackstone

Join a Park Ranger for a guided bike ride along the Blackstone River Bikeway. Guided rides begin at 5:30 PM on Wednesdays in July and August. Tours are between 5 and 12 miles in length and are offered at varying locations. Bikes and safety equipment are not provided and must be brought by participants. These programs are FREE and open to the public. Note: Weather cancellations will be noted on this page, the homepage, and on the Park's Facebook page. <hr /> <h4>July 10, 2024 Miles of Mill Villages - Kelly House to Manville</h4> Start and End Point: 1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI Length and Difficulty: 6 miles/Easy Mill Villages were the essential community building blocks during the Industrial Revolution in the Blackstone Valley. Bike through three mill village: Ashton, Albion, and Manville. Learn about the important stories of work, life, and community. <h4>July 17, 2024 - CANCELLED DUE TO EXTREME HEAT Transportation and Train Routes - Blackstone to Uxbridge</h4> Start and End Point: 85 Canal Street, Blackstone, MA Length and Difficulty: approx. 6 miles/Easy Transportation Routes played a key role in the expanding industrial revolution. Bike with us and learn about the numerous railroads that connected the Valley. <h4>July 24, 2024 Wildlife Rehabilitation - Ten Mile River Greenway</h4> Start and End Point: 220 Ferris Avenue, Rumford, RI Length and Difficulty: approx. 6 miles/Easy Bike along the scenic Ten Mile River, and learn about the wildlife that call this unique watershed home. <h4>July 31, 2024 Following the Water Power - Kelly House to Pratt Dam</h4> Start and End Point: 1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI Length and Difficulty: 5.2 miles/Easy Ride along the Blackstone Canal and learn about it's use for transportation and power.  <h4>August 7, 2024 Titans of Industry - Kelly House to Slater Mill</h4> Start and End Point: 1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI Length and Difficulty: 12.6 miles/Moderate (some street travel) Names like Brown, Slater, Kelly, and Wilkinson can be found across the Blackstone Valley. Ride and learn about the leaders in the early years of the American Industrial Revolution. <h4>August 14, 2024 More Train Terrain - Blackstone to Uxbridge</h4> Start and End Point: 85 Canal Street, Blackstone, MA Length and Difficulty: 6 miles/Easy Ride and learn about the Blackstone Valley and the iron horse that powered transportation in the American Industrial Revolution. <h4>August 21, 2024 Legacies on the Landscape - Kelly House to Lonsdale</h4> Start and End Point: 1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI Length and Difficulty: 6.4 miles/Easy Industrialization left lasting scars on the Blackstone River Valley. Ride with a Ranger and learn about the industrialization of this section of the Blackstone River, the effects of pollution, and attempts to restore damaged landscapes. <h4>CANCELLED - August 28, 2024 From Past to Present with Pictures - Kelly House to Valley Falls</h4> Start and End Point: 1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI Length and Difficulty: 8.8 miles/Moderate (some street travel) The medium of photography provides us a with a great lense to view the past. Ride with us as we use photographs and modern landscapes to better understand the legacies of industrialization.

Join a Park Ranger for a guided bike ride.

Exhibits, introductory video, guided tours, and activities available.

Depending on how much time you have and whether or not you go on a guided tour will dictate how long you will spend at the site. Visitors just interested in collecting a stamp, reading through indoor and outdoor exhibits should allow 15 - 30 minutes. If going on a guided tour, tours last around 30 minutes. 

River in foreground with yellow mill and other buildings in distance

Slater Mill Campus

Located just off of Roosevelt Avenue, this location offers a large parking lot.

Come visit the first industrial building in the United States of America. Slater Mill, first constructed in 1793, was a water-powered cotton spinning mill financed by the Brown family of Providence. Samuel Slater, an English immigrant, working with local mechanics, successfully replicated English textile machines here in the United States in 1790. The wooden mill, now named Old Slater Mill, houses a visitor contact station with exhibits. Tours are also offered of the mill by Park Rangers. Operating hours and tours vary by season. Please check the Park's <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blrv/planyourvisit/calendar.htm">calendar</a> for the latest information. The site is also home to the Wilkinson Mill and Sylvanus Brown House. At this time, both of these facilites are closed to the public. The grounds surrounding these three historic buildings are open daily from dawn to dusk. Interpretive panels spread across the grounds, help to explain the site's history and importance.  <hr /> <h4>Summer/Fall Schedule (June 6, 2024 - December 14, 2024)</h4> Visitor Information Station: Open Thursdays - Sundays, 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Watch an 8-minute video, learn more about the Park, or earn your Junior Ranger badge. Park staff are available to answer questions. Bathrooms and drinking water are available. The Visitor Contact Station is located inside of Old Slater Mill. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/ranger-guided-tours-slater-mill.htm">Guided Tours</a>: 10:30 A.M., 12:30 P.M., and 2:30 P.M. (Thurdsays - Sundays) Join a Ranger for a tour of Old Slater Mill. These 30 - 45 minute programs talk about the the legacy of the Industrial Revolution in America's first cotton-spinning mill. Tours leave from the patio in front of Old Slater Mill. The mill is accessible but does have uneven floors. Special accommodations can be made by contacting 401-725-8638.   <hr /> <h4>Winter Schedule (December 15, 2024 - April 2025)</h4> Visitor Information Station: Closed Park Grounds: Open (Dawn - Dusk) Please Note: Although the mill is regularly closed to the public during the winter months, special tour groups, field trips, and special programs can still be scheduled. Please see our <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blrv/learn/education/index.htm">education page</a> to schedule a specialty trip or field trip or check out our <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blrv/planyourvisit/calendar.htm">park calendar </a>for upcoming events. <hr /> For visitor saftey, tours of Old Slater Mill will be modified or cancelled if the heat index is above 87 degrees Fahrenheit. A shortened 10 minute Ranger talk will be offered at the normal tour times. Visitors will have a brief period of access to the main part of the mill. For the latest weather information, call 401-725-8638. Please Note: The Wilkinson Mill and the Sylvanus Brown House are currently closed to the public until critical accessibility and safety work is completed. Due to this, group tours are required to be smaller than those offered in the past. If you are looking to book a special group tour of Old Slater Mill or are a teacher or student check out our <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blrv/learn/education/index.htm">education page</a> for more information.

The mill is open on a seasonal basis. During the winter months (January - March), the mill is closed to the public. Operating hours and seasons vary during the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Check out the Park's calendar of events for up-to-date information about park offerings at the site.

The birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, Old Slater Mill is open as a museum. Visitors can learn about the history of the site through exhibits, films, and tours. The grounds are open from dawn to dusk. Visitors can read interpretative panels spread across the grounds which help tell the story of the site. Check out the Park's calendar for operating hours and seasons.

Visit Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark

Arts

Birthplace

Commerce

Urban America

Junior Ranger Program

Child with large leaf stands in front of a white building, mill, and bridge

Kelly House Junior Ranger

Books are available at Old Slater Mill and Blackstone River State Park. Old Slater Mill 67 Roosevelt Avenue Pawtucket, RI 02860 Blackstone River State Park/Kelly House Museum of Transportation 1075 Lower River Road Lincoln, RI 02865

Junior Rangers are called to explore, learn, and protect. At Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, we have multiple ways to become a Junior Ranger. Whether you are exploring Old Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI or getting out in nature at Blackstone River State Park, there are many ways to learn, explore, and engage in the history of the Park. In addition to two Junior Ranger activity sets, visitors can complete activities to earn a Junior Birder badge or a B.A.R.K. Ranger badge. Junior Angler Books and badges are also available at Park locations. Read more about how to complete Junior Ranger activities at our sites below! <hr /> <hr /> <h3>Old Slater Mill Junior Ranger Book</h3> If you're visiting Old Slater Mill, you will want to stop by the Visitor Information Station during our <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blrv/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm">hours of operation</a> to pick up your book. At this time, Junior Ranger books and badges are only available while Old Slater Mill is open. If you have a special request or questions, contact Ranger <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=4A89D7B28EDCA1839CB401BDF614A0BE6693569C12B18389&r=/blrv/learn/kidsyouth/beajuniorranger.htm">Allison Horrocks</a>. <h4>What To Do</h4> Instead of a square booklet, this program requires some hands-on work and some creativity. Each Junior Ranger will pick up a series of circular papers and everything they need to make a holder. We encourage folks to complete as many of the activity pages as they can during their visit. While exploring the Park, they will have the chance to learn about waterwheels, the water cycle, spinning wheels, gears, time, and more. Junior Rangers will also get to bind their booklets using cord made inside of the mill. <h4>How to Get Your Badge:</h4> After completing the required activity pages, bring your completed booklet and folder to the front desk during operating hours. Show a staff member. The staff member will award you a Junior Ranger Badge.   <hr /> <h3>Kelly House and Ashton Mill Junior Ranger Book</h3>   The Kelly and Ashton Mill Junior Ranger Booklet is a self-guided adventure around Blackstone River State Park. Aspiring Junior Rangers of all ages are encouraged to pick up a booklet and explore the history and natural beauty of this area. These Junior Ranger activities inspire creativity, reflection, imagination, and stewardship. <h4>Where to get your book:</h4> Junior Ranger books will be available at the Kelly House Museum of Transportation (1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI 02865) during <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blrv/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm">operating hours</a>. The Museum is opened seasonally from April to October. Books are also available at Old Slater Mill (67 Roosevelt Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860) and Roger Williams National Memorial (282 North Main St., Providence, RI). If you are visiting in the off season or would like to get a head start on your books, you can request copies be mailed to your home address by reaching out to Ranger <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=4A89D7B28EDCA1839CB401BDF614A0BE6693569C12B18389&r=/blrv/learn/kidsyouth/beajuniorranger.htm">Allison Horrocks.</a> <h4>How to get your badge:</h4> Once you have completed your book, return it to park staff at either the Kelly House Museum of Transportation or Old Slater Mill to receive your badge. You can also mail in your completed book to: Blackstone River Valley NHP 67 Roosevelt Avenue Pawtucket RI 02860 MJ Robinson, a Providence-based artist, spent months processing the history and aesthetic of the site, creating drafts and sketches, and final works of art that express the complexity of the Blackstone Valley. This remarkable project was managed by the Rhode Island Historical Society in collaboration with the National Park Service.   <hr /> <h3>Junior Pollinator Book</h3> Did you know that there are pollinator gardens at Roger Williams National Memorial, Slater Mill, and the Kelly House in Blackstone River State Park? Learn about the importance of pollinators and what you can do to protect them through this new stewardship program.  <h4>Where to get your book:</h4> Books are available at Old Slater Mill (67 Roosevelt Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860) and Roger Williams National Memorial (282 North Main St., Providence, RI). If you are visiting in the off season or would like to get a head start on your books, you can request copies be mailed to your home address by reaching out to Ranger <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=4A89D7B28EDCA1839CB401BDF614A0BE6693569C12B18389&r=/blrv/learn/kidsyouth/beajuniorranger.htm">Allison Horrocks.</a> <h4>How to get your badge:</h4> This program does not have a traditional Junior Ranger badge. Instead, you will receive a piece of colorful seed paper that you can plant at home.  Once you have completed your book, return it to park staff at Old Slater Mill to receive your badge. You can also mail in your completed book to: Blackstone River Valley NHP 67 Roosevelt Avenue Pawtucket RI 02860

Become a Junior Ranger at Blackstone River Valley NHP! The park has two different Junior Ranger programs you can complete. Books are available at Old Slater Mill and the Blackstone River State Park.

Become a Junior Ranger at Blackstone River Valley NHP

Climate Change

Trade

Enslavement

Schools and Education

Social Movements

The Gold Rush

Guided Tours

Group of visitors sitting and standing while listening to Park Ranger inside of wood framed building

Old Slater Mill Tour

Slater Mill is called the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, but what does that really mean? What occurred within the four walls of Old Slater Mill forever changed the fabric of the United States of America. These 30 - 45 minute long tours examine the beginnings of American industry and its lasting effects. Tours are offered seasonally. See below of more details. Please Note: For visitor saftey, tours of Old Slater Mill will be modified or cancelled if the heat index is at or above 87 degrees Fahrenheit. A shortened 10 minute Ranger talk will be offered at the normal tour times. Visitors will have a brief period of access to the main part of the mill. For the latest weather information, call 401-725-8638. <h4>Summer/Fall Schedule (June 6, 2024 - December 14, 2024)</h4> Tours are offered at Thursdays - Sundays at 10:30 A.M., 12:30 P.M., and 2:30 P.M. <h4>Winter Schedule (December 15, 2024 - April 2025)</h4> Tours are not offered during the winter months. Check our <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blrv/planyourvisit/calendar.htm">park calendar</a> for special events or other programs offered during the winter.  Check the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blrv/planyourvisit/calendar.htm">Park's Calendar</a> for the times of tours.

Tours are being offered seasonally. Please visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blrv/planyourvisit/calendar.htm ">Park's Calendar</a> for updates on when tours are being offered. Tours are offered at 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM

Slater Mill is called the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, but what does that really mean? What occurred within the four walls of Old Slater Mill forever changed the fabric of the United States of America. These 30-45 minute tours examine the beginnings of American industry and its lasting effects. Tours are offered seasonally from late-April through early December on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tours begin at 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM

Ranger Guided Tours - Slater Mill

African American Heritage

Colonization and Settlement

Ranger stands smiling holding papers in front of 4-story brick mill

Ranger Tour in front of Mill

These tours are held at various locations across the park. The locations for each week are listed below: Saturday, October 7 - 1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI Saturday, October 14 - 67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI Saturday, October 21 - 67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI Saturday, October 28 - 2 Peace Street, Hopedale, MA Saturday, November 4 - 20 Main Stree, Slatersville, RI Saturday, November 11 - 17 Church Street, Whitinsville, MA

Join a Park Ranger as we explore each one of our 6 park sites on Saturdays this Fall. Tours will discuss the history of each site and its importance withint the larger context of US history. Tours last about 60-90 minutes. Walking moderate distances on sometimes uneven terrain should be expected. Sturdy footwear, comfortable clothing, and water are suggested. If you have questions about accessibility, please contact Ranger <a href="mailto:allison_horrocks@nps.gov">Allison Horrocks</a>. <h3>Fall 2024 Schedule</h3> <hr /> <h4>Saturday, October 12, 2024: Jenks Walking Tour </h4> Start Time: 11:30 AM Meeting Location: 67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI Join interpreter Joshua Choiniere of the Old Slater Mill Association for a walking tour of the original settlement of Pawtucket Village by Joseph Jenks Jr. This tour will extend all the way up to Bayley Street. This program will cover approximately one mile on paved surface, with some small hills and steps. Meet in front of Sylvanus Brown House on the Old Slater Mill campus.   <h4>Saturday, October 19, 2024: Whitinsville Community Walking Tour</h4> Start Time: 10:00 AM Meeting Location: 17 Church Street, Whitinsville, MA How does a small family business become a textile empire? Take a walk with a ranger through Whitinsville, a small industrial community where people made machines that powered the American Industrial Revolution. This tour will cover the evolution of the village, with a focus on servicemembers from the community. Free parking is available on the street.  <h4>Saturday, October 26, 2024: Blackstone River State Park Walking Tour</h4> Start Time: 10:00 AM Meeting Location: 1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI Enjoy a guided walk around Blackstone River State Park during Archaeology Month. Learn how archaeologists have uncovered the history of this site. This walk will cover some uneven terrain.   <h4>Saturday, November 2, 2024: Hopedale Community Walking Tour</h4> Start Time: 10:00 AM Meeting Location: 2 Peace Street, Hopedale, MA How does a commune become a company town? Explore Hopedale, MA, with us and learn how a radical enterprise made a few in this community quite rich.  <h4>Saturday, November 9, 2024: Service Stories in Slatersville</h4> Start Time: 10:00 AM Meeting Location: 101 Greene Street, Slatersville, RI Explore Slatersville Cemetery with a park ranger this Memorial Day Weekend. Learn the stories of local veterans who served in the Civil War. Presented in partnership with North Smithfield Heritage Association. Meet in front of Heritage Hall, located at 101 Green Street, Slatersville (North Smithfield), RI.

Join a Park Ranger as we explore each one of our 6 park sites on Saturdays this Fall. Tours will discuss the history of each site and its importance withint the larger context of US history. Tours start at 10:00 AM and last about 90 minutes.

Fall Walkabouts

American Revolution

Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite

Landscape Design

Military

Monuments and Memorials

Religion and Spirituality

Women's History

Birdwatching

Great Blue Heron standing on top of a rock in front of dam

Great Blue Heron

Start your summer weekend off with a bird walk along the beautiful Blackstone River and Canal. Park staff will lead hour-long walking tours at the Blackstone River State Park on Fridays (July - September) at 10:30 AM. These birding programs are meant for birders of all ages and skill levels.  Field guides, binoculars, and Junior Birder books will be available. Tours meet in front of the Kelly House Museum of Transportation. This program is weather dependent. Please check the Park's calendar and Facebook page for updates or call 401-725-8638.

Start your summer weekend off with a bird walk along the beautiful Blackstone River and Canal. Park staff will lead hour-long walking tours at the Blackstone River State Park on Fridays. These birding programs are meant for birders of all ages and skill levels.  Field guides, binoculars, and Junior Birder books will be available. Tours meet in front of the Kelly House Museum of Transportation.

Birds Along the Blackstone

Birds

Arts and Culture

Graphic with Old Slater Mill in the center and three vertical stripes red, yellow, and grey

Labor Day Weekend

Celebrate Labor Day weekend at Old Slater Mill. Free music, tours, talks, and activities will be offered throughout the weekend. <hr /> <h3 paraeid="{b9ff4965-70d4-4d42-a113-77f7f8015c6b}{223}" paraid="1218936963">Thursday, August 29:  </h3> <h4 paraeid="{b9ff4965-70d4-4d42-a113-77f7f8015c6b}{223}" paraid="1218936963">6:30 PM - Ranger Walkabout/Music Workshop  </h4> Join Park Rangers for a free guided tour of Old Slater Mill. The tour will focus on the musical connections with textile mills. Immediately following the tour, join Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame musician Mark Cutler for a free songwriting workshop. Participants will write a song with Mark that will debut at the festival during his set on Saturday, August 31. All are invited to perform. People of all ages and abilities invited.  <h3 paraeid="{b9ff4965-70d4-4d42-a113-77f7f8015c6b}{249}" paraid="1436823861">Friday, August 30:  </h3> <h4 paraeid="{b9ff4965-70d4-4d42-a113-77f7f8015c6b}{249}" paraid="1436823861">6:30 PM - River Bend East Songwriters Festival Kickoff Event  </h4> Welcome performance from Christ Monti   Headline - Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch with David Lawlor, Run of the Mill  Music Video Debut – J. Michael Graham & Run of the Mill   <h3 paraeid="{087b8a11-c250-4189-9856-ecce4deedd27}{32}" paraid="1638045714">Saturday, August 31:  </h3> <h4 paraeid="{087b8a11-c250-4189-9856-ecce4deedd27}{32}" paraid="1638045714">River Bend East Songwriters Festival  </h4> 12:00 PM - Mark Cutler  1:00 PM - Allison Rose  1:45 PM - Tribute to Mary Lee Partington, Caroline Vitale & Bob Drouin 2:00 PM - J. Michael Graham  3:00 PM - Christian and Annie from High Planes  <h4 paraeid="{087b8a11-c250-4189-9856-ecce4deedd27}{54}" paraid="856334832">Bell Tower Talks  </h4> Join a Park Ranger for a free talk about Labor History in the historic Slater Mill Bell Tower.  Program offered hourly on Saturday, August 31 at 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM  <h4 paraeid="{087b8a11-c250-4189-9856-ecce4deedd27}{70}" paraid="1023382298">Specialty Tours of Old Slater Mill </h4> Please note: Although these tours are FREE, tickets are required. Tickets can be acquired at Old Slater Mill's front desk starting at 10:00 AM the day of the tour 10:30 AM – The American Working Class  12:30 PM - The Cotton Economy  2:30 PM – Not Child’s Play: The Story of Slater Mill   <h3 paraeid="{087b8a11-c250-4189-9856-ecce4deedd27}{134}" paraid="1997856299">Sunday, September 1:  </h3> <h4 paraeid="{087b8a11-c250-4189-9856-ecce4deedd27}{140}" paraid="853674655">Labor History Talks</h4> 11:30 AM – Radicals in Providence  Lecture by Park Ranger Jillian Forrester    Learn about the rise of radical labor politics in and around Providence, RI, before the Red Scare during this 45-minute lecture and discussion.   1:30 PM – The Strike in Saylesville  Lecture by Park Ranger Mark Mello & Multimedia by Christian de Rezendes   Hear about the historic massacre that took place in the Moshassuck Cemetery in September 1934 during a critical period of strikes in New England. See footage of the labor battle in Saylesville, RI, with filmmaker Christian de Rezendes, the creator of Slatersville.    <h4 paraeid="{087b8a11-c250-4189-9856-ecce4deedd27}{70}" paraid="1023382298">Specialty Tours of Old Slater Mill </h4> Please note: Although these tours are FREE, tickets are required. Tickets can be acquired at Old Slater Mill's front desk starting at 10:00 AM the day of the tour 10:30 AM – The American Working Class  12:30 PM - The Cotton Economy  2:30 PM – Not Child’s Play: The Story of Slater Mill

Join us for a celebration of Labor Day weekend at Old Slater Mill. Free musical performances, tours, talks, and activities. The weekend's highlights include: 8/29: Walkabout/Workshop at 6:30 PM 8/30: River Bend East Songwriters Festival Kickoff at 6:30 PM 8/31: River Bend East Songwriters Festival 12-4 PM; Specialty Tours; Bell Tower open ; old time games 9/1: Specialty Tours, lectures at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM; old time games

Labor Day Weekend at Slater Mill

Ranger Walkabout last about 60-minutes. Rangers will walk to multiple locations and discuss varying topics from history, ecology, and geology. Tours could be anywhere from 1/4 mile to over 1 mile in distance. Walks happen in various locations on different types of walking paths. Walking paths are often uneven and not paved. Please note any special warnings in regards to accessibility under each listing. 

Participants should be in good health and able to walk long distances over diverse terrain features. Footing is often uneven and on non-paved surfaces.

Walkabout usually last around 60-minutes.

Ranger addressing large group of people sitting on stone steps in front of yellow building

Ranger Walkabouts

Ranger Walkabouts are held at various locations across the Blackstone River Valley. Check each of the listings for the specific location of each program.

Join a Park Ranger and explore the Blackstone River Valley. During the months of June, July, and August, park staff offer specialty tours at varying locations across the Blackstone River Watershed. These programs begin at 6:30 PM and are 60-minutes long. Please wear comfortable footwear and bring water. Most tours are outside and often include walking on uneven surfaces on varying types of terrain with no access to bathroom facilities. Bug spray and sunscreen are also highly suggested.   <hr /> <h4 paraeid="{469deddb-775f-40e5-a5dd-4d1d31d318dd}{172}" paraid="501263010">June 6: An American First – Slatersville  </h4> Note: Location Change Location: 101 Greene St., Slatersville, RI  Start this year’s Walkabout season with us in Slatersville, Rhode Island. What drew a group of Providence investors—and a recent immigrant—to Smithfield? How did local craftspeople change a small farming town into the country’s first mill village? Learn about the early history of Slatersville and consider its significance as a company town.   <h4 paraeid="{469deddb-775f-40e5-a5dd-4d1d31d318dd}{216}" paraid="877143707">June 13: The Mumford’s Marvels </h4> Location: 50 Douglas Rd., Whitinsville, MA   Power and production were the name of the game at the Whitin Machine Works. Take a walk through this historic community and learn about the important inventions that changed the fabric of this village and the lives of countless workers around the world. Program begins in front of the ValleyCAST Heritage Gallery (Open Sky).  <h4 paraeid="{5f3b76f4-4181-4ab4-bab6-1506b88d348c}{3}" paraid="2062795746">June 20: Pollinators and the Proletariat   </h4> Location: 1075 Lower River Rd., Lincoln, RI   Explore Blackstone River State Park in Lincoln, RI during this special Pollinator Week program. Walk the historic towpath along the Blackstone Canal and learn about ongoing efforts to restore this post-industrial landscape. Check out the Kelly House Pollinator Garden and see how people and pollinators have made this place a “hive of industry.”   <h4 paraeid="{5f3b76f4-4181-4ab4-bab6-1506b88d348c}{55}" paraid="998329523">June 27: Boom and Bust in Blackstone  </h4> Location: 85 Canal St., Blackstone, MA   Situated on the border of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, the town of Blackstone has long been a crossroads community. Hear how people have thrived during periods of industrial growth and the ways they have weathered periods of hardship. During this ranger guided program, Walkabout participants will see how this well-preserved town provides a window into the 19th century.    <h4 paraeid="{5f3b76f4-4181-4ab4-bab6-1506b88d348c}{107}" paraid="590324322">July 11: Ups and Downs at the Millville Lock   </h4> Location: 1 Hope St, Millville, MA  Nearly two hundred years ago, laborers dug out the Blackstone Canal, making a new waterway from Providence to Worcester. During this walk, we’ll take a hike out to the Millville Lock, a remarkable remnant from the heyday of the canal. Tour will be led by a NPS ranger and staff from MA DCR. This Walkabout will include walking on the (paved) bikeway path as well as movement over uneven, wooded terrain. Please wear sturdy footwear and bring bug spray.    <h4 paraeid="{5f3b76f4-4181-4ab4-bab6-1506b88d348c}{155}" paraid="397864420">July 18: Living in Allen’s Town </h4> Location: 23 Stillwater Rd., Smithfield, RI  Who was Zachariah Allen? What can his life story teach us about industry in Early America? Come with us to see Georgiaville, a quaint mill village in Smithfield, RI. Hear about Allen’s innovations and his role in developing local manufacturing through his own words.   <h4 paraeid="{5f3b76f4-4181-4ab4-bab6-1506b88d348c}{201}" paraid="2102367216">July 25: Ambition and Accidents at Ashton </h4> Location: 50 Front St., Cumberland, RI   What do you imagine when you think of a mill accident? Join a ranger for a walk around Ashton mill village and learn about the history of work and workplace hazards at the site. Then, follow the ranger to the Kelly barn, for a group activity. See for yourself how people recorded mill accidents and consider how these incidents may be similar to issues in modern workplaces.   <h4 paraeid="{2cb4096e-9e60-4e92-8498-e5e8cc59b902}{12}" paraid="137143213">August 1: In Pursuit of Providence </h4> Location: 282 N. Main St., Providence, RI   Follow the journey of a Providence family, who for two generations, enjoyed a level of wealth, influence, and power that would have been denied them except for the profound legacy of Roger Williams. Learn more about the Hahns, their memorial, and their local legacy during this 1.5-mile walk led by a ranger. Program will begin and end at Roger Williams National Memorial and cover mostly flat terrain. There will be multiple street crossings at busy locations.  <h4 paraeid="{2cb4096e-9e60-4e92-8498-e5e8cc59b902}{54}" paraid="1911354181">August 8: The Best and the Worsted - Harrisville  </h4> Location: 26 East Ave., Burrillville, RI   What did workers make inside the textile mills of Rhode Island? This walkabout will focus on the different products made in villages such as Harrisville in the 19th and 20th centuries. For some, it was the best of times, and for others, it was just another day at the Stillwater Worsted Company.   <h4 paraeid="{2cb4096e-9e60-4e92-8498-e5e8cc59b902}{94}" paraid="1666128126">August 15: At Home in Hopedale </h4> Location: 12 Hopedale St., Hopedale, MA  How do employers retain talented workers? In some company towns, housing served as an incentive and anchor. Explore the historic homes of Hopedale, MA, and chart the rise and fall of the Draper Company, which was once the largest producer of power looms in the United States.   <h4 paraeid="{2cb4096e-9e60-4e92-8498-e5e8cc59b902}{128}" paraid="264025476">August 22: Lonsdale Marsh – A Rehabilitation Story   </h4> Location: 121 John St., Lincoln, RI   During the 19th century, some workers moved from farms into factories. Others relocated to company towns to run factory farms. Learn about the evolution of Lonsdale, a place that has been home to both farmers and factory workers. See how the land in this mill village has undergone tremendous environmental changes and healed from some of the destructive forces of industry.     <h4 paraeid="{2cb4096e-9e60-4e92-8498-e5e8cc59b902}{190}" paraid="743118675">August 29: Labor Day Weekend Preview  </h4> Location: 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI   Kick off your Labor Day Weekend at Old Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI! Tour a historic mill building (1793) to see how an industrial revolution began on the banks of the Blackstone River.

Pets are allowed on all outdoor walkabouts. Some walkabouts are held inside of buildings. Pets are not allowed on these tours. Individual listings will note whether tour is indoors or outdoors

Walkabouts are hosted in June, July and August

During the months of June, July, and August, join a Park Ranger on 60-minute walking tour at varying locations in the Blackstone Valley.

Archeology

Farming and Agriculture

Forests and Woodlands

Hispanic American Heritage

LGBTQ American Heritage

Latino American Heritage

These programs are appropriate for all ages. Individuals participating in these programs should be in good health and able to walk up to 2.5 miles on uneven surfaces. Varying degress of elevation change.

Group of people walking down path with industrial mechanisms visible on the left side of image

Power Walks

Locations vary by week: April 18, 2024 - Meet at 667 Great Road, Lincoln, RI April 25, 2024 - Meet at Bruce Caldwell Drive, Cumberland, RI May 2, 2024 - Meet at 146 Mendon Street, Uxbridge, MA May 9, 2024 - Meet at Merino Park Entrance on Heath Street, Providence, RI May 16, 2024 - Meet at 9 Main Street, Sutton, MA May 23, 2024 - Meet at Roger Williams National Memorial, 282 North Main Street, Providence, RI May 30, 2024 - Meet at Twin River Road Entrance, Lincoln, RI

Come out for a Power Walk!  This spring, join a park ranger for a series of "power walks" around historic sites in the Blackstone Valley. During these brisk walking tours, we'll explore the history of power along local waterways and wooded areas.  Hosted on Thursdays, April 18-May 30, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. No registration is required (free).  Cancellations will be posted on the park website: nps.gov/blrv.  _______________________________________________________________ Schedule: April 18, 2024 - Human Power at Chase Farm Conservation Area (Length: 1.7 miles) Meet at 667 Great Road, Lincoln, RI April 25, 2024 - The Power of Wildlife at High Rock Preserve (Length: 2 miles) Meet at Bruce Caldwell Drive, Cumberland, RI May 2, 2024 - Canal Power at Stanley Woolen Mill, Towpath Trail Southern Terminus (Length: 2 miles) Meet at 146 Mendon Street, Uxbridge, MA May 9, 2024 - The Power of Industry at Woonasquatucket River Greenway (Length: 2 miles) Meet at Merino Park Entrance on Heath Street, Providence, RI May 16, 2024 - Mill Power at Manchaug Mills, Inc. (Length: 1 mile) Meet at 9 Main Street, Sutton, MA May 23, 2024 - Political Power (Length: 2 miles) Note: this walk will occur on sidewalks in Providence Meet at Roger Williams National Memorial, 282 North Main Street, Providence, RI May 30, 2024 - Nature's Power at Lincoln Woods State Park (Length: 2.5 miles) Enter at Twin River Road Entrance, meet at Olney Burial Ground Parking Lot, Lincoln, RI

This spring, join a park ranger for a series of "power walks" around historic sites in the Blackstone Valley. During these brisk walking tours, we'll explore the history of power along local waterways and wooded areas.  Hosted on Thursdays, April 18-May 30, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. No registration is required (free). 

Estuaries and Mangroves

There is no age restrictions on particpating in this program

Graphic of a computer on a desk with Parked at Home text

Parked at Home

These programs are held virtually in partnership with the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. All programs are held on Zoom. Please register for link.

<h3 paraeid="{84db64c8-a615-4718-bff6-842def50d3b8}{54}" paraid="912335319">Explore America's national parks from the comfort of home!  </h3>   Every park has a story. During this virtual series, we’ll connect with people from across the country to talk about special places and complex stories at National Park Service sites. Join us to learn more about a place that might be close to home, or in a destination you dream of visiting. Each hour-long program includes a presentation and opportunities for questions and answers.   All Parked at Home programs are free and will be hosted on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM (eastern) in March and April.   Please register to receive a link for access: <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlcu6qrj4qGtXu0G-uxX6yW6CJAHAtFpMt#/registration">Meeting Registration - Zoom</a>   Thank you to our partner, Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, for supporting this program.       <hr /> <h4 paraeid="{df78eee7-5c60-4ab7-926a-0d24961af962}{154}" paraid="1127511150">March 7, 2024 - First State National Historical Park</h4> Some national parks have just one entry and exit point. Others are spread out across entire communities and even cross state lines. This talk will bring staff together from two historical parks with unique boundaries: First State National Historical Park and Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. First State is made up of six sites located in Delaware, the First State to ratify the Constitution. Blackstone River Valley NHP, a bi-state unit of the National Park Service, is also made up of six separate historic areas. Rangers will discuss some common themes across the parks, with a focus on the groups of movers and shakers who made the country’s First State and birthplace of industry into unique corridors of innovation. <h4 paraeid="{8e2db584-7f35-4bc0-95ca-3b4c9ef500c3}{54}" paraid="1439216474">March 14, 2024 - Everglades National Park</h4> Close to 7% of the United States is made of water. During this program, rangers from two National Park Service sites will discuss how local waterways have indelibly shaped their local landscapes in very different ways. The Blackstone River Valley is known for its use of great waterpower, while the Everglades is home to a complex ecosystem of slow moving, flooded grasslands. Learn more about these distinctive bodies of water and the people who have called these places a home. <h4>March 21, 2024 - Amistad National Recreation Area</h4> How do people confront challenges with the natural world? In the 1800s, enterprising mill owners wanted a faster way to move their goods in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Their answer was the construction of a canal that stretched over 40 miles, from Providence to Worcester. Over a century later, people in Texas living near the Rio Grande had a very different challenge with water. To combat periods of droughts and flooding, they built the Amistad Dam. This talk will investigate two very different engineering challenges, from the Blackstone Canal to the creation of a massive reservoir and the making of Amistad National Recreation Area. Discover how these areas—both rich in history and aquatic recreation—have been transformed by feats of engineering. <h4>March 28, 2024 - Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve</h4> Nearly 5,000 miles separate the Blackstone Valley from the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in Alaska. On one side of the continent, many people experience some of the worst light pollution on the planet. Far away in Alaska, people come from all over the world to see the northern lights during dark and long evenings. While the Blackstone River Valley is best known for the ways that people have manipulated the landscape for industry, the waterways in Gates of the Arctic have seen far less interference from human beings. During this talk, rangers will discuss the differences between these landscapes, with a focus an under-appreciated resource: the night sky. <h4 paraeid="{8e2db584-7f35-4bc0-95ca-3b4c9ef500c3}{248}" paraid="1039740562">April 4, 2024 - Thomas Edison National Historical Park</h4> Inspiration can strike any time—and anywhere. Discover how national parks share stories about creativity, hard work, and innovation across the United States. In the 1700s, blacksmiths and carpenters in the Blackstone River Valley created the parts and machines that launched the Industrial Revolution in America. A century later, in West Orange, New Jersey, Thomas Edison continued this legacy of invention in his home and laboratory. This talk will explore some of the lesser-known figures in the history of technology as well as the famous Wizard of Menlo Park. <h4>April 11, 2024 - Saugus Ironworks National Historic Site</h4> Have you ever been told to strike while the iron is hot? The building blocks for America’s age of industry were made in workshops and forges along powerful waterways. During this talk, rangers will discuss the development of Saugus Iron Works, the first sustained, integrated iron works in British Colonial America, and the development of Slater Mill, the first successful cotton spinning mill operation in the United States. Learn about the social and economic connections between these two sites and how to best plan your visit for spring or summer. <h4 paraeid="{84db64c8-a615-4718-bff6-842def50d3b8}{121}" paraid="1089917479"> </h4>

Please click here to register for this program. A link will be sent to your email.

Programs are held on Thursday in March and April. 

Explore America's national parks from the comfort of home! Every park has a story. During this virtual series, we’ll connect with people from across the country to talk about special places and complex stories at National Park Service sites. Join us to learn more about a place that might be close to home, or in a destination you dream of visiting. Each hour-long program includes a presentation and opportunities for questions and answers.

Programs are hosted at 7:00 PM Eastern Time

Asian American Heritage

Mining

Maritime

Pacific Islander Heritage

Reconstruction

World War II

Westward Expansion

Picture of large 4 story stone mill with bell tower. Black and white photograph

Winter Programs

Although winter is a time for rest and hibernation, that doesn't mean you have to stop learning! Check out these awesome winter programs being offered in the Blackstone Valley. From birding, to hiking, to geology, and more, there is plenty to see and do in the Blackstone River Valley over the winter months.   <hr /> <h4>RESCHEDULED TO February 3, 2024 January 13, 2024 Winter Photography Walk at the Blackstone Gorge</h4> County St, Blackstone, MA 01504 10:00 AM start time 60 minutes Please note: Due to inclement weather and river flooding, this program was rescheduled to Saturday, February 3, 2024. Enjoy a walk at the Blackstone Gorge and learn how to take great photographs in wintertime. This short hike will be led by a park ranger and a photographer in the Volunteers-in-Parks program. Bring water and come dressed for the weather.   <hr /> <h4>AT CAPACITY: January 27, 2024 Cumberlandite and Elder Ballou Cemetery Tour</h4> Elder Ballou Meeting House Road, Cumberland, RI 10:00 AM; 12:00 PM; 2:00 PM 60 minute program offered three times  Volunteer Mark Dennen will be showing us this unique rock outcropping from a geological lens while Park Ranger Allison Horrocks introduces us to the Ballou Cemetery and talks about Cumberlandite from a historical lens. We will be meeting at the Elder Ballou Cemetery in Cumberland and walking to the Cumberlandite Site, the only outcropping of Cumberlandite. This program will be approximately 1 mile of walking on uneven terrain. The capacity of this site is limited and although the event is free, YOU MUST REGISTER in advance. Please select a ticket for every member of your party. Get your ticket here: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cumberlandite-and-elder-ballou-cemetery-tour-tickets-769626312017?aff=oddtdtcreator">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cumberlandite-and-elder-ballou-cemetery-tour-tickets-769626312017?aff=oddtdtcreator</a>. Please also note that parking is limited at this venue. Use caution when parking along the street. <hr /> <h4>February 10, 2024 Superb Owl Weekend Birding Hike  </h4> Blackstone River State Park 1075 Lower River Rd., Lincoln, RI 10:00 AM start time 60-75 minutes Even in the quietest months of winter, there is still a flurry of activity in nature. Take a walk with a local birder and a park ranger to explore Blackstone River State Park. Meet in front of the kiosk next to the Ashton Viaduct. Field guides, binoculars, and Junior Birder books will be available. This program is offered in partnership with Providence Parks Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership and RI Department of Environmental Management.   <hr /> <h4>February 24, 2024 Maple Sugar Days Special Event River Bend Farm Visitor Center</h4> Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park  287 Oak St., Uxbridge, MA  How sweet it is! Learn about the process of making maple sugar at this annual event hosted at River Bend Farm. Rangers will be onsite to talk about the history of maple sugaring and the ways that climate change is impacting this local industry. During this event, participants can see a live demonstration of tree tapping.    <hr /> <h4>March 9, 2024 Hopedale Women’s History Walk </h4> Meet at the Little Red Shop 12 Hopedale St, Hopedale, MA 01747 10:00 AM start time 60 minutes  This Women’s History Month, explore Hopedale with us! Meet in front of the Little Red Shop Museum, located at 12 Hopedale St., Hopedale, MA. We will walk to the entrance of the Parklands together. Parking is available on Hopedale Street. Hopedale began as a radical commune dedicated to the idea of women’s equality. Learn about changes in Hopedale over time during this 60 minute walk. The Hopedale Parklands includes a number of small trails with views of the Hopedale Pond. <hr />

Just because it's winter, doesn't mean there's nothing to see and do in the Blackstone River Valley. Check out these awesome programs to learn more about the Valley's geology, birds, and more

Rock Landscapes and Features

These programs are offered on Saturdays in the months of June, July, August, and September.

Group of visitors listen to Ranger talking with large cement bridge in background

Ranger Walk

Join a Park Ranger for a walk along the historic Blackstone Canal Towpath. Walks last between 45 - 60 minutes. Rangers offer talks on the history of the Blackstone Canal, transportation, and industrial landscapes. Programs might also be on environmental topics such as geology, birding, wildlife, natural landscapes, and pollution. These programs are offered on Saturdays in the months of June, July, August, and September. Walks start in front of the Captain Wilbur Kelly House Transportation Museum at 1:00 PM.  In case of inclement weather, Towpath Talks will be held inside of the Kelly House Barn. The Barn is located about 100 yards down the walking trail past the Kelly House Museum of Transporation.

Join a Park Ranger for guided walk along the historic Blackstone Canal. This program is offered on Saturdays in the months of June, July, August, and September.

Blackstone River Valley

Overview

Hours

Fees & Passes

Map

Things To Do

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Winter Hikes

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Kelly House Museum of Transportation

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Paddling the Blackstone

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Blackstone River Greenway and Bikeway

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Bike the Blackstone

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Visit Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark

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