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Contact: Mark Mello, 401-318-4489
Winter can be a great time to rest and recharge, but if you are looking to get out and do something, there is a lot happening at Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park and Roger Williams National Memorial.
NPS/Horrocks
Celebrating 10 years of Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
On December 19, 2014, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park was established as the 402nd unit of the National Park Service.
Staff and partners hosted an evening open house at Old Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI to celebrate the Park's 10th birthday. Re-enactors demonstrated historical chocolate making processes and visitors explored the “Laboring for Freedom” exhibit. Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, and Congressman Gabe Amo offered remarks and well wishes.
An audio version of the “Laboring for Freedom” tour will be coming out this spring, along with a full tour schedule for the exhibit.
Combs
Winter Hikes and Programs in the Blackstone Valley
Join us for the Winter Hike series this winter! Rangers will be leading recreational hikes on Saturday mornings through the end of February. All hikes start at 10:00 AM at various locations. Click the link above for the full schedule.
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 as needed. Hikes will proceed in the case of light rain or light snow, 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.
We are also pleased to present a free birding walk on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Blackstone River State Park and a free guided tour at the Saylesville Meeting House and Friends Burial Ground.
Parked at Home Returns in 2025
The Parked at Home Series is back.
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 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 open to all. Hosted on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM (eastern) in March and April. This series is free, but you must register for access.
Click here to register.
Winter at the National Memorial
Though the days are much colder, there’s still plenty to explore at Roger Williams National Memorial. Our Visitor Center has changed to winter hours, and is now open Wednesday-Saturday from 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Drop by to chat with a ranger, view our exhibits and 5-minute park film, and browse our bookstore. We look forward to seeing you there!Book a Ranger Talk or School Visit
Want to learn more about Roger Williams? Rangers at Roger Williams National Memorial are accepting reservations for Ranger Talks in the greater Providence area. Rangers are also accepting bookings for school visits, and can offer programs that suit the needs of your group.
Interested? Reach out to us by email and let us know a bit about your group, your interests, and some dates and times that work for you.
Honoring Our Partners: Champions of the Blackstone
On December 5, 2024, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park and Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor presented the John H. Chaffee Leadership Award to two partners, Bruce Curliss and Richard Keene.
Curliss serves as the executive director for Friends of the Blackstone. He is also the Voice of the River for the Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band. Curliss is the first Indigenous person to receive the award.
Keene has served as President of the North Smithfield Heritage Association for the past six years. He is a tireless advocate for local history who has managed a number of successful heritage initiatives in Slatersville, one of the six park nodes.
Facilities Update
Facilities staff have been hard at work with winter projects.
Old Slater Mill is home to a new outdoor stamp station. Bring your park passport book and get your cancelation even when the park is not open. You can collect a Junior Ranger booklet and get your stamp during daylight hours.
In addition to keeping the walkways free of ice and snow, staff have been restoring windows and repainting the doors and handrails in the stairwell of Wilkinson Mill. Facilities crews are also refreshing the Junior Ranger corner in the Visitor Center and updating the kitchen area of Slater Mill.
Be on the lookout for details about spring flowers and of course, a spring cleanup at both park sites.
Book a Field Trip
Plan your field trip to Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark today. Each visit includes a tour of Old Slater Mill as well as optional group activities.
The current capacity for a group field trip is 60 people at a time for up to 90 minutes. There is no fee, but reservations are required. We are accepting reservations for programs from March – June 2025. Homeschool coordinators and families may also inquire about special homeschool days with workshops, tours, and drop-in activities.
Reservations can be made by emailing Allison Horrocks (e-mail us ) or calling 401-318-4883.
Do you teach at a local college, university, or lifelong learning program?
Extended tours of Old Slater Mill are available for groups of lifelong learners and college-level classes (up to 25 visitors per tour). Visitors will have the opportunity to ask questions and spend up to 90 minutes with a ranger.
Broadview Press
Tea with Dr. Charlotte Carrington Farmer
This March, Dr. Carrington-Farmer, a Professor of History at Roger Williams University will present her latest book, Roger Williams and His World: A History in Documents, at Roger Williams National Memorial. This collection features a variety of primary sources, including writings by Roger Williams himself, as well as contemporary accounts that shed light on his life and ideas.
Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for more details.
60th Anniversary Celebration
This year, join us in celebrating the 60th anniversary of Roger Williams National Memorial! The Memorial was legislated in 1965 to recognize Williams's contributions to American freedoms. We have a lot planned for this special year! Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for more events, and check out our 60th anniversary page to learn about the Memorial’s history.
National Park Foundation "Inclusive Storytelling Grant"
Staff at the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association (RIJHA) and the Roger Williams National Memorial have recently hired 3 talented research interns to assist in researching for the Inclusive Storytelling Grant awarded to the Association last fall. The grant will fund a variety of educational products, such as lesson plans for students in 4th through 6th grade, a traveling exhibit, and a series of programs hosted by rangers. Stay tuned as interns, RIJHA staff, and rangers continue to bring “The Hahns: A Memorial Legacy” to life over the next year and a half!
Park to host Latino Heritage Internship Program and Fish and Feathers Interns
Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park is excited to announce that the park was once again selected to host a Latino Heritage Internship Program and Fish and Feathers interns.These positions, administered by Environment for the Americas, seek to engage racially and ethnically diverse college students, graduates, graduate students, veterans, and others up to age 35 in natural resource, conservation, and stewardship careers.
Interested candidates can apply at the following links:
Fish and Feathers - Fish and Feathers Internship Program - ONSITE - Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park - Environment for the Americas
Latino Heritage Internship Program - Latino Heritage Internship Program | Community Engagement Ambassador (PLC) – ONSITE – Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
NPS
Last updated: January 16, 2025