News 2005

Blackstone Valley. Footsteps in History is a program designed to showcase the collection of historic and cultural offerings to be found throughout the Blackstone River Valley. During October 8, 9 and 10 over 120 heritage and culturally significant buildings and areas will be open to the public in a highly coordinated effort that is history-making in itself.

Known as the Birthplace of America’s Industrial Revolution, the Blackstone River Valley’s 24 communities were designated by President and Mrs. Bush as Preserve America communities in 2004. To highlight this proud achievement, the region’s Blackstone River Valley Tourism Collaborative developed Footsteps in History to make all historical and cultural sites open and available to the public with open houses, artistic and interpretive programs, festivals and much more during this three-day fall weekend.

The 46-mile river that runs through the valley between Worcester, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island supports a treasure trove of rare and unique homes (Asa Waters Mansion and Hearthside), early industrial and manufacturing operations (Slater Mill), places of worship (Chestnut Hill Meeting House and Quaker Meeting Houses) and timeless farms (Daniels Farmstead, Waters Farm, Sweetwilliam Farm, and Jewell’s Farm). Many sites will offer interpretive programs and special entertainment.

For more information and a complete listing of participating sites and organizations, use this website or call Veronica Cadoppi, Program Coordinator at 401-724-2200.

The Blackstone River Valley was federally designated as the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor in 1986. President Bill Clinton also designated the Blackstone River as an American Heritage River in 1998.

The Blackstone River Valley Tourism Collaborative is comprised of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.

Footsteps in History is sponsored by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Collaborative an organization representing the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. The Collaborative has also affiliated with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Preserve America Program. The Blackstone Valley Tourism Collaborative encourages visitors to participate in the Footsteps in History Preserve America weekend by promoting a $1,000 Gas Give-a-Way contest through the over 130 sites participating in the weekend. For contest details, see www.footstepsinhistory.com.

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