News 2006

For Immediate Release

CONTACTS:
Robert Beadle, Media Liaison
Phone: 401-632-6573, E-mail: Robert@nepublications.com
OR
Lorraine Provencher, Coordinator
Phone: 401-724-2200, E-mail: bvfootsteps@aol.com
175 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860

SECOND ANNUAL FOOTSTEPS IN HISTORY WEEKEND KICKOFF ON OCTOBER 3rd
Wendy Nicholas, Northeast Director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will deliver keynote address

LINCOLN, R.I., (September 27, 2006) – The Second Annual Footsteps in History Preserve America Weekend will kickoff a 24-community celebration of our culture, art and national heritage with a reception on Tuesday, October 3. Wendy Nicholas, Northeast Director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will deliver the keynote address. The kickoff reception will be held at Hearthside, 677 Great Road in Lincoln, RI from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The general public is invited.

The 24 communities of the Blackstone River Valley are opening their doors to their best cultural and historical attractions, all on Columbus Day Weekend, October 7-9. Last year, the First Annual Footsteps in History program attracted over 4,000 visitors to the Blackstone Valley.

“The annual Footsteps in History program is the best opportunity for us to encourage public support and participation for preserving our valley’s historic, cultural and natural assets,” said Robert Billington, President of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. “The Blackstone Valley is attracting more and more tourists each year and Footsteps is our flagship program designed to continue that growth.”

Many of the 100 sites featured during the Footsteps in History program are not open to the public on a regular basis.

Known as the Birthplace of America’s Industrial Revolution, the 24 communities of the Blackstone River Valley were designated by President and Mrs. Bush and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation as Preserve America communities in 2004. To highlight this proud achievement, the region 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 event.

More than 100 tours, open houses and events have been listed. A copy of all events, tours and open houses can be found throughout the Blackstone Valley at various Visitor Centers and sites in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. A complete listing may also be found on this website (events) or by calling 1-800-454-2882 for more information.

About Footsteps in History

The Footsteps in History Preserve America Weekend “Five Centuries in Three Days” is a celebration of our national heritage in which the 24 communities of the Blackstone River Valley showcase about 100 cultural and historical attractions for the enjoyment of residents, tourists and their families. Footsteps in History was created by the Blackstone River Valley Tourism Collaborative, which includes the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, and the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce. Footsteps in History is sponsored by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, the Massachusetts Historical Commission with grant funding from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. See this website (events) for the complete list of events, pick up a brochure at area visitor centers or call 1-800-454-2882 for more information.

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