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CONTACTS:
Robert Beadle, Public Relations
Phone: 401-632-6573, E-mail:
Robert@nepublicrelations.com
OR
Lorraine Provencher, Coordinator
Phone: 401-724-2200, E-mail:
bvfootsteps@aol.com
175 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860
RESTORED STAGECOACH TO MAKE
FIRST JOURNEY FROM PROVIDENCE TO WORCESTER IN 180 YEARS
EVENT MARKS KICKOFF OF THIRD ANNUAL FOOTSTEPS IN HISTORY
WEEKEND
PROVIDENCE, R.I., WORCESTER, Mass.
(September 20, 2007) - Teamster Robert Largess will drive an
1800's style horse-drawn stagecoach along the Blackstone
River Valley National Corridor from East Providence to
Worcester to commemorate the third annual Footsteps in
History Weekend. His three-day
journey will be the first in about 180 years and aims to
raise public awareness about the Blackstone Valley's rich
history and culture.
"Before the railroad and canal boats
took over, people used stagecoaches to make the journey
between Providence and Worcester," said Robert Largess, a
local history enthusiast and business owner. "When people
see my stagecoach traveling through their neighborhoods, I
want them to reflect on the rich
history that makes the Blackstone Valley so special and to
come out during the Footsteps in History Columbus Day
Weekend to learn about their roots."
The ride will begin at 10:30 a.m. on
Monday, October 1, in East Providence at the historical John
Hunt House and will stop at locations throughout the valley
during its journey.
The stagecoach will stop on Wednesday,
October 3, at the Asa Waters Mansion in Millbury, Mass. to
officially open the Footsteps in History Weekend during a
special kickoff event. From there, Largess will continue his
ride to nearby Worcester to conclude his journey.
On Columbus Day Weekend, October 6-8,
the 24 communities of the Blackstone River Valley are
opening their doors to their best cultural and historical
attractions during the Third Annual Footsteps in History
program. Last year, these events attracted over 15,000
visitors to the Blackstone River Valley.
More than 100 special tours, open houses
and events are currently listed.
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 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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