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

FOOTSTEPS IN HISTORY WEEKEND REVEALS BLACKSTONE VALLEY TREASURES
For a complete list of historical and cultural sites, visit this website events section.

BLACKSTONE VALLEY, MA, RI, (September 29, 2006) – Blackstone Valley DeTours allow travelers to enjoy autumn leaves and quiet scenic roads, leading them to hidden country destinations in the Blackstone River Valley. Far from the city, panoramic vistas of fall foliage, historical churches, quaint shops, museums and more, await visitors. All 24 communities of the Blackstone River Valley are opening the doors to their best cultural and historical attractions during the Second Annual Footsteps in History Preserve America Weekend on October 7-9.

“What a great weekend for people to visit and sample what the Blackstone Valley offers,” says Robert Billington, president of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. “The autumn foliage will be an excellent backdrop as they tour any of our 100 historical and cultural sites.”

Be sure to visit the following featured historical sites on the DeTours:

The Chepachet Meeting House of 1213 Putnam Pike in Glocester, R.I. is home to the Freewill Baptist Church and has a long and rich history. The congregation was part of the Chepachet Union Church from the 1920's until the early 1950's. The church sponsors May breakfasts, basket socials, Memorial Day luncheons, strawberry festivals and harvest suppers. A concert - Music at the Meeting House - featuring Pastor Emeritus Jeffrey Brooke Stewart with the story of John Colby set to hymns of the period, will take place on Sunday at 2 p.m. Refreshments will follow the performance. For more information, call 401-568-3771 or logon to www.chepachetfreewill.org.

The Willard House & Clock Museum of 11 Willard Street, North Grafton, MA, is another gem of the Blackstone Valley. The story begins with Benjamin Willard who began making clocks in his small Grafton workshop in 1766 and later became America’s premier 18th century clockmaker. In 1802, Simon Willard obtained a patent for his improved Timepiece, or “banjo” clock. Today it is considered one of the most significant styles of early 19th century American timepieces. The museum’s collection includes over 80 Willard clocks and is the largest of its kind in the world. There will be guided tours of the historic Willard House and original clock shop throughout the weekend. Admission is $7 for adults $6 for seniors and $3 for children. On Oct. 8th there will be a free 11th Annual Robinson lecture featuring Chris Bailey, Curator of the American Clock & Watch Museum of Bristol, Ct. speaking on the transition from hand made clocks to mass production of clocks in the mid-19th century. Footsteps in History Weekend hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 508-839-3500 or log on to www.willardhouse.org.

The Cumberland Public Library - “The Monastery” - of 1464 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, R.I., is situated on the site of the former Monastery of Our Lady of the Strict Observance. The story began in Nova Scotia in 1892, when a fire destroyed the Abbey of Petit Clairvaux. The monks themselves quarried the granite stone on the property to erect the many buildings. A self-guided walking tour of the former Monastery grounds will be offered. Footsteps in History Weekend hours will be Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 401-333-2552 or logon to www.cumberlandlibrary.org.

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 or by calling 1-800-454-2882 for more information. A full list of Blackstone Valley DeTour routes with driving directions can be found at www.tourblackstone.com.

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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