Drone photo over Blackstone Valley by Bob Evans, a BHC Photography Ambassador. |
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In This Issue
We hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and that you stay connected with us on social media.
Find our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube channel links at the bottom.
- The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Celebrates 34 Years!
- Field Trip Fridays: Willard House & Clock Museum
- Volunteers-In-Parks Contribution Total for Fiscal Year 2020
- Virtual Volunteer Meeting - Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m.
- Veterans Day - Veterans Memorial Museum RI
- Making History - Voices of Yesterday and Today
- Corridor Chats: Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are
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Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Turns 34! |
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On November 10, 1986, Congress passed the Act to establish the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor in Massachusetts and Rhode Island for the purpose of “preserving and interpreting for the educational and inspirational benefit of present and future generations the unique and significant contributions to our national heritage of certain historic and cultural lands, waterways and structures within the Blackstone Valley.” (Public Law 99-647, November 10, 1986). Learn more here.
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A Message From Richard T. Moore
Vice-Chairman, Blackstone Heritage Corridor Board of Directors
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It’s been one of my greatest sources of pride to watch the rebirth of the Blackstone River Valley over the past 34 years. The Valley, and its communities, have always been special to me.
This region is blessed with natural beauty. The Blackstone River once attracted Native Americans and wildlife to its banks. Then, in the entrepreneurial spirit of those who came before us, numerous mills were built to harness its water power. Countless men, women, and children left their farms and more were welcomed from other lands to launch America’s Industrial Revolution. The Valley towns welcomed others seeking freedom from slavery along the “Underground Railroad.” Valley residents fought for freedom in the American Civil War and, later, on distant shores in the wars of the last century.
Since 1986, the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, first through a federal commission, and now as a nonprofit, has encouraged those who were raised here and those who’ve moved here to share the benefits of Valley living, to celebrate the region’s rich history and beautiful countryside. Whether it’s biking along sections of the Greenway/Bikeway, paddling on the Blackstone River and its tributaries, walking dogs along the historic Blackstone Canal towpath, or visiting historic buildings and sites, there is so much for our families to enjoy! The dedicated Corridor staff and volunteers work hard to provide us with events to enjoy the valley’s rich natural and recreational resources and tell its nationally significant stories.
Rich with this history, our nation honored this region with the creation of the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park in 2014. The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor is the main supporting entity for the national park, organizing fundraising efforts, developing interpretive sites, providing regional advocacy, and managing the Volunteers-In-Parks and Junior Rangers programs. Although these activities support the Park, the Corridor’s budget is not fully funded through the Park’s program.
As federal support has diminished over the years, the continued work of the Corridor is only possible through charitable donations and volunteer efforts. In this season of Thanksgiving, the nonprofit Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor presents us with an opportunity to show appreciation for our rich history and active presence through sharing time, talent, and treasure. You can also support us by becoming a volunteer with our Volunteers-In-Parks program or consider becoming a board member to help guide the Corridor in the years to come. Your active support is both welcome and appreciated!
Richard T. Moore, Corridor Vice-Chair
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A Message From Devon Kurtz
Executive Director, Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
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The beauty of the Blackstone River Valley reminds us daily that in the midst of the pandemic and national unrest nature invites us to find peace, solace and well-being. The sights, sounds and scents of this season encourage us to slow down, take our time and relax in our surroundings. On our trails, our bike paths, and our interpretive sites, we are welcomed to step away from the concerns of our daily life and, even if only for little while, breathe deeply.
As we honor our 34th anniversary of the Heritage Corridor, our celebration this year will be different. We will not be gathering together for our annual calendar contest. We will not be launching our group kayak trips on the river. We will not be joining with others to tour the newest exhibitions. Instead, we will be focusing on all that we can do. This year we invite you to help us redefine how we explore the Valley. These times will never stop our adventures.
Although distanced, we hope that each of you will share your own excitement and joy that you find in the Valley and to share your thoughts on our Facebook page and post your photos on our Instagram. The strength of our communities forged the history of the Blackstone River Valley, protected our natural resources, and continues to define our unique living landscape.
Devon Kurtz, Executive Director, Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
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Become a Corridor Keeper!
You Can Help Keep the Wheels of Preservation and Progress Turning!
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It has been 34 Years!
Friends like YOU from all over the Blackstone River Valley have made these years so successful. In 1986, Congress passed an Act creating the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. Since that time, we have led the efforts to preserve this amazing, living landscape and created a National Historical Park to interpret the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.
Adding to our list of accomplishments, we:
- Built a replica barn at the historic Kelly House Museum in Lincoln, RI;
- Built a silver LEED building to house the new heritage center in Worcester, MA;
- Opened new segments of the bikeway in Massachusetts and Rhode Island;
- Developed a robust Volunteers-In-Parks program to help preserve and celebrate our natural, historical, cultural, and recreational resources; and
- Contributed economically to Valley communities through development and tourism.
Today, we ask you to help us continue this important work. Your support helps us to:
- Partner with nonprofits, businesses, and residents to restore, retain, and reinvigorate the Valley;
- Coordinate enthusiastic volunteers to work on behalf of BRVNHC and its partners;
- Facilitate a variety of programs and events to connect people to the National Heritage Corridor and its nationally significant resources;
- Provide services to the 25 communities that make up the Corridor in Massachusetts and Rhode Island; and,
- Act as the local coordinating partner of the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park.
We still have important work to do and we need YOUR support more than ever!
The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works in partnership with the Federal Government. We ask if you have any enjoyed any of our programs, or take pride in this beautiful place that has a nationally significant story, and you want to see this important work continue, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today! We thank you for your continued support!
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Field Trip Fridays: Willard House & Clock Museum |
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Willard House & Clock Museum
11 Willard Street, North Grafton, MA*
Our virtual field trip series continues with a visit to the Willard House & Clock Museum, one of Grafton's oldest buildings, constructed the early 1700's in what was then known as the Indian settlement of Hassanamisco. The museum features world's largest collection of Willard clocks which are proudly displayed in period room settings in the 1718 Joseph Willard homestead, the 1766 Benjamin Willard Clock Manufactory, and three modern galleries. Learn about the Willard family of clockmakers and the legacy they’ve left behind.
*Note: the Willard House & Clock Museum is currently closed until further notice.
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Volunteer Contribution Total for Fiscal Year 2020 |
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A message from Suzanne Buchanan, Volunteers-In-Parks Coordinator |
I truly am amazed by the contributions of the Volunteers-In-Parks volunteers. Despite this year’s difficult challenges, the VIP’s have gone above and beyond the “Call of Duty” to volunteer. No one person or group can be singled out! The combined volunteer hours result from each volunteer making a difference throughout the Blackstone Heritage Corridor and taking the time to record their valuable volunteer hours.
I am so proud to present this past year’s volunteer hours. DRUM ROLL PLEASE….
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Virtual Volunteer Meeting - Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m. |
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Veterans Day - November 11 |
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Veterans Memorial Museum RI Open on Veterans Day |
Veterans Memorial Museum RI in Woonsocket is celebrating its 5th anniversary on Veterans Day. The museum features military artifacts that honor our veterans and preserve history. A special Woonsocket room is dedicated to Woonsocket Veterans who served in World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and others.
Veterans Memorial Museum RI
78 Earle Street
(on the second floor of the American-French Genealogical Society)
Woonsocket, RI
Open Tuesdays and Saturdays,10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; also open on Veterans Day, Nov. 11
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Making History: Voices of Yesterday and Today
Share Your Mill Worker Story
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Mill workers past and present, we would love to hear about your work experience in the mills and factories of the Blackstone River Valley. Your stories are so important to preserving the Blackstone River Valley mill legacy where the American Industrial Revolution began. We invite you to record your story using an easy oral history program. Preserve and share your story for yourself and future generations. |
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Corridor Chats: Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are
with VIP Marjorie Turner Hollman
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Check out our newest "Corridor Chats" video featuring VIP and author Marjorie Turner Hollman offering tips from her latest book "Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are." Thank you Marjorie, and thanks also to VIP's Beth and Paul Milke for joining us on the walk through the Hopedale Parklands while filming!
Click here to read Marjorie's blog about filming Corridor Chats at the Hopedale Parklands.
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Shop on Amazon Smile to Support BHC! |
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Shop at AmazonSmile and support
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
If you are an Amazon shopper, a simple switch to AmazonSmile will generate a donation to a charity of your choice. Please consider choosing Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor as the beneficiary of your qualified purchases.
When you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of your eligible Amazon purchase to Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.
Here are some steps you can take to ensure donations are made to BHC through your Amazon purchase:
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Bookmark the link to AmazonSmile so that you can support us every time you shop.
- Shop online at AmazonSmile like you normally do on Amazon or Amazon Prime.
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Select Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor as the recipient.
Remember, only purchases made at smile.amazon.com will generate a donation.
Thank you for your support!
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Did You Miss a Newsletter? Find Past Issues on the BHC Website! |
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Stay Connected with Us on YouTube! |
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Subscribe to our YouTube channel and you will receive notifications when we release new videos.
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Become a Gearhead Junior Ranger |
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Explore, Discover, Protect, and GO! |
Junior Rangers in the Blackstone River Valley are called GearHeads.
GearHead (n.): a kid, powered by the Gears in their brain; who explores nature, discovers history, protects the environment, and goes on adventures through the Blackstone River Valley.
Click through the GearHeads website and claim your Junior Ranger status today! Submit a completed activity and we'll send you a Junior Ranger badge!
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"Caught Between Two Seasons"
This was the scene at Lincoln Woods State Park, Lincoln, RI, after the October 30 snowfall.
Photo by Bonnie Combs
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From all of us at BHC, we wish you well and look forward to seeing you soon! |
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