• The Slater Mill (yellow) and Wilkinson Mill (stone), along the Blacktone River in Pawtucket RI

    Blackstone River Valley

    National Heritage Corridor MA,RI

John H Chafee Heritage Award

Senator John H. Chafee

Senator John H. Chafee

The John H. Chafee Heritage Awards
The John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission is now seeking nominations for this year’s John H. Chafee Heritage Awards. Nominations are sought for individuals or groups who highlight active involvement in projects, programs and institutions that promote our cultural heritage, the preservation of the Corridor’s natural areas and/or those who strive to enrich the quality of life in the Blackstone River Valley.

The Corridor Commission established this award to honor the late Senator John H. Chafee’s legacy and to recognize citizens and organizations whose work in the Blackstone Valley embodies the vision and ideas Senator Chafee stood for.

If you would like to nominate someone for this award, please submit a one page nomination citing his or her accomplishments or use the attached nomination form. There is a separate category for students. Heritage Corridor Commissioners and staff are not eligible for nomination.

Nominations must be received at the Heritage Corridor office at One Depot Square, Woonsocket, RI 02895 by Friday, January 9, 2009.

Past years recipients have included community leaders, preservation heroes, business partners, environmental advocates and students whose achievements resulted in public benefit. If someone you know is deserving of this recognition, nominate them today.

For more information, contact Meghan Couture at 401-762-0250 ext. 10.

To download a nomination form click here.

Did You Know?

Child mill workers

Children as young as age six were hired to work in the textile mills of the Blackstone River Valley.  These adolescent workers were employed by the Lonsdale Company, c. 1912.  Photos such as this helped lead to the passage of child labor laws.