Ranger Days Talks Winter Schedule Announced
The Museum of Work and Culture and the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley Heritage Corridor Commission are pleased to announce that this year’s Ranger Days Talks will begin on Sunday, January 17, 2010. Each talk is held at 1:30 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon at the Museum’s Union Hall at 42 South Main Street in Woonsocket. Admission is free and the facility is handicapped accessible.

“This is the thirteenth year we have co-hosted this lecture series with the Museum of Work and Culture,” said National Park Service Ranger Kevin Klyberg. “The Museum’s Independent Textile Union Hall exhibit with its wonderful stage gives us a forum to bring in speakers who can discuss unique aspects of the rich heritage of the Blackstone River Valley. We are very fortunate to have such diverse and knowledgeable speakers to present through this series.”

All Ranger Days Talks begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Museum of Work and Culture 42 South Main Street Woonsocket.

For more information please call (401) 762-0250 or (401) 769-9675

Erik Eckilson

View of Woonsocket Falls from under Main Street Bridge.

January 17- Erik Eckilson: Views From the Blackstone River
Local historian and Blackstone Valley Paddle Club Team Leader Erik Eckilson offering "Views From the Blackstone River". Eckilson will take attendees on a multi-media tour of Rhode Island's Blackstone River Valley. Using beautiful pictures and video -- with many shots taken from the river itself -- Eckilson will guide viewers down the Blackstone with a visually rich chronicle of the ten mill villages that grew up along the river from Woonsocket to Valley Falls during the Blackstone Valley's industrialization.

January 31- Betty and Carlo Mencucci: Spring Lake
Betty and Carlo Mencucci from the Burrillville Historical Society will present views of Spring Lake through the years. Spring Lake, originally known as Herring Pond, became a popular destination in Northern Rhode Island. Late in the 19th and early in the 20th centuries the Lake attracted thousands of visitors looking for recreation in the form of swimming, boating, clambakes and outings. It provided rest from the workaday world of the mill workers. Their collection of photos, postcards and the like will provide an educational and entertaining experience for all. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own pictures and memorabilia of Spring Lake!

February 14 - Paul and Denise Bourget and Michele Rogers: The Civil War
Paul and Denise Bourget along with Michele L. Rogers will present themselves as Civil War re-enactors. Paul will portray Brigadier General George Sears Greene and Denise will interpret Mary Jane Safford, a nurse of the Civil War era. Michele will portray Rose O'Neale Greenhow, a Civil War spy. They will relate the story of their characters and their respective roles during the 1860's. Their talk will focus on the defense of Culp's Hill during the Battle of Gettysburg. According to Paul Bourget, Brigadier General George Sears Greene was a native Rhode Islander and the "Forgotten Hero of Gettysburg. The oldest general on the Gettysburg battlefield, "Old Pap" was responsible for successfully defending Culp's Hill against incredible odds during July 2-3, 1863. Greene's bravery and leadership was credited with saving the Union's right.

February 28 - Janice Farnham RJM: Catholic Education
Janice Farnham RJM will discuss the role of the Religious of Jesus Mary in Catholic Education in Rhode Island. The nun is a native of Woonsocket and has taught many years in the area schools. Her presentation entitled "Je Me Souviens"-- Remembering the Religious of Jesus and Mary in Rhode Island -- and will examine the arrival of the Religious of Jesus and Mary and their role in the evolution of Catholic Education and the impact it had in Rhode Island and Southern New England.

March 14 - Greg Rubano: Napoleon Lajoie and Baseball "The Reign of Napoleon Lajoie"
"The city loses its mental balance...they close the factories, blow the whistles, ring the bells, bring out the fire engine and do everything...fitting a demonstration to the king." What was the occasion? The homecoming of a native son and nationally beloved baseball superstar Napoleon Lajoie to his beloved Woonsocket. Greg Rubano's presentation will reveal the impact of this Hall of Famer upon the game he so loved. In addition to seeing artifacts and photographs and hearing a few tales from the diamond, don't be surprised to hear a song or two as we explore the culture and romance of early 20th century baseball.The afternoon will also include songs from that baseball era interpreted by Jean O'Donnell.

March 28 - Sylvia Soares:Cape Verdean Longshoremen
Sylvia Soares will present several oral histories depicting the experiences of Cape Verdean longshoremen.