Valley Sites - Woonsocket, Blackstone

Parochial School Classroom exhibit at the Museum of Work and Culture

WOONSOCKET

Woonsocket has been a city at work since the Arnold family built a gristmill at the falls here in the 1660s. For over a century, the voice of the city was French courtesy of the immigrants from Quebec who came here to work in the many mills. Though French is heard less on the streets of Woonsocket today, the pride of the Quebecois and other immigrants to the city can still be seen in the many festivals and events hosted here.

Museum of Work and Culture
See the face of people who left their lives as farmers in Quebec to be mill workers in Woonsocket. The museum exhibit traces their lives from the Quebec farm, through the mill floor, triple-decker house and union hall and tells the story of “La Survivance” their attempt to preserve their language and way of life. Mon-Fri 9:30 – 4, Sat 10-5 Sun 1-4.

42 South Main Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
[phone]
www.rihs.org

Blackstone Valley Explorer
What better way to discover the Blackstone River than by boat? Set sail aboard the Blackstone Valley EXPLORER. Tours Aug-Oct, Sundays 1-4.

River Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
[phone]
www.rivertourblackstone.com

Woonsocket Depot
Built in 1882 by the Providence and Worcester Railroad, the Depot is today the headquarters of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. Open Mon –Fri 8-5.

One Depot Square
Woonsocket, RI 02895
[phone]

 

Woonsocket Falls

Woonsocket Falls/ Market Square
The focus of Woonsocket for over 300 years has been the Woonsocket Falls, the largest natural drop on the Blackstone River. Originally harnessed in the mid-1600s to run a gristmill, it became the source of power for dozens of textile mills aligned along Market Square and Main Street. Even today, a small hydroelectric plant here is run by the power of the Blackstone River.

Intersection of Main Street and River Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895

River Island Park
This small park along the Blackstone River is the site of several events, including the Riverfest Canoe race in May and the French Farmers’ Market in September. Canoe access point. Open from sunrise to sunset.

Bernon Street
Woonsocket, RI.

Cold Spring Park
This recreation area is a canoe access point for the Blackstone River. For generations, Woonsocket residents came here to draw their drinking water.

Harris Avenue
Woonsocket, RI

Woonsocket City Hall
Built in 1856 by Edward Harris, City Hall was originally used as a recreation and lecture hall for the worker’s at the Harris Woolen Mills. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln spoke here during his presidential campaign.

169 Main Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
[phone]

Stadium Theater
This recently reopened 1926 movie and vaudeville theater has helped to revitalize the arts scene in Woonsocket. The theater has undergone a painstaking restoration to return it to the grandeur of its early days. Call for show schedules and prices.

28 Main Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
[phone]
www.stadiumtheatre.com

 

Daniels Farm

BLACKSTONE

One of the paradoxes of the Blackstone River Valley is highlighted in the Town of Blackstone. Just a few hundred yards from a busy road on one side and a massive brick mill on the other, is the Blackstone Gorge, one of the wildest segments of the Blackstone River. Pull off Main Street and explore some of the loveliest views in the Valley

Daniels Farm
Daniels Farm is one of the finest remaining farms in the Blackstone Valley. This 112 acre farm dates back to the mid-1700s and remained active through the mid-20th Century. The farm is now a preserved greenspace. Restricted hours.

286 Mendon Street
Blackstone, MA 01504
www.danielsfarmstead.org

Blackstone Gorge
The Blackstone Gorge is one of the most spectacular segments of the river. As the river drops down through a series of small rapids, the cliffs on either side climb until they stand almost 100 feet above the water. A great spot for hiking, picnicking or just enjoying nature. Park is open from sunrise to sunset.

County Road
Blackstone, MA
[phone]
mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/blst.

Blackstone Historical Museum
Historic artifacts and exhibits of local community heritage. Open to the public first & third Saturday of each month, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

23 Main Street
Blackstone, MA