Stories

The Stories of the Blackstone Valley

The Blackstone River Valley has long been home to innovators, reformers, immigrants, and laborers. To learn more about the stories that the Valley still tells us today, click on the headings below. These are stories of trials and tribulations, of great joy and success, and of tragedy.

 

Laboring for Freedom

Check out our new exhibit on the African American experience in the Blackstone River Valley

1824 Strike

Join us for our First Strike Festival 2024! And learn more about the 1824 Strike

200 Years of Labor History

Learn how labor power has evolved since the first wage earner's strike in Pawtucket in 1824.

Geography of the Blackstone Valley

Learn more about how the geography of the Blackstone Valley affected the Industrial Revolution

Immigration

Learn more about the people who came to the Blackstone River Valley.

The Cotton Economy

Learn more about the Blackstone Valley's role in the cotton economy.

Environmental Impact

Learn more about how the Industrial Revolution affected the environment of the Blackstone Valley

Mill Life

Learn more about what it was like to live and work in Blackstone Valley Mill Village.

Labor History

Learn more about the history of organized labor in the Blackstone Valley.

Reform Movements

Learn more about reform movements like abolitionism, temperance, and women's rights.

Transporation Revolution

Learn more about the transportation revolution in the Blackstone Valley.