Management

About the Park

On December 19, 2014, President Obama signed the legislation that established the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, the 402nd park in the national park system. The same legislation also extends the authorization of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor for six years, through the end of Fiscal Year 2021, and adds the Town of Auburn, Massachusetts, and additional portions of Providence, Rhode Island to the Heritage Corridor.

The Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park was established to help preserve, protect, and interpret the nationally significant resources that exemplify the industrial heritage of the Blackstone River Valley. The park will also support the preservation, protection, and interpretation of the urban, rural, and agricultural landscape features (including the Blackstone River and Canal) of the region that provide an overarching context for the industrial heritage of the Blackstone River Valley.

In addition, the park will interpret the nationally significant sites and districts that convey the industrial history of the Blackstone River Valley, and work to support the network of partners, related resources, and facilities throughout the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The National Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

We are the stewards of your park, charged with protecting its priceless resources. We enjoy sharing the park with you, so seek us out by checking the parks website, attending a ranger program, or following our Facebook page. For a better understanding of how the National Park Service manages Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, read our Legislation, see our staff and offices, or join a volunteer team.

Park Boundaries

The park includes:
The Blackstone River State Park in Lincoln, RI
Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark District in Pawtucket, RI
Slatersville Historic District in North Smithfield, RI
Ashton Historic District in Cumberland, RI
Whitinsville Historic District in Northbridge, MA
Hopedale Village Historic District, in Hopedale, MA
The Blackstone River and tributaries of Blackstone River
The Blackstone Canal