NPS/Mello
Winter is back in the Blackstone River Valley. Although it's a season that is often cold and dark, it can be a great time to explore. Check out the happenings at Blackstone River Valley NHP and Roger Williams National Memorial this winter.
NPS/Horrocks Roger Williams National Memorial Celebrates 60th AnniversaryOn August 21, 2025, the Roger Williams National Memorial celebrated sixty years of interpreting the life and legacy of Roger Williams, an advocate for liberty of conscience and the separation of church and state. This event was a collaboration between the National Park Service (NPS) and the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association (RIJHA), honoring Roger Williams and his ideals, alongside notable local figures J. Jerome Hahn and his father, Isaac Hahn. In 1928, Judge Hahn preserved the spring site where Roger Williams founded Providence and donated it to the city in memory of his father, Isaac Hahn, who was the first Jewish official elected to public office in Rhode Island. The afternoon included speeches from guest speakers, including U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Rhode Island Secretary of State Greg Amore, RIJHA archivist Sam Turco, NPS Superintendent Eric Breitkreutz, and NPS rangers Andrew Schnetzer, and Sparkle Bryant. Attendees were also given a sneak peek into the new children's activity booklet that highlights the Hahn family's civic contributions to the city of Providence. 
Hendrickson Hike the Blackstone Canal with a park ranger this winter!Join us for hikes on Saturday mornings in January at 10:30 AM. Hikes will depart from various locations along the historic Blackstone Canal on 1/3, 1/10, 1/17, and 1/24. All hikes are free. This series is presented in partnership with MA DCR and RI DEM. January 3: Blackstone River State ParkMeet at the Kelly House Museum, 1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI January 10: Millville LockMeet at the Blackstone River Greenway Parking Lot, Corner of Central Street and Hope Street, Millville, MA January 17: The Old Stanley Woolen MillsMeet at the Trailhead at 9 Cross Street, Uxbridge, MA January 24: Goat Hill LockMeet at River Bend Farm Visitor Center, 287 Oak Street, Uxbridge, MA Please note: these programs are subject to cancelation due to inclement weather. Check the park’s website and Facebook page for the latest information on whether programs have been canceled. 
Latino Heritage Internship Program Spotlight: Diego RodriguezThis summer, Diego Rodriguez joined the staff at Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park through the Latino Heritage Internship Program. The Latino Heritage Internship Program (LHIP) is administered in partnership with Environment for the Americas (EFTA). Participants in LHIP work in cultural resource stewardship, interpretation, communication, and visitor services. The program helps raise awareness of our national parks and historic sites, and the need for local community involvement in their preservation. This year, the park chose Diego Rodriguez, who fit the bill of being a highly motivated graduate student seeking to work alongside NPS historians, interpreters, communicators, and other professionals. Building on the success of last year’s LHIP intern, Diego has used his bilingual skills to create materials for both English and Spanish speakers. Diego has also created new ways for both Spanish speaking and English speaking visitors to enjoy their visit to Slater Mill. This summer, Diego developed a Scavenger Hunt that involves taking photos of specific topics around Old Slater Mill National Historical Landmark. Diego also made a Spanish version of a self-guided nature walk. When not translating Park materials, Diego has been out at Park programs, farmers’ markets, public libraries, and various outreach events. Diego even ran a special Bat Walk and crafts session during one of the Night Sky programs at River Bend Farm! Diego will be working with the park through January 2026. Check out Diego’s 2025 LHIP cohort and his blog posts. https://latinoheritageintern.org/meet-the-interns-master/2025-interns/ https://latinoheritageintern.org/author/diego-rodriguez/
NPS/Mello “Threw up the Sash” - Well, not quiteMcKinzie Schultze, facilities staff member at Blackstone River Valley NHP and Roger Williams NM, has been working to repair windows on the first floor of Old Slater Mill. This work includes replacing cracked windowpanes and rebuilding elements of the sash. McKinzie’s season ended on Wednesday, November 26. We are sad to see her go, but we want to wish her the best of luck in her next adventure. This winter, facilities staff will continue to work on repairing the first-floor windows at the mill. 
Raceway Bridge ReconstructionThis Fall, a construction team from the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) based out of Frederick, Maryland came to Pawtucket to dismantle and rebuild the pedestrian bridge across the Slater Mill raceway. This project, just one of many construction projects slated for the site, will ensure visitor safety and access to the site. A special thanks to Mark Segro, Olivia Jacinto, and Louis Brown who did a tremendous job building the new bridge! 
New Junior Ranger Activity Booklet at Roger Williams National MemorialVisit us to get a copy of our newest Junior Ranger booklet. Created by local artist MJ Robinson, this booklet engages visitors young and old alike. The Visitor Center at Roger Williams NM is open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 AM - 4 PM. Explore what freedom of conscience means in a modern America. Walk the tree-lined paths of one of only 32 National Memorials in the country, and earn your next Junior Ranger badge. 
Welcome to the Park, Brayden!We are pleased to welcome Brayden Refino to the team. Brayden is a senior at Blackstone Valley Prep High School. He is participating in a school program wherein he will work an internship during school hours. Brayden is interested in the history of working and living conditions in mill life, along with the implementation of machinery that was revolutionary, with Slater Mill being a good example of both. Fun fact: Brayden is a licensed scuba diver. We can’t wait to dive into history with Brayden this winter. Field Trips at Slater MillWe are welcoming field trips for elementary and secondary school students at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark in Pawtucket, RI. Each visit includes a tour of Old Slater Mill as well as optional group activities. The current capacity for a group field trip is 60 people at a time for up to 90 minutes. There is no fee, but reservations are required. Visitors may eat on the grounds of Slater Mill but there is no indoor dining space. Please note that restrooms are limited. Please reach out to book in-classroom visits or field trips for the 2025-2026 school year. In December (2025), January, February, and March 2026, we are booking on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 AM - 2 PM. In April, May, and June, we are booking field trips on Wednesdays from 10 AM - 2 PM. Reservations can be made by emailing Allison Horrocks or calling 401-318-4883. 
Parked at Home ReturnsThe Parked at Home series will be returning for its fifth year in 2026. Every park has a story. During this virtual series, we’ll connect with people from across the country to talk about special places and complex stories at National Park Service sites. Join us to learn more about a place that might be close to home, or in a destination you dream of visiting. Each hour-long program includes a presentation and opportunities for questions and answers. All Parked at Home programs are free and open to all. These programs are hosted on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM (eastern) in March and April. An American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter will provide signing services for all 6 programs. If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility, please contact Ranger Mark Mello. Thank you to our partner, Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, for supporting this program. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLviZiqdMq9uD2KL6UcQRN4UuApegOMbgE&si=tLwsYLdAN9swDesw
Revolutionary RoundupTranscribing the PastThis summer, rangers explored new stories of service while co-hosting Revolutionary War pension transcription events throughout the Blackstone Valley. During a transcription event, participants learn the value of these first veterans’ pensions through a ranger presentation. During the second half of the event, we get to work, finding local pension files and starting the work of transcription. If you want to book a transcription event, please email Allison Horrocks or call 401-318-4883. 250 Years of StoriesOver the past three years, park staff have written articles that take a deeper look at the core legacies of American Independence through the lens of the American Industrial Revolution. You can read 12 articles posted on our Commemorating America 250 page. America 250th - Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Hendrickson A Fond Farewell to Owen MarshallThis summer, we said farewell to Owen Marshall, who has been part of the team at Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park and Roger Williams National Memorial for three years. Owen received a graduate degree from Providence College in History. During his graduate training, Owen worked as an intern, studying the papers of the Lonsdale Company in RI. After months of reading tedious financial records, Owen opted for more mill history. He came on board as a staff member, offering Roger Talks, guided mill tours, walkabouts, and more. Most recently, he offered a free (and popular) trivia program in the park. Outside of the green and gray, Owen will be working with Rhode Island Historical Society in Providence, RI, where he will continue to be the consummate educator and public historian. We wish Owen the best of luck in his new position! |
Last updated: December 10, 2025