News Release

Spring Newsletter 2023

Spring day at Brown house and Wilkinson Mill filled with flowers

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News Release Date: May 12, 2023

From The Superintendent:

Late spring is a wonderful time of year at our two parks, not only because of the colorful flowers and trees blooming in our beautiful landscapes, but also because of the re-opening of visitation at Blackstone River Valley NHP and the many in-person programs and special events we are able to hold for both parks as the weather warms into summer.  

This time of year, we welcome new seasonal staff and interns who provide more eager hands and minds to better serve the public. I invite you to catch hold of our excitement by attending our festivals, chats, bike rides, walkabouts, talks, movie nights, fishing days, and WWII commemoration. There’s even a parade! - not to mention vital volunteer opportunities.  

In other words, there is literally something at these parks for everyone. My excellent staff and I (together with our terrific partner organizations) are eager to share it with you.  

Happy spring and best wishes for a great summer. 

Superintendent
W. Eric Breitkreutz



Roger Williams National Memorial
Summer Schedule

Roger Williams Chats

Starting on May 11, 2023, join a ranger for a chat about Roger Williams’s legacy and ideas. Offered Thursday-Sunday through October 29, 2023, at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM.

Programs last approximately one-half hour and are free.

Roger Williams was one of the greatest philosophers of the 1600s. His passionate plea for the separation of church and state still resonates in our public discourse. Both loved and hated by his contemporaries, his legacy remains unresolved. How much say does the government have in our personal choices? Who gets to decide?

Free parking in the lot on Canal Street. Signs will direct you toward the Hahn Memorial (historic well) where the programs will begin.

Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
Summer Schedule

Slater Mill Summer 2023

Starting on May 11, 2023, the Visitor Contact Station at 67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI, will be open 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Thursday-Sunday. Guided tours are offered at: 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, & 2:30 PM. Tours have a maximum capacity of 25 persons; no reservations or fees.

Special Events

The Second First Strike

Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 1:00 - 6:00 PM
All are invited to the second annual First Strike Festival at Old Slater Mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Come for a day of live dance, song, and family friendly fun.
More Information

Partner Event Highlight: Fish Migration Community Parade

Sunday, May 21, 2023, from 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Join the Blackstone River Watershed Council and community partners for a community parade in Pawtucket, RI. This event at Old Slater Mill will feature drumming, dancing, crafts, music, and more. Rain or shine!

Fish Migration Community Parade Tickets, Sun, May 21, 2023 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite

Commemorate World War II this Summer

Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park and ValleyCAST will present an informative and interactive afternoon of history at the Whitin Mill in Whitinsville, MA. Program presented with Open Sky Community Services.  
More Information

Park Ranger giving a tour to visitors in front of Slater Mill

Special Programs

Wednesday Rides

In July, August, and September, a guided bike tour will be offered each Wednesday evening starting at 5:30 PM. Meet at the Kelly House Museum of Transportation at 1075 Lower River Rd, in Lincoln RI. Bicycles and safety gear not provided. Weather cancellations will be posted on our Facebook page – Facebook.com/BlackstoneNPS.

Thursday Walkabouts

From June - August, a free, ranger-led walking tour will be offered each Thursday night at 6:30 PM. Find the full listing of Walkabouts here: Ranger Walkabout (nps.gov)

First Fridays

On the first Friday of the month (June 2, July 7, August 4, September 1, and October 6), Slater Mill will be open late with special programming. Concerts, movie nights, special tours and more are offered on the first Friday evenings of the month from June to October. Click on each date to learn more.

Towpath Talks

Have a blast and explore nature along the Blackstone Canal!

Join a Ranger for a guided walk along the towpath in Blackstone River State Park. Tours leave from the Kelly House at 1:00 PM on Saturdays starting in June 2023. Walks along the towpath last between 30 - 45 minutes.

Virtual Talks

Parked at Home 2023

The second annual “Parked at Home” virtual series has wrapped for 2023! If you missed one or more of these discussions, all are available on the Park's YouTube channel. Here is a link to the channel: Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park - YouTube.

We have created a playlist for the 2023 Parked at Home discussions. Here's a link to all the programs: Parked at Home 2023 - YouTube. We hope you enjoyed this series. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for future programs, please reach out to e-mail us or e-mail us.

Welcome to the Team!

New Faces

Ethan Yoos has joined the Maintenance Division as a seasonal laborer. Ethan is a college student at the University of Rhode Island. This is his first position with the National Park Service. Welcome, Ethan!

James Nagaoka will be joining the staff as an Education Assistant. He is an intern with the Mosaics in Science program, run in partnership with the National Park Service. James recently graduated from Ohio State University with a B.S in evolution and ecology. Look for James at environmental programs around the Valley this summer!

Brianna Stevens will be the Fish and Feathers Intern for Blackstone. Brianna is a junior at the University of Tennessee Knoxville majoring in Wildlife and Fisheries Management. Her plan is to become a game warden upon graduation. She is excited to spend her summer at Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park and to learn more about the area.

Tatum Pelletier is a Wildlife Conservation Biology student at the University of Rhode Island. She will be a fellow with Roger Williams National Memorial this summer, bringing her expertise and assisting with park-run events.

"Hello, my name is Tatum Pelletier, and I'm studying Wildlife Conservation Biology. I love genetics and reviewing changes in geology and the environment over time. When not in school or getting nerdy about fossilized trees or animal hybrids, I'm an avid artist and collector of antiques and taxidermy; I practice conservation and preservation with the living, the dead, and the inanimate!"

Bob Wakeling has joined the staff as a seasonal park ranger. He hails from Massachusetts and has worked for the NPS for 12 years at other park sites including Adams National Historical Park and Boston National Historical Park. Look for Bob’s offerings of Slater Mill tours and Roger Williams talks throughout the summer.

Maintenance and Cultural Resourses Updates

Park Ranger cutting grass on a push mower at Slater Mill

Maintenance Update

It Isn’t Easy Being Green!

Park staff will be planting grass at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark and Roger Williams National Memorial. Enjoy the lush grounds at each site. Both offer free picnic tables, shade, and beautiful urban landscapes.

Park Ranger Maintenance staff working on preserving Slater Mill

Preservation at Our Parks

The Slater and Wilkinson Mill Cupolas will soon undergo preservation work. These important features of the buildings, which each house a large bell, will have minor wood repairs and be repainted to preserve their historic character for generations to come.

May is Preservation Month! Please look for the many fascinating opportunities to learn and get involved in preservation in your community during the month of May.

Volunteer Logo

Volunteer for the National Park Service

Do You Want to be a VIP?

If you are looking for a service opportunity, look no further than your local national parks. Contribute your time and expertise by becoming a VIP (member of the Volunteer-In-Parks program). Volunteer during special events or on a regular basis.

There are numerous benefits to volunteering in a national park. As a VIP, you will work side by side with an NPS employee, have an opportunity to spend time in an area you enjoy, meet people from all over the world, develop new skills, and make lifelong friendships with coworkers. To learn more about the VIP program, contact Molly Cardoza at mcardoza@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org.

Last updated: May 12, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

67 Roosevelt Ave
Pawtucket, RI 02860

Phone:

401-725-8638

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