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Contact: Mark Mello, 401-318-4489
Spring has sprung here in the Blackstone River Valley NHP and Roger Williams National Memorial. Learn about upcoming events, recently completed projects, and our summer operating schedule at the parks.
Eagle Scout Project at Old Slater Mill
John (Johnny) McClung, of the First Providence Troop is well on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout.
Johnny coordinated an extensive erosion management project at Old Slater Mill this April. Together with his team of volunteers, Johnny worked to move soil onto the riverbank and to plant native shrubs. Even a weekend of rain and overcast skies could not deter Johnny and the scouts of First Providence Troop.
Johnny’s project is part of a longer collaboration at the site, and a continuation of an earlier Eagle Scout’s work. Gardener Nicholas Moore has been overseeing the removal of Tree of Heaven and other invasive plants at the site for the past four years. Since 2021, Nick has been working with the Master Gardeners of the University of Rhode Island in overseeing a major transformation along the riverbank. We look forward to congratulating Johnny when he completes all his Eagle Scout hours!
Check out the images below to see how the work of the last four years has dramatically changed the riverbank. Native plants will be growing in place of invasive species, making the riverbank healthier.
Before and After Invasive Species Removal
Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark is OPEN!
Take a free tour with a park ranger at Old Slater Mill this spring or summer.
No reservations are required (a few dates excluded) and all tours are free and open to the public.
Tours are limited to 25 persons – first come, first served.
Spring Schedule (April 25 - May 17)
Visitor Information Station: Open Fridays and Saturdays (10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.)
Guided Tours: Fridays and Saturday (10:30 A.M., 12:30 P.M., 2:30 P.M.)
Summer Schedule (May 18 - November 1)
Visitor Information Station: Open Thursdays - Sundays (10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.)
Guided Tours: Thursdays - Sundays (10:30 A.M., 12:30 P.M., 2:30 P.M.)
Roger Williams National Memorial Summer Season
We're excited to welcome you to the park! Roger Williams National Memorial is located at 282 North Main Street, Providence, Rhode Island.
Our grounds are open from dawn to dusk, and our Visitor Center is here to greet you Wednesday - Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Stop by to grab your passport stamp, enjoy a fascinating 5-minute video about Roger Williams' life, and explore informative panels and exhibits showcasing his enduring influence on America today. Roger Talks, free, ranger-led discussions, will be held at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM, Thursday-Sunday, starting Thursday, May 15, 2025.
We can't wait to share this enriching experience with you!
Facilities Work at Slater
This winter, the Maintenance and Facilities staff for the parks completed a much-needed upgrade to the Slater Mill kitchen and public restroom area. They also added more space to the Junior Ranger corner of Slater Mill’s Visitor Center.
In addition, facilities staff also began the process of repairing windows and sills on the first floor of Old Slater Mill. This will be an ongoing project which will cause no disruptions to visitors. A contracted asbestos removal project was also conducted this winter which removed the product from pipes in Old Slater Mill's attic.
All of these projects are critical in maintaining the 232-year-old structure and ensuring a safe environment for our visitors and staff.
New Pop-Up Exhibit for the Kelly House Barn in Blackstone River State Park
Violeta Rodriguez, a senior at North Providence High School, completed an honors internship and project with Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park.
Throughout the winter, Violeta scanned documents related to the Owens-Corning operation in Ashton, Rhode Island. Violeta also coordinated a special visit to Slater Mill for her Girl Scout troop and completed the Scout Ranger badge. This April, the park was able to debut a new pop-up exhibit using materials Violeta organized, providing new visuals to the important story of beta cloth. This cloth was made by workers in Ashton and used by astronauts to go on missions to space.
Violeta will be pursuing a degree in Archaeology this fall.
Hendrickson
Walkabout With Us This Summer
Get out this summer and explore the Blackstone Valley with us! The Ranger Walkabout series is back.
Ranger Walkabouts are ranger-led tours hosted throughout the Blackstone Valley. This year, we’ll be focusing on “revolutionary” history, taking a long look at the War for Independence and the American Industrial Revolution.
All walkabouts are free and open to the public; no registration required. Sturdy footwear, water, and bug spray are suggested. All programs start at 6:30 P.M. at the addresses specified below.
Please Note: Walkabouts will not be held on Thursday, June 19 or Thursday, July 3.
Schedule:
June 5 – Manufacturing History in Hopedale: 12 Hopedale St., Hopedale, MA
June 12 – Indigenous History in Grafton, 30 Grafton Common, Grafton, MA
June 26 – Patriots of Northbridge, 850 Hill St, Northbridge, MA
July 10 – Making a Mill Village, 9 Main St, Sutton, MA
July 17 – Timothy Bigelow's War, 140 Lincoln St, Worcester, MA
July 24 – Arnold Mills, 690 Nate Whipple Hwy, Cumberland, RI
July 31 – Revolutionary Times in Uxbridge, 20 Court Street, Uxbridge, MA
August 7 – Friends in Union Village, 108 Smithfield Rd, Woonsocket, RI
August 14 – Community and Change in Berkeley, 30 Martin Street, Cumberland, RI
August 21 – Roger Williams National Memorial 60th Anniversary Celebration, 282 N. Main St., Providence, RI
August 28 – Remaking a Landscape, 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI
Hendrickson
Historic Cemetery Tours
Rhode Island Cemetery Weeks are upon us!
Check out our free programs, all free of charge and hosted at 10 AM. No registration is required to attend.
May 10, 2025: Distressed of Conscience
Climb College Hill in Providence, Rhode Island, and learn the story of Roger Williams. Walk past Williams’s original property and explore a historic landscape. Program begins and ends at Roger Williams National Memorial, located at 282 North Main St. Please note: this route includes a steep walk on city streets.
May 24, 2025: Lincoln Woods Walk
Take a walk-through Lincoln Woods with a park ranger. Begin at the historic Olney Burial Ground and enjoy a guided walk around Olney Pond. Duration: Approximately 2.3 Miles. Use Route 146/Twin River Road Entrance and bear right. Free Parking is available.
May 31, 2025: Lonsdale Cemetery Tour
Tour the Christ Church Cemetery (#28) and learn about the history of Lonsdale, a mill village. Meet in the Blackstone River Bikeway Bike Path Parking, John Street Parking Area, 121 John St, Lincoln, RI.
Learn more here: https://rihistoriccemeteries.org/events.aspx
Spring Interns
This Spring, the park has been lucky enough to host two local interns: Emily Furciniti and Tim Wynne.
Emily Furciniti is from Bourne, Massachusetts. She is a student at Bridgewater State University. Emily is double majoring in History and Geography. Emily has always enjoyed both the outdoors and the history of our region. She is so excited to be working at the park this spring. For her internship, Emily is finetuning and revising content on the Park's website and assisting with field trips.
Tim Wynne hails from Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He is recently retired after 35 years in industrial sales. Tim is working on a degree at Rhode Island College, where he studies History. Tim has a particular interest in local histories and historical cartography.
See Tim's work on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Old Slater Mill. Tim's cartography exhibit will be on display on the second floor of Slater Mill.
Fish Passage Parade Event
Save the Date for the Third Annual Fish Migration Parade!
Hosted at Central Falls Landing on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 10:30AM - 1:00PM.
This event will celebrate the Blackstone River and the hopeful restoration of migratory species such as herring. We’ll paddle or take a boat ride to Lonsdale Marsh to explore the eventual spawning grounds for migratory fish. All are welcome! RSVP will be required to reserve a kayak or a seat on the Explorer, but others are welcome to watch from shore and listen to the speakers.
Organizing partners include Save the Bay, Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, and members of the Blackstone River Commons Project.
Schedule:
10:30AM Check In, sign your paddling waiver, and make a fishy craft to take with you
11:00AM Speaking portion, including the RI Federal Delegation, local Mayor, and Narragansett Indian Tribe
11:30ish - 12:30 Floating Fish Parade hits the water! We’ll paddle together from CF Landing to Lonsdale Marsh (or enjoy a trip aboard about the Explorer) for about .5 miles, while listening to drummers and singers aboard the Spirit of Pawtucket.
1:00 Event ends
Learn more here: https://www.blackstonecollaborative.org/events
Family Fun Fishing Day at River Bend Farm – this May!
View Save the Date & Volunteer Flyer
Take part in an annual fishing derby at River Bend Farm in Uxbridge, MA. Hosted on May 17, 2025, from 10 AM – 2 PM at 287 Oak Street, Uxbridge, MA.
This event is free and open to all abilities.
This event is hosted by Open Sky Community Services, Blackstone River National Heritage Corridor Volunteers-in-Parks Program, Blackstone River Watershed Association, Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.
If you want to volunteer, look for available roles by visiting: openskycs.org/fishingvolunteers
Welcome Back Owen & McKinzie
Owen Marshall has returned to our staff as a seasonal park ranger. Owen hails from Fall River, Massachusetts. In 2024, he earned a master's degree in history from Providence College in Providence, RI.
This summer, Owen will work at Roger Williams National Memorial and Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. Look for Owen during Roger Talks, mill tours, and ranger-led walkabouts.
In the Maintenance division, McKinzie Schultz will be returning for her second season. She will be working on preservation projects at Old Slater Mill and taking care of the grounds at Roger Williams National Memorial.
Happy Birthday, Jay!
Jay Brunelle, a long-time employee of Old Slater Mill, and member of the Maintenance staff, will be celebrating his 65th birthday this spring. Have a great birthday, Jay!
Last updated: May 1, 2025