News Release
NPS/Horrocks
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Come Grow With Us!
As you will read in this quarterly newsletter, we are gearing up for spring programs and projects as we add several new staff members, thanks to Inflation Reduction Act funding that allows us to temporarily increase our ranks for a few years. We are growing, and we would welcome you growing with us!
You can grow by volunteering to work with our Interpretation and Education Rangers or our Facilities staff via the V.I.P. (Volunteers in Parks) Program run by the J.H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. Our two national parks and the Corridor are hosting a volunteer appreciation and seasonal kickoff gathering 1:00 - 3:30 PM on Saturday, April 27, after volunteer workdays at both Roger Williams National Memorial and the Old Slater Mill 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM that Saturday. All are welcome! We would love to see you there.
You can grow your knowledge of our modern American world by learning how Roger Williams’ fight for the separation of church and state and freedom of religion influences our lives today when you check out the new articles our staff have created and posted on the Roger Williams National Memorial website. You can expand your understanding of other national parks throughout the country and how their missions are related in some way to that of Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park when you join our online Parked at Home series returning in March. You can grow in science wisdom when you join us for a viewing of the solar eclipse on April 8 at Roger Williams National Memorial. Then you can gain further understanding of more terrestrial matters when you come to commemorate the nation’s first labor strike on May 11 at the Old Slater Mill.
There are so many ways to grow with us this spring, both by volunteering and by learning new things or refreshing your knowledge. We hope you will join us for some or all of these opportunities at your two favorite national parks, and we look forward to welcoming you when you do.
Superintendent
W. Eric Breitkreutz
Roger Williams National Memorial
Welcome to new employees!
Welcome to new team member Sergio and welcome back to returning team member Ethan! We are excited to have them both on board. Keep an eye out for them at our special events throughout the season!
NPS Photo
Talking Roger...
During this winter, the rangers at Roger Williams National Memorial have been keeping themselves busy planning for the upcoming season. We created a series of informative articles that delve into the life and beliefs of Roger Williams. In these articles, we explore Roger Williams' ideas on religious freedom, his fight for the separation of church and state, and how his thoughts can be applied to our lives today. The articles are filled with insightful information and offer a fresh perspective on the topic. They are great reads for anyone interested in history, religion, or politics. If you want to learn more about Roger Williams and his legacy, head over to www.nps.gov/rowi.
MJ Robinson
New Art for the National Memorial!
We are thrilled to announce that we have collaborated with the incredibly talented artist MJ Robinson to design a captivating new illustrated cover for the memorial's Junior Ranger Activity book. The book is filled with engaging and educational activities that encourage kids of all ages to explore their surroundings, learn about history, and think critically about the world around them. Follow our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RogerWilliamsNPS for updates.
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Spring Cleanup
Community spring cleanups will be hosted on April 27th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at both Roger Williams National Memorial and Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. For more information or to volunteer, contact Sparkle Bryant at e-mail us or Molly Cardoza at MCardoza@blackstoneheritage.org.
Kristen Faslo-Capaldi
Utility Box to Be Painted This Spring!
We are excited to announce that PVD artist Kristen Faslo-Capaldi has been selected to paint a mural on the North Main Street utility box in the National Memorial. The box was installed in 2019 and is part of the irrigation system for the National Memorial. We look forward to hosting this original art! We expect to have it repainted every few years by local artists as a way of celebrating our ever-changing understanding of Roger and the National Memorial.
NPS/Mello
Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
Winter can often be a time to rest and recharge. Park staff have enjoyed getting out in the Blackstone Valley and taking part in winter walks, birding excursions, maple sugaring days, and much more. In addition to great winter activities, including the return of our virtual series Parked at Home, the park is planning ahead for a packed spring and summer.
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Virtual Programs
Valley TalksCheck out the final Valley Talks of the season.
HYBRID VALLEY TALKS: Mille après mille and Making a New Franco-American Identity Tickets | Rhode Island Historical Society (simpletix.com)
In his book Mille après mille, historian Pierre Lavoie takes a fresh look at how early 20th-century Francophone celebrities, such as Mary Bolduc Travers, Rudy Vallée, and Jean Grimaldi helped shape the collective identities of Francophones in Quebec and New England.Pierre Lavoie is a historian and postdoctoral researcher affiliated with Université Laval. His research and publications focus on the history of popular culture and Francophone migration in North America. He is a regular contributor on the Canadian public broadcaster for radio, ICI Radio-Canada Première. His first book, Mille après mille: Célébrité et migrations dans le Nord-Est américain was published by Boréal in 2022.
*Pierre Lavoie will be joining us remotely at the Museum. Guests can join us either in person at the Museum of Work and Culture or virtually over Zoom*
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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. Hosted on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM (eastern) in March and April.
Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlcu6qrj4qGtXu0G-uxX6yW6CJAHAtFpMt
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Special Events!
Total Eclipse of the ParkJoin us for the 2024 Total Eclipse! A total solar eclipse will be visible in North America on Monday, April 8, 2024. The eclipse will begin just after 2 PM and last about 2.5 hours.
Join us at Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence, RI, or at River Bend Farm in Uxbridge, MA to experience a partial eclipse event.
Please note: these locations are not within the narrow track where a total eclipse will be visible. However, a partial eclipse WILL be visible at these parks.
Learn more here: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/where-when/
Become an Eclipse Explorer!
- Get eclipse glasses to enjoy the event safely.
- Complete activities and earn a special badge.
- Talk with a ranger and discover how people of the past understood weather events.
- Learn about future Night Sky Programs!
UXBRIDGE
River Bend Farm Visitor Center
287 Oak St, Uxbridge, MA 01569
Visitor Center will be open from 10 AM - 4 PM
PROVIDENCE
Roger Williams National Memorial
282 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903
Visitor Center will be open from 1 PM - 4 PM
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Come out for a Power Walk! This spring, join a park ranger for a series of "power walks" around historic sites in the Blackstone Valley.
During these brisk walking tours, we'll explore the history of waterpower and check out some hidden gems along the Blackstone. Hosted on Thursdays, April 18-May 30, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
Free and open to all; no advance registration is required.
Cancellations will be posted on the park website: nps.gov/blrv.
NPS/Horrocks
First Strike 2024
The 3rd Annual First Strike Festival will take place at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark on May 11, 2024. This event honors the Pawtucket wage workers' strike that took place during May and June 1824.
World War II Comes to the Valley 2024
This event will be hosted on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at OpenSky in Whitinsville, MA. More details to come!
Exciting opportunity to work for the National Park Service!
Are you interested in starting your career with the National Park Service? This could be your opportunity to get your foot in the door! We are currently seeking a seasonal laborer to assist at both sites. If you would like to know more about this position, please visit: USAJOBS - Job Announcement .Last updated: February 29, 2024