Join a Park Ranger Thursday evenings at 6:30 PM during the months of June, July, and August to investigate the many stories of the Blackstone River Valley. Tours meet at locations across the Valley. Check back for a full listing of walkabout dates and locations.
June 2 – Industry on the Mumford - Whitin Machine Works
50 Douglas Road, Northbridge, MA
How did a small family business grow into a global textile empire? During this walking tour, we will trace the exploits of the Whitin family of Northbridge, Massachusetts, and the workers that made this rural community a manufacturing powerhouse.
Kick off the 2022 season with us in style! Please wear comfortable footwear for this tour and bring water. Some portions will take us on uneven terrain. There are no facilities available for this program.
June 9 – Memory in Hopedale - Little Red Shop
12 Hopedale St., Hopedale, MA
Do landscapes have a memory? If buildings could talk, what might they say? The place now called Hopedale has been transformed by its residents in ways small and sweeping over the centuries. During this walk, we will consider Hopedale's more recent evolutions, and unlock some of the stories the buildings in town can share with us.
Please wear comfortable footwear and bring water. Some walkways on the route planned for this tour will be uneven. There are no facilities available for this program.
June 16 – War in Saylesville - Moshassuck Cemetery
978 Lonsdale Ave, Central Falls, RI
In 1934, Rhode Islanders were at war—with each other. On top of the pressures and pains of the Great Depression, the 1934 General Textile Strike had further increased tensions in the state. During an especially violent confrontation, the strikers lost four of their own; two of those fatalities occurred during the “Saylesville Massacre.” This tour will consider the lasting legacy of this strike as well as this moment of crisis.
Please wear comfortable footwear and bring water. This tour is in a cemetery, so please expect the usual natural elements (bugs) and uneven terrain. There are no facilities available for this program.
June 23 – Histories of Worcester - Worcester Historical Museum
30 Elm St., Worcester, MA
“We all got history...”
Three hundred years ago, Worcester was incorporated as a town in June 1722. To celebrate 300 years of Worcester history, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park is partnering with Worcester Historical Museum for a free night at the museum.
Please note that the museum will be open until 8:30 PM. Limited free parking is available in the museum lot on Chestnut Street behind Worcester Historical Museum.
Learn more about Worcester’s history here: Worcester History - Worcester Historical Museum | Worcester Historical Museum.
June 30 – A Living Landscape - Ashton Village
1075 Lower River Rd., Lincoln, RI
Would you want to live within walking distance of where you work? Explore Ashton, a remarkably intact mill village. This community was designed for people to live, work, worship, and play, all in one small area. People in Ashton made textiles for everyday use and then later for men to go to the moon. Learn some of their stories (or share your own).
Please wear comfortable footwear and bring water. This tour will include walking on asphalt terrain as well as some dirt paths. There are no facilities available for this program. There is parking located near the 1075 Lower River Rd. address, underneath the viaduct. The Ashton Village Parking Area has additional spots for vehicles.
July 7 - This Land Is - Roger Williams National Memorial
282 North Main St., Providence, RI
What does Providence mean to you?
Explore the grounds of Roger Williams National Memorial, a small urban park located in Rhode Island’s historic capital city. Consider Roger Williams’s vision for the settlement, his legacy, and what we can learn from the landscape created in his honor today.
Please wear comfortable footwear and bring water. This tour will include walking on asphalt terrain as well as some uneven paths. Limited parking is available onsite; street parking is available nearby.
July 14 – Hidden Labors – Slater Mill
67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI
Who built the city of Pawtucket? Learn about the construction of Old Slater Mill and the growth of surrounding industrial buildings in the 18th and 19th centuries. This walkabout will include a tour inside Slater Mill, where we will take a closer look at the wooden beams, glass windowpanes, and other small details that make this mill a fascinating work of construction.
Please wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Parking is available onsite.
July 21 – Slavery & Reconciliation - Esek Hopkins House
97 Admiral St., Providence, RI
Presented with The Haus of Glitter
Since 2020, the Esek Hopkins House in Providence, RI, has been undergoing a critical intervention and reimagining. The Haus of Glitter has been working to heal and transform this landmark. This walkabout will be co-hosted with The Haus of Glitter.
Please wear comfortable footwear and bring water. This tour will include walking on asphalt terrain as well as some uneven paths. Street parking is available nearby.
July 28 – In the Paths of Colonizers - Pierce Park
975 High Street, Central Falls, RI
“There is no United States of America history without Indigenous history.” - Lorén Spears
This walk will take us in the path of colonizers to consider the history of a battle known as “Pierce’s Fight.” During King Philip’s War, colonists and Indigenous people fought in battles that were extremely close, intimate, and violent. One of those battles took place in this park. Join us in learning more about this incident and the monuments dedicated to King Philip’s War located throughout the Blackstone Valley.
Please wear comfortable footwear and bring water. This tour will include walking on asphalt terrain as well as some uneven paths.
August 4 - Stone by Stone - Blackstone River State Park
1075 Lower River Rd., Lincoln, RI
Let’s take a hike!
During the month of August, parks nationwide will be celebrating the growth of the National Park Service. This towpath talk will chart the growth of the Blackstone Canal, its eventual demise, and the evolution of the state park that is used for recreation today.
Please wear comfortable footwear and bring water. This tour will include walking on asphalt terrain as well as some dirt paths. There are no facilities available for this program.
There is parking located near the 1075 Lower River Rd. address, underneath the viaduct. The Ashton Village Parking Area has additional spots for vehicles.
August 11 – Layers of the Past - Slater Mill
67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI
In 1921, a group of businessmen formed the Old Slater Mill Association to preserve and protect an important link to Pawtucket’s past. This walkabout will consider the question of “why Pawtucket?” from a new point of view. What was happening in this changing city just over a century ago that made people want to save and protect industrial history? Enjoy an evening walk and get to know the more recent history of Pawtucket.
Please wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Parking is available onsite.
August 18 - Peace Picnics and Prosperity - Adin Ballou Park
Union St/Hopedale St, Hopedale, MA
Who was Adin Ballou, and why did a group of local people follow him to build a new life together? During this walk, we will explore the values of the Practical Christians, a group of pacificist abolitionists who withdrew from society to build a new community together.
Please wear comfortable footwear and bring water. This tour will include walking on asphalt terrain as well as some uneven paths. Street parking is available nearby.
August 25 - Unfinished Revolutions - North Smithfield Public Library
20 Main St., Slatersville, RI
Join us in celebrating the 106th birthday of the National Park Service!
The 2022 Walkabout season will end in Slatersville, RI. This small but mighty mill village can be counted as an important first in United States history. Walk with a ranger and see what remains of the early village, including worker housing. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the historic millpond and learn more about the power of the Branch River.
Please wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare for the weather. There will be no facilities available for this walk. Limited parking is available at North Smithfield Public Library.
