Rhode Island???s Historic Blackstone River Valley
For June 3-4, 2017 Weekend
HISTORIC BLACKSTONE RIVER VALLEY CELEBRATES ITS FAMED ICON, ALONG WITH LOCAL HERITAGE, ARTS AND NATURE
The June 3-4 weekend has something for everyone to experience throughout Rhode Island???s Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park.
This diverse region, known for ???the making of America,??? where our nation???s Industrial Revolution and manufacturing legacy started, is an amazing destination showcasing important facets of history with hidden natural wonders and an abundant arts community.
Over the weekend participate in celebrating these perspectives with some of the many fabulous happenings to be discovered and enjoyed.
Supporting an American legacy
The focal point of the Blackstone River Valley, Slater Mill Historic Site, 67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI, is the center of attention Saturday evening, June 3, at 7 pm, with the annual Grand Fete By The River.
Proceeds from this gala benefit Slater Mill???s Student Admissions Fund, providing reduced admission to the site for students who come to learn about the significance Slater Mill played in shaping America???s role in manufacturing, when Samuel Slater began making textiles here in 1793.
This celebration will offer a live illumination on the grounds alongside the Blackstone River, plus live music, food, silent action and more!
Slater Mill Historic Site tells the importance of how our country???s first textile factory began and forever shaped America???s social and economic development over the last 224 years. The Slater Mill site also includes the 1810 built Wilkinson Mill and the 1758 built Sylvanus Brown House, interpreting early Colonial life and manufacturing.??
Tickets for the event are available by calling 401-725-8638 or at www.slatermill.org
Arts and culture
Saturday, June 3, 10 am-4 pm, travel back in time to an historic Colonial era homesite that played a key role in establishing a community.
The Valentine Whitman House, 1147 Great Road, Lincoln, RI hosts an Arts & Crafts Fair on the grounds of this 1694 built stone-ender farmhouse. See varied local artists and artisans showcasing and selling their wares.
The Whitman House is one of Rhode Island???s earliest surviving homes. In 1731, the Whitman House was the founding site for the new town of Smithfield, which now includes the current town of Smithfield, plus the present towns of Lincoln, North Smithfield, a portion of the city of Woonsocket, and the city of Central Falls.
Call 401-334-2182 for details on the craft fair.
Also, all month in June, the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center Gallery, 175 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI (across from Slater Mill) presents a special 60th anniversary art show from the Blackstone Valley Art Association.
This FREE public show featuring works from association members is on display during Visitor Center hours daily and weekends 10 am-4pm.
Blackstone Valley Art Association was established in 1957 and presents members artworks through showing and promotes the region???s arts through public events, lectures and gallery exhibitions.
More information on the month long show is online at http://bvaa.org/
Wonderful wildlife!
Sunday morning, June 4, at 8 am, discover the many species of wildlife that make their habitat along the Blackstone River with Birding on the Blackstone.
Meet along the Blackstone River Bikeway in Lincoln, RI, with birder Rosanne Sherry, as you walk along the bikeway to view birds nesting or feeding their young.
Some of the birds that may be spotted include the Eastern Phoebe and the Northern Rough-Wing Swallow who nest near the foot bridges, and American Robin and Gray Catbird nests may be spotted, plus other birds fishing in the river.
The Blackstone River Bikeway offers an ideal perspective of both hidden nature and urban villages and how both have become revitalized to sustain the environment and preserve community.
Information on the bird walk is available by calling 401-765-2211 or visit the web at www.blackstoneheritagecorridor.org