News
Welcome to the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor news room.
Here you’ll find a variety of resources, including a fact sheet as well as a media contact and press releases.
We invite you to visit our In the News page for more Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor news.
Fact Sheet
Blackstone Heritage Corridor - fact sheet
Press Releases and Announcements
National Heritage Corridor Expands
(12-12-14)
The U.S. Congress has passed legislation to expand the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. The region of national significance will now include the town of Auburn, MA, and a larger portion of the city of Providence, RI. The legislation also reauthorizes the Blackstone Heritage Corridor for six additional years of federal funding, a boost to its continuing work to tell the story of the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution and restore the environment of the Blackstone River.
Congress Creates New National Park for the Blackstone River Valley
(12-12-14)
The long-awaited National Park for the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor has been created by Congress. In a vote today of 89-11, the Senate approved the legislation, previously passed in the House, and the bill is on its way to the President for his signature.
Blackstone Heritage Corridor Announces New Grant Program (10-31-14)
A new funding source is available for municipalities, nonprofit organizations and state agencies who work in the 24 cities and towns of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. has announced a grant program to help others support its work in the region to: tell the story of American industrialization, preserve and enhance Valley communities, balance conservation and growth, and promote river recovery.
Photo Contest Winners Announced (10-8-14)
Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. has announced the winners of the 2015 Calendar Photo Contest. The organization is producing an informative calendar with great pictures, moon phases, holidays and interesting tidbits about the history, flora and fauna of the National Heritage Corridor. The contest drew over 100 entries in just two weeks. Twelve monthly photographs and one cover shot capturing the unique spirit of the region were selected in a blind competition.
Blackstone Heritage Corridor Announces Continued Partnership with the National Park Service (9-23-14)
The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc. (Blackstone Heritage Corridor) announces a continued partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) to manage operations in the Blackstone Corridor. This partnership, along with the financial support, will enable the Blackstone Heritage Corridor to further its mission, including helping its partners do what they do best, and on coordinating people, organizations and agendas into a powerful force for taking care of our Corridor sites and communities.
The Tradition of the Greenway Challenge Continues - The Greenway Challenge is an Adventure Race, and So Much More (9-22-14)
Each year the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc. presents the UniBank Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge. Athletes run, paddle and bike on a newly designed course through the beautiful and historic Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. The annual race has become one of New England's premier adventure races. This year the race is scheduled for Saturday, September 27 and will start at Nipmuc Regional High School in Upton, MA. The finish line and awards ceremony is at Spring Lake Beach Facility in Burrillville, RI. The course runs through the Massachusetts towns of Mendon, Grafton, Uxbridge, Northbridge and Millville and the Rhode Island town of North Smithfield. The public is encouraged to attend.
Call for Local Photographers (9-11-14)
Do you enjoy taking photos of the beautiful Blackstone River Valley? If so, the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc. has a contest for you. The nonprofit is searching for special images that capture the spirit and beauty of the Corridor to illustrate its 2015 Calendar.
Blackstone Heritage Corridor Announces Hiring of Executive Director
(9-4-14)
Donna M. Williams, Chair of Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc. (Blackstone Heritage Corridor), is pleased to announce the hiring of Charlene Perkins Cutler as Executive Director, effective September 2.
National Park Service Walking Adventures: Blackstone River Valley Ranger Walkabouts Feature History, Culture, Scenery and Exercise (5-28-14)
The National Park Service (NPS) park rangers and volunteers of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor will once again be offering Thursday Night Walkabouts this summer. The Walkabouts are free public programs, offered on Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm June through August. Each week, you will have a chance to explore a new community. Spend an evening heading down an unknown trail and discover some of the people, places and stories that make the Blackstone Valley such a fascinating place. Last year about 400 participated during our 12-week program. We’re hoping to have even more this year! Please join us!
Blackstone Heritage Corridor Announces the Hiring of Project Coordinator for New Worcester Blackstone Visitor Center (4-10-14)
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor (Blackstone Heritage Corridor) announces the hiring of Devon Kurtz as Project Coordinator for the Worcester Blackstone Valley Visitor Center in Worcester, MA. In his new role, he will guide the programming, design, and promotion of the visitor center and promote the development and utilization of the site in concert with the adjacent Blackstone Gateway Park.
You Are Invited! The Blackstone River Watershed-wide Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Summit (2-2-14)
Attend to (1) hear from Therese Beaudoin, Mass. DEP Watershed Coordinator, and Thomas Borden, Narragansett Bay Estuary Program Director, about protection efforts at the state and regional levels, (2) view the BRC 2013 Water Quality Report Card and an overview of the results of the Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program for 2013, plus next steps, (3) meet other volunteers from all parts of the watershed, and (4) hear about the work accomplished as part of the Campaign for a Fishable/Swimmable Blackstone by 2015. The summit is open to all, and please encourage anyone you think may be interested in the monitoring program to attend.
Ranger Talk Series at Museum of Work & Culture Kicks Off On January 12, 2014 (1-2014)
On Sunday, January 12, 2014, the Museum of Work & Culture at 42 South Main Street, kicks off the 17th season of the Ranger Day Lecture series. Begun in 1998, the program consists of a series of six lectures and presentations from January through March, sponsored by the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor in cooperation with the Rhode Island Historical Society.
Fisherville Mill ~ A Great Place to Check Out When in South Grafton (12-27-13)
On December 5, 2013, the town of Grafton, MA officially unveiled the Blackstone Canal wayside interpretive panel installed at the Mill Villages Park in South Grafton. The panel was designed to celebrate the rich history of the Blackstone Canal, which ran from Worcester to Providence prior to the extensive use of railroads to transport commercially produced goods. But, that’s only part of the story.
City of Woonsocket to Receive Award for Outstanding Neighborhood Planning (12-9-13)
The city of Woonsocket will receive the 2013 Award for Outstanding Neighborhood Planning from the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Planning Association. This award will be formally presented at APA Rhode Island’s annual Awards and Holiday Party on December 12, 2013 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at Bravo Brassiere in Providence, RI. This award recognizes a municipality with a neighborhood plan, program, or design that demonstrates innovative planning principles and measures that create sustainable neighborhoods that have long lasting value. While working on the steering committee of the Woonsocket Main Street Livability Plan project, staff from both the National Park Service and the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor (BRVNHC, a non-profit organization) have been actively helping to introduce and preserve the heritage landscape in the City's downtown planning efforts.
Ticket to Ride Program Uses Blackstone Valley as Outdoor Classroom and Brings 5th Graders Closer to the Blackstone Canal (6-4-13)
With ever-tightening budgets, most schools can no longer embark on field trips to enrich student education. But, this situation has changed for a lucky group of students at Quinsigamond Elementary School in Worcester, MA, thanks to the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and a grant from the Ticket to Ride Program of the Northeast Region of the National Park Service (NPS).
Secretary Jewell, Senator Reed Highlight Economic Benefits of Tourism, Outdoor Recreation to Rhode Island (5-31-13)
Reaffirm Commitment to New National Park in Blackstone River Valley
Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis today joined Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman David Cicilline and Cumberland Mayor Daniel McKee to underscore the importance of tourism and outdoor recreation to local economies.
The Heritage Corridor Announces Participation in the Teacher- Ranger-Teacher Program Again in 2013 (5-18-13)
Through the Teacher Ranger Teacher program, selected teachers spend the summer working as park rangers. They perform various duties depending on their interests and the needs of the park, including developing and presenting interpretive programs for the general public, staffing the visitor center desk, developing curriculum-based materials for the park, or taking on special projects.
Get Ready for the 2013 Ranger Walkabouts (5-16-13)
The Park Rangers and volunteers of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor will once again be offering Thursday night walkabouts this summer. Each week you will have a chance to explore a new community, or head down an unknown trail and discover some of the people and places that make the Blackstone Valley such a fascinating place. Our summer walkabout series is your chance to get out and enjoy the Blackstone Valley.
UniBank Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge Announces Mount Saint Charles Academy as the 2013 Charitable Recipient (5-16-13)
Each year, the UniBank Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge athletes run, paddle and bike on a newly designed course, through one of the most beautiful and historic regions of New England, the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. This year, the Greenway Challenge recognizes Mount Saint Charles Academy in Woonsocket, RI as the charitable recipient of its September 28, 2013 adventure race, announces Greenway Challenge Chairman Charlie Thompson.
If you have a passion or interest in quilting, Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor is the place to be.
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor at One Depot Square in Woonsocket, RI is the place to be in April for anyone and everyone with a passion or interest in quilting. Besides the Quilt, Textile & Fabric Art Exhibit on display for the entire month of April, the Corridor is hosting a spin-in and book signing.
Quilt Flyer
Featured from April 6-27 at the train depot in Woonsocket, RI, this exhibit features a historic quilt made with 24 squares, representing each town in the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. Live demonstrations at the opening reception will be given by members of the Sisterhood of Sewing, Hearthside House Museum and Rhode Island Spinners Guild.
Corridor celebration features dignitaries
The Corridor's Open House was a wonderful opportunity to visit old friends, and make new ones
Legislative Updates
A bill to create a National Historical Park has been introduced, as well as legislation relating to National Heritage Areas
Corridor Update: Under New Management
Corridor Commssion transfers responsibilities to non-profit