Blackstone Valley Tourism Council: Travel, heritage, visitors, visitor center, lodging, dining, tours, Blackstone River National Heritage Corridor, National Parks, Industrial Revolution, historic sites, economic development in Rhode Island

Group Tours

America's Second Revolution

A one-day narrated tour featuring a riverboat cruise, regional cuisine, a visit to the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution and a tour of an 18th century Georgian mansion, considered one of the best in the nation.

9am	A River with a Powerful History
Your day in the Blackstone Valley begins on the now quiet Blackstone River. Meet your guide and enjoy coffee and a muffin as you cruise the river aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer. You'll learn about the environmental history of this 47-mile long river, whose once powerful waters fueled hundreds of 19th century mills, sparking the American Industrial Revolution.
10am	From Spinning Wheels to Spinning Machines
At Slater Mill Historic Site, see the very beginnings of America's second revolution, the American Industrial Revolution. At this three-museum complex on the Blackstone River, flax is grown from seed and spun into linen thread on a spinning wheel to demonstrate the transition of the home manufacturing of textiles to factory production - one of the stories the museum tells. Other topics include waterpower, 19th century working conditions, child labor and the many ways the Industrial Revolution changed people's lives and work forever.
1pm	A Hearty Blackstone Valley Lunch
This is your opportunity to try a Blackstone Valley tradition dating back to the 1930's. Italian immigrants playing Bocce on Sunday afternoons served "chicken family style." While the fare can vary a bit at the 16 or more Valley restaurants that serve this regional specialty, you can generally expect Italian roast chicken, salad, pasta, potatoes and rolls.
3pm	Merchants become Mill Owners
Wealthy merchants like the Brown brothers, (yes, of Brown University) put their profits from shipping into the textile mills of the Blackstone Valley. Indeed, Moses Brown was the money behind Slater Mill, the country's first factory. At the John Brown House in Providence, you'll get a glimpse into the lives of these wealthy merchants as you tour the house that was called "the most magnificent and elegant mansion'' in the 18th century. Here also you'll see what is generally considered the finest piece of colonial furniture in America.

For more information or to book any of these tours, please contact Lilly Kayamba at the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council at (401) 724-2200.

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Blackstone Valley Visitor Center, On the banks of the Blackstone, 175 Main Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860
1-800-454-BVTC (2882) Local: 401-724-2200 Fax: 401-724-1342 info@tourblackstone.com