News

View recent editions of our Four Seasons Newsletter:

Blackstone Valley Tourism Council celebrates World Tourism Day at
21st Annual Reception, Dinner and Silent Auction Awards to recognize Valley residents active in arts, entertainment, economic development and public service  More

RANGER-GUIDED BUS TOURS OF THE BLACKSTONE VALLEY OFFER A RARE GLIMPSE INTO THE PAST DURING FOOTSTEPS IN HISTORY WEEKEND Two tours featuring several historical and natural sites are currently filling up. Seating is limited.  More

SECOND ANNUAL FOOTSTEPS IN HISTORY WEEKEND KICKOFF ON OCTOBER 3rd Wendy Nicholas, Northeast Director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will deliver keynote address More

SURVEY SAYS…YOUR OPINION COUNTS! Regional touris t agency to poll area visitors in first ever interactive response to measure traveler satisfaction If you’re traveling throughout the historic Blackstone River Valley from September 1 – October 31, you are invited to voluntarily participate in an interactive survey being conducted by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (BVTC). More

Volunteers Needed for New Visitor Center The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (BVTC) seeks adult volunteers at the recently opened Interstate 295 Visitor Center in Lincoln, RI. More

Relax and get away! Experience all the wonders of fall at 18th century Grace Note Farm  Two to three day packages cost $150-$300.00 per person. Price includes all meals and lodging. More


Authors, David W. Balfour and Joyce A. Hindle Koutsogiane, to be at Blackstone River State Park Visitor Center, Rte. 295, signing their newly released second edition history book, Cumberland by the Blackstone: 250 Years of Heritage. Tuesday, August 22, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm in the main lobby. More Info | Book Website

 Mill River Open Auditions Mill River Players will be having open auditions for the holiday musical NUNCRACKERS, Monday & Tuesday August 28th & 29th @ 7 pm. at Mill River Theater, 499 High Street, Central Falls, RI. Needed; 4 women varying ages to play Rev. Mother, Srs. Hubert, Robert Anne and Amnesia, 1 male to play Fr. Virgil and 8 children boys and girls ages 6 - 13 years old. There will be a readings from the script and music audition. Each auditioner should come with a prepared song, must bring sheet music for Music Director. Also, a recent headshot and updated resume would be appreciated. For any additional info. call 401.721.0909.


 (August 6, 2006) Boston Globe article on Canal Boat Riding in the Blackstone Valley (via Explore New England)

 

River Tours Aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer in Central Falls Through Sunday, August 20, 2006  Special Saturday Afternoon and Twilight Cruise Offered Saturday, August 19, 2006 More

Family Fun: Blackstone  Canoe Trail Now “Open”  Through October 31 The Blackstone Canoe Trail brings the general public a new way to have fun and learn about the Blackstone Valley at the same time. The objective is to find the 18 sponsored, uniquely painted canoes situated within Blackstone Valley Communities while discovering the Valley’s historical, natural and cultural attractions along the way. Participants are challenged to explore the Valley and find each canoe for the chance to win a brand new canoe. More

Enjoy a True British Experience on an American Heritage River (7/31/2006) For a true English experience on the historic Blackstone River, unwind with British Tea Tours, held on the 12 passenger authentic British built Samuel Slater Canal Boat. More

7/30/2006: Providence Journal article about Lincoln Park's expansion and future plans

 

Bob Dylan Brings Magic to the 2006 Pawtucket Arts Festival
Come experience the arts, Pawtucket-Style - Pawtucket – Representative Peter Kilmartin and wife Kristen, Honorary Chairs to the Pawtucket Arts Festival, invite you to attend the August 24, 2006 kickoff of the 8th Annual Pawtucket Arts Festival. The three week festival takes place from August 24 – September 17, 2006. More


Providence Journal on Bike Path: Unfinished Blackstone path is
worth the effort (7/27/2006) More



Samuel Slater Canal Boat and The Blackstone Valley Explorer to be Featured on What's Hot in New England Mondays in August

Friday, 7/21/2006: Pawtucket, RI -- Blackstone River to be featured on What's Hot in New England during the month of August. Production crew from Wutup Productions recently cruised along the Blackstone River in Central Falls, Cumberland and Lincoln RI aboard the Samuel Slater, an authentic British Canalboat with staff of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. More

Providence Journal coverage of Rivers Day More Info

Founder of "RiverSing at Slater Mill" to receive special recognition at Rivers Day Celebration on Saturday, June 17

Pawtucket, RI-The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council will present the 2006 John H. Chafee Rivers Day Award to Ray Warner at RiverSing as part of the Rivers Day Celebration on Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 6:00pm in Pawtucket. Warner will be honored for his tireless efforts in establishing RiverSing on the Blackstone last year and this year’s RiverSing at Slater Mill. More info

New Website Available Now on Conditions Along the Blackstone River

(June 7, 2006) The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council & the Northern RI Chamber of Commerce are announcing that a new website http://blackstonealert.com is up and running. More Info

2006 UNWTO Ulysses Prizes to Innovators in Tourism to be Presented June 1, 2006

Pawtucket, Rhode Island - May 20, 2006 United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has nominated The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council as the recipient of the 2006 UNWTO Ulysses Award for Innovation in Tourism Destination. More Info | Projo Article | Acceptance Speech

CELEBRATE RIVERS DAY ON THE BLACKSTONE RIVER
Join the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council in Celebrating Rivers Day

Central Falls, RI – May 17, 2006 – Celebrate Rivers Day on the Blackstone River Saturday, June 17, 2006 at Central Falls Landing in Central Falls, RI beginning at 10:00am with speaking program and awards presentation starting at 11:00am. Rivers Day is an annual celebration for waterways, and is held locally with a special emphasis on the historic Blackstone River, an American Heritage River This year will mark our seventh anniversary celebrating the Blackstone River. More Info

The M/V Providence Piers offers Cruises to Waterfire from Pawtucket  More Info

Bob Billington and Senator Chafee receiving a grant from the White House for the Footsteps in History Event 2006-2007.

NEW:  BLACKSTONE VALLEY TOURISM COUNCIL HOSTING “TIRE ROUND UP”: TIRE COLLECTION EVENT CUMBERLAND, R.I. (April 17, 2006)

The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, in partnership with Keep The Valley Beautiful and Firestone Complete Auto Care in Warwick, will hold a one day tire collection event for the Blackstone Valley community. The “Blackstone Valley Tire Round Up” will be held on Saturday, April 29, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Ann & Hope Parking Lot.  More

NEW: 4/5/2006 Tour Boats Back on Blackstone River (Evening Times)

NEW: 3/21/2006 BACK IN OPERATION: BLACKSTONE VALLEY TOURISM COUNCIL ANNOUNCES 2006 SEASON ABOARD THE BLACKSTONE VALLEY EXPLORER
Experience Ecology and Heritage of the Blackstone River

Pawtucket, RI—After early curtailment of fall programs due to October flood, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (BVTC) is pleased to announce that they will resume operations for the 2006 season. School programs are scheduled to begin May 1 aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer; a 49-passenger riverboat at Central Falls Landing where the Samuel Slater, an authentic British canal boat will also be docked.

Watch a Rhodejourney.com streaming video of the Blackstone River

Waterfront Plan for Central Falls Unveiled (Evening Times)

Unique, cost-saving partnerships lauded as I-295 Visitor Center opens in Lincoln

Read Our 20th Anniversary Annual Report

View a video entitle "Tea on the Blackstone" with Bob Billington from "Tea with Marie." Dialup Version  Broadband Version

 

 

William Blackstone Memorial Park: Has anyone seen a box of bones around? by Louise Lind from Quahog.org

Release date: November 4, 2005
Contact: Jill Stevenson @ 401-568-4016

11/4/2005 GLOCESTER BUSINESS ASSOCIATION TO HOLD 2ND ANNUAL BUSINESS EXPO On Saturday, November 19, 2005 the Glocester Business Association will hold its 2nd Annual GBA Business Expo from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Chepachet Union Church Hall, 1138 Main Street, Chepachet. Fox 64's Pamela Watts and local singer Jerilyn Sawyer will be on hand for the Opening Ceremonies. Free “goody bags” to the first 250 attendees. Free coffee and doughnuts from 9 to 10 courtesy of Dunkin’ Donuts (one per person, while supplies last). Displays and info from over 40 of Northwest Rhode Island’s leading businesses. Free admission, plenty of free parking, enter-to-win prizes, giveaways, refreshments and more. Held in conjunction with Glocester Heritage Society’s Peddlars’ Faire. Sponsored by Observer Publications, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, and Chepachet Chatter. More info

11/2/2005 ALCOA FOUNDATION AWARDS $1,000 GRANT TO BLACKSTONE VALLEY TOURISM COUNCIL FOR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS Partial Scholarships Available for Area Schools to Participate in River Classrooms More Info

10/21/2005 Operation October Rain: Tourism Council Spearheads Valley-Wide Assessment  Pawtucket, RI--In response to last week's deluge along the Blackstone River, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and Northern RI Chamber of Commerce, have coordinated a valley-wide damage assessment on behalf of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. More Info

Rains Sending Sewage into the Blackstone River (Projo Story)

Urgent: BLACKSTONE RIVER PROJECTS RAVAGED BY FLOOD
Operations on the Explorer and Samuel Slater Canal boat Curtailed More Info

For Immediate Release August 31, 2005
Contact: Lisa Mosczynski Media Relations 508-341-4876 lmosczynski@hotmail.com

More news regarding the flood | Flood photos
Flood photo and info slide show

Community Damage Assessment Form Available 2005 Operation October Rain

The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, are working together to determine damage and costs caused by the October rains. Online damage assessment form and information.

 

Blackstone River Valley Footsteps in History Preserve America Weekend to Offer 5 Centuries in 3 Days! More Info  

See More Footsteps in History News

For Immediate Release September 27, 2005
Contact: Lisa Mosczynski, Media Relations 508-341-4876

Ranger Dan Wegner Ready to Walk Length of Blackstone River Valley to Promote
Footsteps in History Preserve America Weekend Confirming Worcester Historical Museum start at 11:30 am Wednesday More Info

See More Footsteps in History News

For Immediate Release: October 3, 2005
Media Contact: Donna Houle, 401-724-2200

Join in the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council with a special event

  • Date: Sunday, October 16, 2005
  • Time: 2 pm – 4 pm
  • Event: Reception at Covered Bridge in Lincoln Woods State Park, Great Road Entrance (Route 123), Lincoln, Rhode Island
  • Hosted by Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Parks and Recreation
  • Cost: $15.00/person

Order tickets by check made payable to Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, 175 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860 Call for information and reservations at 401-724-2200.

Readers needed for special public event in November 2005 The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council is putting out a special request for librarians and teachers to volunteer as story readers and assistants on the Blackstone Valley Polar Express in November. More Info

Pawtucket the real winner in annual Dragon boat race
Read Providence Journal Article

See the Providence Journal's weekly series that explore the history, activities and current-day life along the Blackstone River. Each installment, published on Mondays, will include photos and weekly events around the area.

Music of a bygone era gently flows along the river

UXBRIDGE, Mass. -- Time hasn't yet found this place.

Scenery changes quickly on bike path that will link Providence, Worcester

LINCOLN -- The newly restored bridge running over the Pratt Dam opened on a cloudless summer morning in June. On any given day since then, this latest section of the Blackstone Valley Bike Way has seen cyclists zooming through, couples strolling by, and dogs eagerly pulling their owners along at what seems to be twice the previously agreed-upon pace.

A touch of British gentility sets sail from Central Falls

CENTRAL FALLS -- It was a sunny afternoon last Sunday, and down by the dock, everything was ready for the 3 p.m. tea cruise. The tea was from Marks & Spencer, the genuine British canal boat was from Cambridgeshire, England. And the river was in . ...

See the Blackstone like you've never seen it before -- in a kayak

LINCOLN -- Imagine it's one of those really hot days. You know, the ones when your legs stick to the couch and you start fantasizing about midwinter snow squalls.

Spinning tales of times past paying off for Slater Mill
BY JOHN HILL Journal Staff Writer

PAWTUCKET -- Three years ago, the managers of Slater Mill had to decide if their three-building complex was going to be a museum or a museum piece.

Lonsdale visitors step back to thriving 19th-century mill village

LINCOLN -- The man in hiking boots, long green trousers, tan shirt and a ranger's broad-brimmed hat, leading a procession of twenty-somethings, middle-aged couples and tourists along the Lonsdale Avenue section of Route 122 puzzles evening commuters waiting at the red light.

Modern-day tour boat ride evokes river's distant past

A ride aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer River reveals that the wildlife that's returning -- and you might hear a few good stories, too.

A working river is reborn

The birthplace of America's industrial revolution is now a playground

Main Page for Weekly Articles

Tourism Council Celebrates 20th Anniversary

This year is a milestone year for The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council as we commemorate 20 years of providing incredible journeys through the Blackstone Valley, Rhode Island. Whether by train, boat, double-decker bus, or trolley, the tourism council has enjoyed sharing the wonders of the Blackstone Valley with you and your visitors.
In honor of our 20th anniversary we have several special fundraiser events planned throughout the valley starting with our First Annual Blackstone Valley Heritage Golf Tournament on June 20th at Crystal Lake Golf Course in Burrillville, Rhode Island. For more information about our 20th celebration year contact Donna Houle at 401-724-2200.
Special thanks to The Valley Breeze in Cumberland and Cricket's Family Dining of Smithfield, RI sponsors of the Blackstone Valley Heritage Golf Tournament

Keep America Beautiful Campaign Underway,

For more information call 401-724-2200 or email.

Families Needed to House Visiting Belper Soccer Team

Four years ago a soccer team from Belper first visited the Blackstone Valley. The tour was such a success that students in Belper have again raised the money for their airfare and their return visit to the Blackstone Valley. We are looking for families willing to share the experience by providing housing for the team and their chaperones the week of May 28 - June 4. Team players are boys ages 12 and 13 years old, and chaperones are the parents of the boys. Contact Natalie Carter at 401-724-2200 natalie@tourblackstone.com

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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