Stories

People watching a canoe race in Hopedale mill pond

The Stories of the Blackstone Valley

The Blackstone River Valley has long been home to innovators, reformers, immigrants, and laborers. To learn more about the stories that the Valley still tells us today, click on the headings below. These are stories of trials and tribulations, of great joy and success, and of tragedy.

 
Wood cut of industrial setting with river, mills, and bridge with woman superimposed
Laboring for Freedom

Check out our new exhibit on the African American experience in the Blackstone River Valley

Picture of women standing in front of machine
1824 Strike

Join us for our First Strike Festival 2024! And learn more about the 1824 Strike

A woman weaving at a powerloom while a man supervises her
200 Years of Labor History

Learn how labor power has evolved since the first wage earner's strike in Pawtucket in 1824.

Photo of the Blackstone River with Ashton Mill on the left side and surrounded by trees
Geography of the Blackstone Valley

Learn more about how the geography of the Blackstone Valley affected the Industrial Revolution

Photograph of workers at Slatersville
Immigration

Learn more about the people who came to the Blackstone River Valley.

Bale of cotton with cotton plants on top
The Cotton Economy

Learn more about the Blackstone Valley's role in the cotton economy.

Dam at Slatersville with water flowing over it
Environmental Impact

Learn more about how the Industrial Revolution affected the environment of the Blackstone Valley

Map of Whitinsville
Mill Life

Learn more about what it was like to live and work in Blackstone Valley Mill Village.

Photo of workers from the Draper Corporation listening to speaker in the back of car. 1913 Strike
Labor History

Learn more about the history of organized labor in the Blackstone Valley.

Stone arched bridge in Hopedale Parklands
Reform Movements

Learn more about reform movements like abolitionism, temperance, and women's rights.

Segment of Blackstone Canal surrounded by trees.
Transporation Revolution

Learn more about the transportation revolution in the Blackstone Valley.

Last updated: October 31, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

67 Roosevelt Ave
Pawtucket, RI 02860

Phone:

401-725-8638

Contact Us