Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park

The Blackstone Canal and towpath along the Wilbur Kelly House in Ashton, RI
The Blackstone River powered America's entry into the Age of Industry. The success of Samuel Slater's cotton spinning mill in Pawtucket, RI touched off a chain reaction that changed how people worked and where they lived. Learn how this revolution transformed the landscape of the Blackstone Valley and the United States. Old Slater Mill is open Thursdays - Sundays.
Map showing location of park.
Woodcut of Bethany Veney (woman in dress) superimposed over an industrial scene with mill buildings, bridges, a river and roads
Exhibit Opening - Laboring for Freedom
“Laboring for Freedom: African Americans in the Blackstone River Valley” is a collaborative exhibit created by Stages of Freedom staff and the National Park Service. This exhibit highlights the contributions of Black laborers from Providence to Worcester, with a focus on the early decades of industry up through the Civil War.
trees and a bridge by a river
Summer Newsletter 2024
Happy summer! Here's our most recent newsletter - find out what's new for summer and fall at Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park and Roger Williams National Memorial!
Two men singing while holding guitars under a tent
River Bend East Songwriters Festival
Now in its sixth year, River Bend East Songwriters Festival continues to highlight the best regional songwriting talent found throughout New England. The 2024 River Bend East Songwriters Festival will occur over Labor Day weekend, from Friday, August 30— Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark, 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI 02860, along the banks of the beautiful Blackstone River. All events are FREE and ample parking is available. Bring chairs and blankets to relax and enjoy; no registration is required.
Two story yellow mill building with flowers in the foreground
Spring Newsletter 2024
Happy spring! Here's our most recent newsletter - find out what's new for spring and summer at Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park and Roger Williams National Memorial!
Women standing in front of a machine with arms curved in a dance pose
First Strike Festival at Old Slater Mill – 200 Year Anniversary
On Saturday, May 11, 2024, the public is invited to the First Strike Festival at Old Slater Mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Come for a day of live music, history, and family friendly fun. Hosted at 67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI, from 12:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. This is a free event.
Slater Mill, Wilkinson Mill and Brown House at Blackstone River Valley NHP
Photo by NPS Photo
Slatersville
Photo by NPS Photo
Blackstone canal outside of the Wilbur Kelly House
Photo by NPS Photo
The Little Red Shop in Hopedale, MA
Photo by NPS Photo
Interior view of the Wilkinson Mill
Photo by NPS Photo
Autumn in the Blackstone Valley
Photo by NPS Photo