Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park Celebrates Founders Day
August 25th is Founders Day of the National Park Service, and national parks across the country will celebrate with visitors by waiving admission fees (where applicable).
Generations of people have visited national parks for more than a century creating memories and sharing experiences. Over the last year many of the national parks have seen an increase in visitation as people reconnect with nature and special places across the country.
Blackstone River Valley has also noticed an increase of visitors seeking out its national historical park as noted in the visitors log in the Pawtucket Visitor Center.
The Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park will also celebrate Founders Day, which is the 105th birthday of the National Park System, at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark.
The celebration, on August 25th @ 3 – 7 pm, will include:
- free tours of the Slater Mill
- an unveiling of a new virtual exhibit celebrating Old Slater Mill Association’s 100th anniversary
- A plein air painting session
- Junior Ranger activities and volunteer award ceremony.
This year has been a momentous one for Old Slater Mill. In March, the National Park Service acquired the Old Slater Mill National Historical Landmark District, which includes Slater Mill; Wilkinson Mill and Sylvanus Brown House as well as three acres of surrounding structures and Hodgson Park. It is also the 100th anniversary of the Old Slater Mill Association (OSMA), which remains an active partner with the National Park Service.
In addition, the Department of Interior Secretary recently established the boundaries for the national park in July, which is a significant milestone. READ ON.
The Slater Mill is currently open free to visitors Thursdays through Sundays from 10 am – 3 pm. You can also find national park rangers stationed at the Kelly House Barn Thursdays through Sundays, 10 am – 3 pm.
There are several ways to explore Blackstone River Valley NHP whether you visit Slater Mill or the Kelly House Transportation Museum, kayak on the Blackstone River or walk or bike the Blackstone bike path. PLAN YOUR VISIT.
This year’s Founders Day theme is Park Scrapbooks. When you are visiting the national park be sure to create memorable experiences and share your park scrapbooks on social media with #ParkScrapbooks and #FindYourPark.
Below are some upcoming national park events to enjoy while visiting us here in the Blackstone Valley.
Starting Thursday, August 19th through September 5, Thursday through Sunday evenings @ 8 pm, The Rhode Island Shakespeare Company presents Free Shakespeare in the Park “Antony & Cleopatra,” Roger Williams National Memorial, Providence. MORE INFO
Thursdays, through August 26th @ 7 – 8 pm – Healing Arts in the Parks with Mark Cutler – Old Slater Mill, Pawtucket. MORE INFO
Sunday, September 26th @ 10 am – 3 pm – Take Me Fishing Day, Kelly House Museum of Transportation, Lincoln. MORE INFO