Join the National Park for a free virtual series of winter workshops on how people have worked, rested, and played in the Blackstone River Valley. Together with historians, artists, and craftspeople, we’ll explore the struggle for a balanced life of work and wellness.

These 60-minute discussions will take place on Saturday afternoons at 1:00 PM EST.

January 29 – Discussion on Work

What is it like to work in a restored mill building?

Join us for a brief ranger-led history of Slater Mill and an insiders’ view of Hope Artiste Village. We’ll be joined by the Outsider Collective and Anastasia Azure, artists who work in the Hope complex. Together, we will talk about new uses for old buildings in and around Pawtucket, and how concepts of work have changed over time.

February 12 – Discussion on Rest

During the past two years, a staggering number of people have left their jobs in the midst of a global pandemic. Millions of workers have also reported unprecedented levels of burnout. With this in mind, what can histories of workplace injuries and mental health teach us today? For this discussion, labor history scholar Robert Forrant will offer an overview and history of how industrial accidents have been managed. We’ll also be joined by Paul Piwko with Alexandra Orlandi, who coordinate the National Museum of Mental Health Project, Inc. They will share the local history of the movement for mindfulness and wellness at work.

February 26 – Discussion on Play

What do you do with your free time? For centuries, workers who have reported their time or been bound to a clock have struggled for more opportunities for leisure. During this talk, rangers will offer a short history of Slater Mill, as both an industrial workplace and later, as a place where people could ride bicycles for pleasure indoors. We’ll also be joined by Joe LyonWurm, the founder of Pedal Powered Anthropology, a highly creative approach to blending fitness and education about human history.