2015 Annual Report

Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc. 2015 Annual Report

WAT ER POWERED! One valley… One environment… One history…

All powered by the Blackstone River watershed. So nationally significant, it was named the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. So important to the American identity, part of it was designated the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, the 402nd unit of the National Park Service.

Mission The Blackstone Heritage Corridor works with community partners to preserve and promote the Valley’s historic, cultural, natural and recreational resources for current and future generations.

Cover photo by Merrilyn Parry A Great Return on Investment Michael D. Cassidy, Chairperson

It’s been an exhilarating year for BHC matched $670,771in federal Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. funding to the National Heritage Board of Directors, 2015 (BHC). It began with the official Corridor with $1.4 million, creating Michael D. Cassidy designation of the new Blackstone an impact of more than $2 million Chairperson, Pawtucket, RI River Valley National Historical Park, in the region and tripling the return something we have invested decades on the federal investment. It is a Donna M. Williams of time and energy toward. BHC is pleasure to report that 94% of our Immediate Past Chairperson, Grafton, proud to be a strong and committed expenditures in 2015 went directly MA partner of the new Park, assisting into programming. Richard Gregory with the planning for the 402nd unit Investments from around the region Vice Chairperson, Providence, RI of the National Park Service. have optimized BHC’s success in Harry Whitin This was our first full year as the 2015. I want to thank all of our Vice Chairperson, Westborough, MA reimagined management entity generous corporate sponsors of this It is my privilege to have Todd Helwig for the National Heritage Corridor, year’s programs: Navigant chaired the Board of Directors over Secretary, Worcester, MA now a dynamic nonprofit with an Credit Union, Taco/The White Family the past year and I thank you for enthusiastic and creative staff. In Foundation, UniBank. We were also that opportunity. Join us this year Gary Furtado 2015, BHC expanded outreach with fortunate to have the support for as we celebrate both the 30th Treasurer, Smithfield, RI new publications, new programs our operations from the College of Anniversary of our National Heritage Joseph Barbato, Millbury, MA and a new website complete with the Holy Cross, Fletcher Foundation Corridor and the 100th Birthday of Robert Billington, Pawtucket, RI bells and whistles. We reinvigorated and the Stoddard Foundation. the National Park Service. the exceptional Volunteers-in-Parks I especially want to recognize the Justine Brewer, Mendon, MA program and benefited from more thoughtful support of all of the Allen Fletcher, Worcester, MA than 6600 hours valued in excess of Corridor Keepers – businesses and News Flash! $153,000 allocated to the projects individuals – who have invested John Gregory, Lincoln, RI and programs of the National in the programs of the National BHC is moving its home Jeannie Hebert, Whitinsville, MA Heritage Corridor. BHC worked to Heritage Corridor. Further gratitude base to the geographic Aaron Hertzberg, Pawtucket, RI invest in our capacity and that of is owed to our Board of Directors for center of the National Stephen Larrick, Central Falls, RI our partners. We provided additional their time, effort and many talents. Heritage Corridor to funding through Partnership Program On their behalf, I also recognize the better serve communities Richard T. Moore, Uxbridge, MA Grants for many important projects hard work of our energetic BHC staff Dennis Rice, Whitinsville, MA in communities and nonprofits in the and their many successes in 2015. and partners, and to National Heritage Corridor. complement and assist Dennis Stark, Pawtucket, RI the efforts of the new Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. Opening in late spring, BHC will occupy a portion of the historic Linwood Mill in Whitinsville.

1 Statement of Financial Position “The new BHC Strategic Plan For the year ending September 30, 2015 SUPPORT & REVENUE will assess the strengths and ASSETS Total Support & Revenue $1,060,157 Cash & Cash challenges of BHC in 2016 Equivalents $647,859 with a vision to building a Grants Receivable 626,077 Prepaid Expenses 2,373 sustainable organization

Fixed Assets, net 36,802 Net assets by 2026.” Total Assets $1,313,111 released from Sponsorships restriction & Program Charlene Perkins Cutler $665,732 Revenue Executive Director LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $10,035 Liabilities Accounts Payable & Grants Contributions $327,907 Accrued Expenses 16,991 $13,848 Greenway Grants Payable 189,942 Challenge Revenue Net Assets $34,603 Unrestricted 130,790 Miscellaneous Income Temporarily Restricted 975,388 $8,032 Total Liabilities & Net Assets $1,313,111 EXPENDITURES Total Expenditures $1,008,929

Program Fundraising Expenses $7,665 $508,644

General & Administrative $54,576 Partnership Projects Greenway Challenge $353,617 Expenses 2 $84,427 Surging Toward 2026 Our Congressional Delegation Charlene Perkins Cutler, Executive Director

As we move into our 30th year as • be used to justify endorsements a National Heritage Corridor, BHC of partner projects and generate is undertaking a strategic planning letters of support; and process to give voice to our visions • be used to make defensible for the Valley for the next decade decisions in the allocation of and to identify the strategies that will resources. achieve those visions. The planning work will be spearheaded by several The new BHC Strategic Plan will Senator Senator mission-related subcommittees of assess the strengths and challenges Ed Jack Markey, MA Reed, RI the Board of Directors in a process of BHC in 2016 with a vision to that will also encourage public building a sustainable organization participation. by 2026. Mission-related visions and strategies will address: Why is BHC doing a strategic plan? Interested people are encouraged The last revision of the Cultural • Stewardship of both the National to join the endeavor by contacting Heritage and Land Management Heritage Corridor and BHC the BHC office. The planning Plan for the Blackstone River Valley • Economic Development & process began in January, 2016, National Heritage Corridor dates Community Revitalization and is expected to be complete by back to 1998. The new BHC Strategic (including tourism, agriculture) year’s end. Senator Senator Elizabeth Sheldon Plan will: • Historic & Cultural Resources Warren, MA Whitehouse, RI • become the backbone of BHC’s (including cultural identity, ethnic work plan for federal agreements; traditions and diversity, the arts, Staff • be used to create grant historic resources) Charlene Perkins Cutler application/solicitations for • Natural Resources (including land Executive Director corporate and foundation funding; use, air, water, wildlife, recreation) Megan DiPrete Deputy Director & Community Planner Congressman Congressman Stephanie Begin David Joseph Administrative Assistant Cicilline, RI Kennedy, III, MA Suzanne Buchanan VIP Program Coordinator Bonnie Combs Marketing Director Barbara Dixon Special Events Coordinator

Devon Kurtz Congressman Congressman Director of Audience Engagement Jim Jim Langevin, RI McGovern, MA

3 We are most grateful for the support of the following partners, corporations and foundations in 2015:

College of the Fletcher Holy Cross Foundation

Blackstone River Valley NeighborWorks Stoddard Blackstone Foundation National Historical Park Valley The White Family Come and discover one of America’s Foundation newest national parks!

Thank you to the Corridor Keepers, generous people and businesses who believe in the mission of Blackstone Heritage Corridor and provide financial support. Friends - up to $249 Arthur L. Chute Frank Gagliardi Joan H. Bagley Susan Ciaramicoli Lee & Dina Gaudette Blackstone River Valley National Robert Clark, III John Giangregorio Historical Park was established on David Barber December 19, 2014 to celebrate Gary R. Beauchamp Russell Cohen John Gifford the nationally significant people, places, and stories that exemplify Nancy Benoit Joyce & Wayne Cormier Alicia M. Good the industrial heritage of the Blackstone River Valley. Robert D. Billington Katie Corticelli The Goyette Family Blackstone Bicycles Paul Crimlisk John Gregory Blackstone Studios Michael Cove Phillip Gregory Blackstone Valley Outfitters Pieter De Jong Christian Grundel Craig Blais Tony Deller, CPA Frances Guevremont Burt Bliss Cheryl Derlien Russell Gusetti Ron Bloch Marisa Desautel Robert & Lee Hanks John M. Boehnert Jane A. Desforges Marian & Edmund Hazzard Karen Bryant Megan DiPrete James Heller Comfort Inn Pawtucket George Dresser Todd & Lara Helwig The Burrito Company Mark Dunleavy Aaron Hertzberg Frank Callahan Erik & Michelle Eckilson Steve Holm Camille & Jemy Carino Robert Ericson Jayne Hughes Natalie Carter Elaine Ethier Philip Johanson Deb Cary Allen Fletcher Mark Jones Charles R. Cary Virginia Fox JustGive Melanie Champagne Wayne Franklin Faith Knowles Benjamin Chokshi-Fox Gary Furtado Trent Koopman Friends of Hearthside Koopman Lumber & Hardware continued on page 6 4 The New Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park Meghan Kish, Superintendent

As of December 19, 2014, Blackstone Park staff is working hard to define River Valley National Historical the boundary of the new park, “Together we Park became the 402nd unit of reach out to stake-holders, build can accomplish the National Park Service (NPS). We relationships with partners and plan are honored to be able to preserve for the future. We are honored to great things in and protect the resources that work with the Blackstone Heritage tell the story of “the Birthplace of Corridor to do this important work. the Blackstone America’s Industrial Revolution,” Together BHC, as a strong non-profit, here, in the Blackstone Valley. The and the National Park Service, a Valley – and we new national park is nested in the federal government organization, larger Blackstone Heritage Corridor, bring unique strengths to the table. already have!” a unique situation that lends us Together we can accomplish great Meghan Kish great opportunity! While the two are things in the Blackstone Valley – and This year, the organizations worked Title separate entities, we both work to we already have! together to reinvigorate the make the Blackstone Valley the best Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) program, it can be. start a shared strategic planning process, develop outreach materials Hey kids and reach out to our Junior Rangers Be a Junior Ranger! through the innovative GearHeads online program. As we work together, As a Junior Ranger, you can: great things continue to happen Blackstone River Explore Nature Discover History and we look forward to seeing what Protect the our organizations can do for the Bikeway Environment and Blackstone Valley. 50 mile bikeway along Go on Adventures! the Blackstone River

Accessing river, canal, railroads, and our natural world Volunteers-in-Parks Connecting Worcester, How about YOU? MA and Providence, RI

Explore! Discover! Protect! Go! In the Blackstone River Valley Leading National Historical Park Giving

Teaching

5 Friends continued from page 4 Janet Robidoux Twin River Casino Mike LaPlante John H. St. Sauveur C.D. Whitney Insurance Sharp Family Foundation Stephen Larrick Valley Visionary - $500+ Neville Lassotovitch Dennis Stark Kyle Adamonis Margaret A. Lavallee Judith Sullivan J.F. Cove Insurance Agency, Inc. Deborah Lawrence Mike Tonry Charlene & Doug Cutler Donald Leighton Heidi Travers Aaron Usher Environmental Strategies & James P. Lippincott Management Cary VandenAkker Professor Patrick Malone Richard H. Gregory, III Vose True Value Hardware, Inc. Elizabeth Martin Vanasse, Hangen Brustlin, Inc. Wallis Cove Cabins Mary F. McDonald Richard Whitesell Gavin Walker Lance McKee Harry Whitin Christine Watkins Edward McKeon Donna & Ted Williams Millbury Historical Society Nancy Wegimont Debra Moore Elaine Wilczek Canal Captain - $1,000+ Richard T. Moore Judith S. Wynne Navigant Credit Union Paul C. Mowrey River Restorer - $250+ Ski with Charlie John A. Mutter Elizabeth Bacon Heritage Hero - $5,000+ Nationwide Construction Blackstone Valley Tourism Council Anonymous Dana & Nancy Newbrook Justine Brewer Taco/The White Family Foundation Bruce Nichols Michael & Jane-Ellen Cassidy Richard Nolan Blackstone Beacon - $10,000+ Jeannie Hebert Eugene Peloguin College of the Holy Cross Susan F. Gonsalves Dr. Ken Peloquinetrella Fletcher Foundation Christine King Marsha R. Platt Greater Worcester Foundation Nation Wide Construction Red Star World Wear NeighborWorks Blackstone RESCOM Exterior, Inc. Alice & Fred Reinhardt Valley Dennis Rice RHD – Rhode Island Stoddard Foundation Signature Salon, LLC Rhode Island Antiques Mall UniBank Our partners working in the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor: Government Advisors Massachusetts Environmental/ • Central Massachusetts • Secretary MA Executive OpenSpace/Land Use Regional Planning Commission Office of Housing & Economic • Massachusetts Department of Development Fish & Game • Trustees of Reservations at Cormier Woods • Director RI Department of • Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management Conservation and Recreation • Friends of Upton State Forest • Superintendent • Blackstone River Watershed National Park Service Association • Executive Director RI Historical • The Blackstone River Coalition Rhode Island Preservation & Heritage • Blackstone Headwaters Coalition Environmental/ Commission • The Canal District of Worcester OpenSpace/Land Use • State Archaeologist & SHPO MA • Mass Audubon • RI Department of Historical Commission • Grafton Land Trust Environmental • Secretary MA Executive Office of Management • Greater Worcester Land Trust Energy & Environmental Affairs • Blackstone River Watershed • Metacomet Land Trust • President, RI Commerce Council/Friends of the Corporation Blackstone continued on page 8 6 Trash Responsibly™

Litter is not a new problem in the The first element of Trash Shortly after launching Trash 25 communities of the National Responsibly™ is a customized litter Responsibly™, Blackstone Heritage Heritage Corridor but BHC has bag that affixes to the back of a car Corridor proudly announced that launched a campaign to eliminate seat, a stroller, or bicycle to collect Anchor Subaru of North Smithfield, it. Trash Responsibly™ is an effort trash so that it can be properly RI, is the first corporate sponsor of to make changes that positively disposed of. The bag features the the program. Beginning in February impact the National Heritage Corridor Trash Responsibly™ message as a 2016, Anchor will place a Trash when it comes to community reminder along with the Blackstone Responsibly™ bag into every new revitalization and environmental Heritage Corridor logo, both printed car sold, further customized with quality. BHC is enlisting help from in white. The black bag is made from the Anchor Subaru logo. residents, businesses, nonprofits, 100% post-consumer recycled plastic Next steps for the Trash and municipalities to keep litter from and is reusable. BHC is providing Responsibly™ campaign include polluting our water. the bag through its online shop at producing an informative rack BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org. card, coordinating cleanups

throughout the Valley, providing new Bonnie Combs information about recycling, and co-branding more litter bags. Rumor has it there may be a friendly and Did you enthusiastic competition for towns know… and cities to conduct cleanups. that cigarette butts, the #1 litter item according to “Trash has the Ocean Conservancy, no place in are among the most toxic things in our environment... the wonderful each containing arsenic, Blackstone River cadmium, lead, and polycyclic aromatic Watershed! This hydrocarbons. is our legacy to pass on to our kids and grandkids.” Charlene Perkins Cutler, Executive Director, BHC

7 Lesley McLaughlin Partners continued form page 6 • Preserve Rhode Island • Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition • Rhode Island Historical Society • Rhode Island Canoe & Kayak • Audubon Society of Rhode Island • Museum of Work and Culture Association • Sierra Club, Rhode Island Chapter • Historic New England • Woonasquatucket River • Rhode Island Labor History Society Transportation Watershed Council • Blackstone Valley Historical • RI Coalition for Transportation • Rhode Island Rivers Council Society Choices • Save The Bay • Burrillville Historical & • Rhode Island Department of • Environment Council of Rhode Preservation Society Transportation Island • East Providence Historical Society • Massachusetts Department of • Burrillville Land Trust • Glocester Heritage Society Transportation • Cumberland Land Trust • Old Slater Mill Association • Smart Growth RI • Glocester Land Trust • Preservation Society of Pawtucket • Lincoln Land Trust • Providence Preservation Society Educational Institutions • Smithfield Land Trust • Smith-Appleby House Museum/ • Brown University • Grow Smart Rhode Island The Historical Society of • Bryant University • Northern Rhode Island Chapter of Smithfield • Clark University Trout Unlimited • Hearthside “GO! is all about visitors • State of RI, Division of Planning • Community College of • Valentine Whitman House, Chase Rhode Island Farm, Hanaway Blacksmith Shop, • College of the Holy Cross Massachusetts Historical Moffett Mill, Quaker Meeting (and residents) coming • Lincoln Technical Institute Groups/Sites House, Arnold Bakery • Salve Regina University • Massachusetts Historical • Blackstone Valley Cemetery • Quinsigamond Community Commission Network to experience the beauty College • Preservation Massachusetts • American-French Genealogical Society • RISD • Preservation Worcester • RIC and history of this area, • Worcester Historical Museum and Salisbury Mansion Economic Development, • Waters Farm Tourism and Business Community Resources meeting the people who • Daniels Farmstead Foundation, Inc. • Blackstone Valley Chamber of • Worcester Polytechnic • The Asa Waters Mansion Commerce Institute Housing, Youth and Social Services • Willard House & Clock Museum • Blackstone Valley Tourism Council volunteer here and are • Community Care Alliance • Chestnut Street Meetinghouse • Northern RI Chamber of and Cemetery Association Commerce • Neighbor Works Blackstone River Valley passionate about where • Douglas Historical Society and • Pawtucket Foundation E.N. Jenckes Store Museum • Rhode Island Commerce • Family Resources Community Action • The Little Red Shop Museum Corporation they live, and leaving • Riverzedge Arts Project • Grafton Historical Society • Smart Growth RI Community Arts and Culture • Leicester Historical Society • Sustainable Tourism Planning & • Blackstone River Theatre • The Millbury Historical Society Development Laboratory with a memory that • Stadium Theatre • Sutton Historical Society • Upton Historical Society Recreation & Outdoor makes them want to • Uxbridge Historical Society Organizations • Appalachian Mountain Club, Rhode Island Historical Worcester Chapter come back and Groups/Sites • Blackstone Bikeway Patrol • Blackstone Valley Paddle Club • RI Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission • Blackstone Valley Sugaring explore more.” Association

8 Blackstone Heritage Corridor’s GO!

It was an idea to create a month-long people coming to hear about the program of guided hikes, paddles vibrant history of this factory town. and bike rides, historical walking The Draper Mill made a significant tours, nature adventures, festivals impact in the textile industry during and more in the 25 communities the Industrial Revolution in the between Worcester and Providence. It Blackstone Valley and, as a result, was planned as both an educational that area was singled out as one of program and a tourism driver. The the six historical nodes for the new month chosen was September National Historical Park. because it is that special time of year In Providence, both the Rhode Island when summer merges with autumn Historical Society and Providence and the beauty of the area really starts Public Library joined in GO!, as did to peak. The name it was given was the Worcester Historical Museum GO! and the inaugural event drew and the nearby Salisbury Mansion. more than 8,000 people participating

In Woonsocket both the Museum of Bonnie Combs in the 80+ free, guided activities Work and Culture and the American- and special events, exceeding the French Genealogical Society held program’s projected goal of 7,500. points of interest along the river and are thrilled that we were able to get Open Houses, inviting new visitors canal. There were also several scenic so many people out onto the water The month-long program began in to learn about the French-Canadian boat tours aboard the Blackstone on such a significant night. We hope Uxbridge at the Uxbridge Antique history in the area. Betty Mencucci Valley Explorer in Pawtucket and it’s something they will remember Fire Museum with an open house and her husband Carlo, both volunteers from the Blackstone Valley for a long time.” and tour. Roy Henry, a volunteer with volunteers with BHC and natives Paddle Club, another BHC volunteer GO! is all about visitors (and BHC for 11 years, was one of the of Burrillville, hosted an historical program, welcomed two dozen first to sign up to host an event for walking tour of Harrisville and also residents) coming to experience paddlers on a trip from Blackstone the beauty and history of this area, the GO! program. He saw this as an offered a Graveyard History Tour in Gorge to the Millville Locks and back. opportunity to highlight the work Pascoag both villages of Burrillville. meeting the people who volunteer Near the end of the month, more here and are passionate about where he and his colleagues have done to GO! also provided opportunities to build the collection at the museum. than 700 people gathered at Lincoln they live, and leaving with a memory learn about natural resources and Woods State Park in Lincoln for the that makes them want to come Being featured in the program book wildlife. There were bird walks at the was a bonus for the newly furbished Blackstone River Valley Greenway back and explore more. Plans are Massachusetts Audubon Society’s Challenge finish line festivities. already underway for GO! in 2016. museum and the Uxbridge Antique Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Fire Museum hosted several tours The Blackstone River Watershed For those interested in leading a GO! Sanctuary, nature walks with New Council/Friends of the Blackstone experience or listing a special event, throughout the month so that more Dawn Earth Center, a foliage hike to people could enjoy the experience. (BRWC/FOB) had a record turnout visit BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org Lookout Rock in Northbridge, walks for its Full Moon Canoe Paddle that and download an application. BHC held a special kickoff along the scenic Burrillville Bike Path departed from Sycamore Landing celebration at the Little Red Shop and also Beaver Brook in Worcester. Thank you to Navigant Credit Union in Manville and coincided with an for their sponsorship of this event. Museum in Hopedale to coincide Joe Nadeau, a five-year volunteer eclipsing Blood Moon. Keith Hainley, with the Hopedale Walkabout with the Blackstone River Bikeway environmental coordinator at the that same evening. National Park Patrol, a BHC volunteer program, BRWC/FOB expressed his excitement Service Ranger Kevin Klyberg led hosted a guided morning bike ride and appreciation for GO!: “It was a the walkabout with more than 30 along the bikeway highlighting very successful event for us and we

9 The Impact of Partnership Grants in Corridor Communities Support from Blackstone Heritage Corridor helped Save The Bay implement a high impact environmental education program to 100 students from Woonsocket’s Chillin and Skillin’ program over six weeks during the summer. Students were introduced to Narragansett Bay by providing hands-on, environmental education programs that centered on marine creatures, habitats, marine and watershed issues all related to Narragansett Bay. -Bridget Kubis-Prescott Director of Education, Save the Bay

In April 2015, the Hopedale Historical Commission (HHC) was awarded a $15,000 grant from the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. (BHC). The grant was instrumental in helping Hopedale, and more specifically the HHC and the town’s Little Red Shop Museum (LRSM) volunteer staff, to work toward fulfilling its role as one of several partners and stakeholders in the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. With these funds we were able to train our all-volunteer staff in the best cataloging practices for the LRSM, purchase equipment and supplies for cataloging the Museum’s various artifacts and documents, John Robson develop a strategic master plan for LRSM and execute final placement of the LRSM’s 10-loom collection. “They provide a means to In a separate project funded by an additional $5,000 from the BHC, the HHC sponsored, approved, and installed an interpretive sign about the access Hopedale’s history Hopedale Community House and the Unitarian Church. The installation of interpretive signs in Hopedale’s compact downtown highlights the wealth 365 days a year and bring of historical sites for both residents and visitors to study and enjoy. They provide a means to access Hopedale’s history 365 days a year and bring our town’s remarkable stories our town’s remarkable stories out of the Museum, off the pages, and directly into the landscape of the community. out of the Museum, off the Suzan L. Ciaramicoli, Curator, Little Red Shop Museum Recording Secretary and Former Co-Chair, Hopedale Historical Commission pages, and directly into the Impacts continued on page 12 landscape of the community.”

10 2015 Partnership Grants Awarded Town of Auburn $15,000 Pakachoag Meadows Walking Trail, including a feasibility study, survey, and analysis of connections to other recreational lands and the Blackstone River Bikeway. Blackstone Headwaters Coalition $9,000 The Little School in the Woods Takes a Raindrop Journey along the Blackstone, an education program David Cruz Town of Blackstone $11,500 Blackstone River and Canal Cleanup, Feasibility Study and Structural Analysis, focusing on an historic bridge neighborhood and its integration as a key feature of the Blackstone River Greenway and the Southern New England Trunkline Trail. Hopedale Historical Commission $15,000

The Little Red Shop Museum Catalogue Project, creation of a strategic plan and Culture Museum of Work and professional network of support. Mass Audubon’s Broad Meadow Brook $3,000 New canoes and gear for the Blackstone River Outreach Program.

Museum of Work & Culture, Rhode Island Historical Society $12,500 The Mill Project, a permanent exhibit about the significance of Woonsocket’s mills and the transformation of the city in the 19th-20th centuries. Old Slater Mill Association $8,000 Jenks Settlement and Pawtucket’s Early Ironworks, exploring and connecting the early settlement and ironworks industry with the birth of the American textile industry. Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council $8,000 Woonasquatucket Recreation & History, a series of paddle events with John Robson scholars to interpret history and environment in North Smithfield and Providence.

11 Impacts continued from page 10

Thanks to funding from the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, we are able to host an historical recreation series in our Watershed. The funding allowed us to give stipends to local historians who added value to participants on every one of our nine paddles. It also allowed us to adequately publicize every one of these events through posters, online postings and press coverage for almost every event. We brought 141 people to our recreational programs with Blackstone Heritage Corridor’s assistance. Each was surveyed and confirmed that they loved the

program and they want to learn more in Campbell Dorothy future years about such topics as watershed connectedness, wildlife and geology. Thirty percent of our program participants joined us for the first time in 2015. That means 42 people that never participated with us before “People can become our now understand some of the great opportunities we provide. People can become our new donors, advocates, volunteers and regular participants. We are very grateful for the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Grant. It made new donors, advocates, our recreation program for 2015 something very special. -Alicia J. Lehrer, Executive Director volunteers and regular Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council participants. We are very

The Preservation Society of Pawtucket received a grant from BHC grateful for the Blackstone that was combined with resources from four other sources to fund a narrated Visual Tour of the 1828 Joseph Spaulding House in Pawtucket, owned by the PSP. This is new technology which will place Heritage Corridor grant. the tour on the internet and allow anyone world wide to view this well-restored house in Pawtucket for a small fee. Copies of the tour It made our recreation on a DVD will be distributed to some 44 historic properties in Rhode Island. The grant from BHC was essential to fund the project which program for 2015 was important as it provides a permanent view of the house interior and exterior as left by owners John and Elizabeth Johnson. At this something very special.” time, the DVDs are set to be distributed to the various organizations in Rhode Island. —Paul Mowrey, Director and Volunteer, Preservation Society of Pawtucket

12 Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center at Worcester

Exciting things are happening the ground will be nearly two feet The Blackstone Heritage Corridor at the future site of the Visitor higher when construction on the Visitor Center at Worcester is due to Center in Worcester. Phase One of building starts. open in late fall of 2017. construction has begun! Trucks The exhibit design process has been Council Tourism Blackstone Valley and cranes and earthmovers of all proceeding rapidly. Phase Two is kinds from E.T. & L. Corp. are busy nearly complete with storyboards, Visitor Center prepping for heavy work and plans interpretive plans, ex- are underway for canal walls to hibit elements drawn Support be rebuilt, hills to be created, and out and measured, BHC is pleased to assist visitors lots of earth to be brought on site. and a writing frame- in having the best of experiences In fact, when all is said and done, work developed. while visiting the National Heritage Corridor. Support is provided to three locations in the Valley at the present time: The Pawtucket Visitors Center, located across from the Old Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI, communicates the story of the birth of the American Industrial Revolution. The Museum of Work and

Devon Kurtz Culture, Woonsocket, RI, explores immigration, labor and the battle for the cultural survival of ethnic groups coming into the Valley to work in the mills. River Bend Farm at the Blackstone River & Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge, MA, tells visitors about how industrialization and the canal changed the lives of farmers in the Valley. Coming in 2017 – The Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center at Worcester will celebrate the City’s enduring legacy of innovation and invention, ethnicity and cultural traditions, and transportation history. 13 Community Planning

Blackstone Heritage Corridor (BHC) works closely with the Rhode Island MPO (through the RI Statewide Planning Program, also known as “SPP”) and the Central Massachusetts MPO (also known as “CMMPO,” which operates through the Central Mass. Regional Planning Commission). BHC provides critical information for the reports those MPOs must provide to the U.S. Department of Transportation. BHC also participates in the development Dave Barber of the Transportation Investment Plans (TIP) to advocate for projects which benefit and enhance the communities throughout the Blackstone Valley. A TIP is a 5-10 year planning document and the most recent TIPs Metropolitan include important projects such as completion Planning Organizations of the Blackstone River Bikeway, protection and (MPOs) are federally enhancement of historic bridges, and development required transportation of multi-modal transportation and economic planning bodies development projects. comprised of elected BHC works with the state and local agencies doing and appointed officials projects that are federally-funded to help protect the historic, cultural, natural and recreational resources agencies having throughout the National Heritage Corridor. An interest or representing example includes work on the bridge on Blackstone local, state and federal Street in Sutton, MA. This bridge is adjacent to the governments or amazing “Singing Dam” agencies having interest and the Blackstone River or responsibility in and Canal. The historic tow path was impacted by transportation planning the project, as were the and programming. stream banks. By working closely with town and state officials, BHC was able to identify and help protect a multitude of resources at this one location alone. This year BHC also provided assistance in 20 of the 25

cities and towns in the Megan DiPrete National Heritage Corridor. The assistance included technical assistance in a variety of capacities, support for grant applications, assistance with Comprehensive/Master and Open Space Planning efforts, Dave Barber and providing grant funding for specific projects. Megan DiPrete

14 BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org It’s all new!

The new BHC website has taken on Throughout the website, beginning a magazine quality. The interactive on the home page with a bar of to the new Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor website! resource provides an easy-to- rotating images, there are wonderful DIVE IN BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org navigate and attractive home page photos from the National Heritage Home Shop NOW! Exploring Learning Together The Future About BHC Search… Blackstone with pull down menus and photo Corridor, many provided by the Heritage buttons that allow quick access talented photographers who have Corridor to the plethora of interesting submitted images for the BHC components on the site. The website calendar project. There is a process was designed to first work flawlessly to upload new photos to the gallery on mobile devices and then to to be considered for the Photo of the function on desk/lap top computers. Week. VISITOR A special section for young With the new website, Blackstone Guide people (or those young at heart) is Heritage Corridor, Inc. also launched GearHeads. The logo was designed its online Shop. The shop allows Water Powered! One valley…one environment…one history…all powered by the to be in constant motion and when one to purchase BHC merchandise Blackstone River. So nationally significant, it was named the the home page for GearHeads loads, and event tickets, as well as make Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. a Monty-Python-esque animation donations. Currently, the inventory Explore. Learn. Shop. Support! greets the viewer. includes BHC hats (available in 6 different colors), Trash Responsibly™ Other sections include the bags, and the 2016 calendar GearHeads is a special section of the new Blackstone Heritage Volunteers-in-Parks Program where featuring pictures from local one can learn how to volunteer Corridor website GEARED just for kids. What is a GearHead you photographers and environmentally- and/or submit hours donated, a ask? Well… friendly tips in each month. Visitor Guide with an interactive map, a Calendar of Events with a Viewers are encouraged to revisit GearHead (n.): a kid, powered quick button for uploading new the website often as the content is by the Gears in their brain; who submissions, and pages for the new always being enhanced. explores nature, discovers history, Blackstone River Valley National protects the environment, and Historical Park and the Roger goes on adventures through the Williams National Memorial. Blackstone River Valley. Of particular note are the Explore! Discover! Protect! individual pages for each of the 25 communities in the National . . . and Heritage Corridor. They include interesting links to town/city resources like the town/city hall, library, museums and historical GearHeads is designed to encourage children to learn about societies and more. BHC has and explore the Blackstone Heritage Corridor through produced 27 walking tour guides activities, crafts, and fieldtrips that celebrate our diverse and those are being uploaded to the region. Kids can make a model of a 1820s canal boat, learn all community pages. about bicycle safety, learn about the people who live here, and discover all sorts of wildlife in their own backyard. 15 Blackstone River Bikeway Milestones Terrific milestones were reached in 2015! In Massachusetts, construction on a three-and-a-half-mile section in Uxbridge, Millville and Blackstone moved right along, and a new bridge for the Bikeway was installed in Blackstone. In Rhode Island, where about half of the Bikeway in that state is completed, design plans for the sections in Providence and through Woonsocket and North Smithfield progressed nearly to completion. Funding commitments are needed in order to see these segments into the construction phases and to move the final segments into the design process. Greenway Challenge Celebrates Its 15th Annual Adventure Race More than 360 athletes gathered in the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Saturday, September 26, 2015, to compete in the 15th Annual Greenway Challenge. The bi-state, 60-mile, four-sport adventure race included alternating segments of running, street biking, river paddling, and mountain biking. The Challenge has been known for changing its course each year and this year’s race started in Sutton, MA, at Purgatory Chasm and finished in Lincoln, RI, at Lincoln Woods State Park. Seventy-three teams navigated their way through eight towns with transition sites at the Sutton Airfield, Rice City Pond and River Bend Farm in Uxbridge, Daniels Farmstead in Blackstone, the Kelly House Museum, the Blackstone River Bikeway, and Chase Farm in Lincoln. The last leg brought the athletes to the finish line and awards ceremony at the Grove in Lincoln Woods State Park. In the Championship Division, Team MRA Triple Threat from Worcester, MA, won by finishing the course in 4:17:39.30. Holding their titles from the 2014 Greenway Challenge, this year’s female Ironwoman champion was Laura Zimmer from Westborough, MA, with a finish time of 5:57:33.48, and Trent Koopman from Whitinsville, MA, won the men’s Ironman division with a time of 5:07:14.01. Thank you to the Greenway Challenge sponsors: UniBank, Taco/The White Family Foundation, WXLO 104.5, WORC-FM 98.9, and The Pike 100 FM.

16 Edd Cote Volunteers-in-Parks Program

The Volunteers-in-Parks (VIP) and local tributaries. This past The VIP program is as unique as program has been re-organized and season they celebrated 15 years the National Heritage Corridor’s re-energized. Highlights from this of continuous programing with 14 landscape. A grand total of 6,651 past year include a March weekend VIPs providing 16 paddle tours and hours were recorded in 2015 of Maple Sugaring in partnership donating 530 hours of volunteer valued at $153,439 with 146 with the Massachusetts Department service. This is a tremendous VIPs volunteering. Imagine the of Conservation and Recreation at program that continues to attract a possibilities for 2016! River Bend Farm in Uxbridge. April loyal following from May to August. Bonnie Combs found many volunteers making a Other VIP highlights include the difference with “spring cleaning” continued growth of the Blackstone along the Blackstone River and the River Bikeway Patrol and new Blackstone River Bikeway. volunteer opportunities with GO! - The Blackstone Valley Paddle a month-long experience program Club volunteers continue to guide in September. paddle trips on the Blackstone River Sarah Buchanan

Special Recognition of Long-time VIPs At the close of 2015, Blackstone Heritage Corridor gave special recognition to all volunteers who had served 10 or more years in the Volunteers-in-Parks program – 44 extraordinary people!

25 years or more: 10-14 years: Margaret Carroll, Millville, MA Gerard Noel, Woonsocket, RI John Marsland, Cumberland, RI Paul Papineau, Woonsocket, RI Bonnie Combs

Donna Williams, Grafton, MA Linda Konvalinka, Milford, MA Megan DiPrete Robert Billington, Central Falls, RI Lee Parham, Norton, MA Richard T. Moore, Uxbridge, MA Keith Hainley, Woonsocket, RI Robert Martin, Cumberland, RI 20-24 years: Judy Hadley, Lincoln, RI Val Stegemoen, Blackstone, MA Kent Cameron, North Scituate, RI Dave Barber, Hopedale, MA Heather Elster, Whitinsville, MA A VIP First! Stephen Giardini, Millville, MA Nancy Weigmont, Woonsocket, RI Robert Taylor, N. Attleboro, MA One unique volunteer event was a bridal shower. A soon- 15-19 years: Louise Price, Upton, MA to-be-married couple decided that instead of receiving Ethel Lalsey George Hadley, Lincoln, RI gifts they would request their invited guests to spend Irene Blais, Woonsocket, RI Kathy Barton, Manville, RI Robert Charpentier, Harrisville, RI Roy Henry, Uxbridge, MA the day volunteering and making a difference along the Ben Thompson, North Scituate, RI Kathy Hartley, Lincoln, RI Blackstone River Bikeway. Forty new VIPs, family and Matthew Goyette, Woonsocket, RI Cheryl Thompson, North Scituate, RI friends participated in the day-long cleanup, with a buffet Susan Shea, Woonsocket, RI Patti McAlpine, Warwick, RI Frank Matta, Cumberland, RI Erik Eckilson, Woonsocket, RI lunch and gift bags (including work gloves, sunscreen, Albert Klyberg, Lincoln, RI Pat Choiniere, Lincoln, RI water and snacks), all donated by the bridal party. The Charlie Thompson, Whitinsville, MA Michelle Fontaine, Douglas, MA Julie Riendeau, Harrisville, RI Barbara Vassallo, Woonsocket, RI event provided 240 hours of volunteer service to the VIP Steve Riendeau, Harrisville, RI Martha Stegemoen, Blackstone, MA program and new energetic VIPs. Blackstone Valley Paddle Club Bonnie Combs, Blackstone, MA 17 e pik 90 rn To Lowell National Tu The Blackstone River Valley

Historical Park s 95 tt se u NEWTON ch sa Northborough as National Heritage Corridor M 122 190 495 Sudbury 9 Reservoir To Boston Paxton 290 122 Southborough Lake A Cochituate Indian 30 WELLESLEYAuburn, MA Millbury, MA 9 128 Lake Assumption College 12 SHREWSBURY NATICK MOOSE HILL 56 FRAMINGHAM UMass Blackstone, MA Millville, MA WILDLIFE WORCESTER Medical Center Regatta Point 90 NEEDHAM MANAGEMENT American Antiquarian Society State Park 135 Worcester AREA Old Leicester Worcester Polytechnic Institute Art Museum 9 Airfield Becker College Westborough Worcester Historical Museum 20 Worcester Elm Park 140 27 Regional Worcester EcoTarium Burrillville, RI North Smithfield, RI Mechanics Hall Mass. College Airport State College Lake City Hall of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Quinsigamond Coes Union Ashland 16 9 Station Quinsigamond Tufts University 9 Becker College Reservoir State Park School of Veterinary Medicine 95 (Leicester Campus) Clark University 122 12 Central Falls, RI Northbridge, MA Cherry College of the Valley Holy Cross Dover Burncoat 30 Pond Leicester Visitor Willard House Sherborn Center Q and Clock Museum u Broad Meadow Brook i n 126 LEICESTER Wildlife Sanctuary s ig North Grafton Cumberland, RI Pawtucket, RI a 495 Hopkinton Cedar Meadow m o Pond Quinsigamond n B d l Village t Gr a Whitehall e ea 90 e t c R Westwood C GRAFTON tr e k d i Reservoir S a v r S s w t e a o n Douglas, MA Providence RI i mp r a 27 n Stoneville M 12 e 56 Hassanamisco t s 109 Grafton Common UPTON e Reservation 290 W

MILLBURY STATE

AUBURN

FOREST Holliston East Providence, RI Smithfield, RI

Auburn Indian R Armory Village 16 Rochdale iv Burying Ground e Millbury r 290 Old Millbury 122 NORWOOD P 90 Common &W Medfield R a 85 20 il Glocester, RI Sutton, MA ike Bramanville ro np ad UPTON Tur Farnumsville West s 56 395 Upton ett West 122 Upton us Wilkinsonville A MASSACHUSETTS ch sa Millbury as 146 Saundersville 1 M Millis Singletary Fisherville Bl 140 Grafton, MA Upton, MA To Springfield ac Pond ks Armory National to Historic Site n 126 e Upton Rockdale R State Forest 20 iv Sutton e 12 r 109 Hopedale,Walpole MA Uxbridge, MA JOHN H. CHAFEE ke pi Cha s Medway rn Northbridge MILFORD rle Tu Sutton Riverdale W Center R r Charlton State Forest The Little Red Shop ive e SUTTON 27 s al t Draper Mill r Purgatory Chasm NORTHBRIDGE t Leicester, MA Woonsocket, RI

en

C State Park Plummer’s Landing

Hopedale

Plummer

Sutton State Forest

140

Corner

Whitins Lookout R West White City i

Oxford West Sutton Pond 122 v Hill Rock e

r Dam 16 HOPEDALE Whitinsville Lincoln, RI Worcester, MA 495 Goat Hill Lock Mendon il 1A ra Whitin Machine Works T e Waters Farm Blackstone River in Linwood kl 395 and Canal Heritage n ru Manchaug Lackey State Park T d Rogerson’s Village n ) Mendon, MA Manchaug Pond la d g se Pond Manchaug Mills Crown & Eagle Mill Nipmuck n o Blanchard E p 95 North Uxbridge w ro Pond e p

r Quarry N ( e Cornet John Farnum House Rivulet n v Bellingham 140 r i e

R Village th East Wheelockville u o d Stanley Woolen Mill S Douglas for 16 MENDON d Mum FRANKLIN

a Capron Park M 140 o Uxbridge r l i i E.N. Jenckes Store Museum 16 P l a 146 & l Quissett Hill Wildlife R W

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W R Foxboro

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& a Wrentham

i P l

DOUGLAS r

o Daniels Farm

a R d i Douglas Quaker v Chestnut Hill Meeting e

16 r

Meeting House 126 House Dudley Webster STATE East Blackstone BLACKSTONE RIVER VALLEY Friends Meeting House r Lake DOUGLAS MILLVILLE e v 122 i Chaubunagungamaug R 121 BLACKSTONE 7 UXBRIDGEMuseum of THE LAST GREEN VALLEY FOREST s Work and Culture Millville er Mansfield Triad Bridge et P MASSACHUSETTS Ironstone 146 Mammoth 98 A Blackstone Mill Ruins 140

CONNECTICUT CONNECTICUT Millville Lock 1A

W Richardson Farm Blackstone World War II NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR a l Cold State Park Ballou Cemetery 495 l Gorge u MASSACHUSETTS Spring Blackstone Heritage and Meeting House m Bi-State

Corridor Office RI Park Site Round Top Park

RHODE ISLAND Museum of Work To Cape Cod Fishing Area MASS 197 Plainville L and Culture National l BUCK HILL a rai k Seashore T e BLACK HUT Slatersville Diamond Hill State Park e in 98 Diamond Hill kl ) MANAGEMENT Centennial Park Harris Hall n ed Forestdale Union 114 ru os MANAGEMENT Woonsocket Falls Reservoir Directions T p AREA Village ro Slatersville p ( Friends Diamond Hill d Reservoirs n Meeting WOONSOCKET To River Bend Farm in a 100 102 l r g AREA House NORTH n Spring e E BURRILLVILLE v Uxbridge: Take Mass. Lake i 146 Bla 120 R 104 c Nasonville k ATTLEBORO s w A Arnold Mills 146 to exit for Mass. 16. e t Wilson o Cumberland N 5 n

e Reservoir Hill Follow Mass. 16 east to 146 n r h White Mill Park c R e Harrisville n Manville Mass. 122. Take Mass. 122 h a i 122 t r v 120 B u The Assembly e north and turn right onto o Bridgeton r

S NORTH SMITHFIELD Albion

126 Hartford Avenue. Turn Bridgeton Car Barn Fort Wildlife Refuge Bridges CUMBERLAND Oakland 104 West right onto Oak Street. Pascoag 295 123 Thompson 102 Albion Primrose Woonsocket The farm is on the left. Lake GEORGE Pascoag 7 Reservoir Reservoir Mapleville Blackstone River WASHINGTON Sucker No. 3 Pond State Park To Museum of Work and MANAGEMENT NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR Kelly 114 1 ATTLEBORO Culture in Woonsocket: House 116 Ashton The Monastery Take R.I. 146 to exit for AREA Quinnville CONNECTICUT Casimir Pulaski Bryant Lime Rock Preserve Berkeley R.I. 104. Follow R.I. 104 Memorial State Park College Lime Rock 123 44 Bowdish G north for two miles. North Gate Toll House Quarry r Hawkins Reservoir e a Ann & Hope Mill Museum is on right at 42 Pond t 95

Chepachet LINCOLN South Main Street. West Ro William Blackstone Memorial Park Glocester Job Armstrong Store 123 a Blackstone River Theatre Brown and Hopkins Country Store Stillwater Great Road d Lonsdale Acotes Hill 5 Historic District To Blackstone River State Valley Falls Marsh DURFEE HILL Scotstun 44 Stillwater Park Visitor Center: Town Forest Smith-Appleby MANAGEMENT Reservoir 116 House Valley Falls Valley Falls Heritage Park Take I-295 north. Visitor AREA Smith and Sayles Lincoln Woods State Park Central Reservoir Georgiaville Saylesville Falls Pierce Park and Riverwalk center is located on I-295 Pond Landing Phillips Farm SMITHFIELD

d Jenks Park and Cogswell Tower between exits 9 and 10 in a

o Spragueville

r Lincoln, R.I. l Ponaganset Harmony Water Powered! i Georgiaville

a Reservoir GLOCESTER CENTRAL FALLS R West Waterman Keech Greenville 295 W Pond 102 Reservoir Slater Mill To Blackstone Valley &

P J&P Coats Visitor Center in Paw- Mill Complex 114 Slater Memorial tucket: BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.orgFrom I-95 north Greenville Moshassuck Pawtucket Powder W 15 River Town Landing Park Alexander Killingly RHODE ISLAND o take exit 28. Turn left 44 Mill Ledges o Lake Pond n onto School Street. At Wildlife Refuge a PAWTUCKET s S q e first light, go straight u 146 e Slack a k

t 44 o through intersection and Reservoir u

North Burial n 101 102 c

101 k Ground k down the hill. At next

e Providence

Rhode Island R t College College i light, turn right onto Blackstone v 114 e A Park r Roosevelt Avenue. Visitor

Historic resources of the new 5 PROVIDENCE 6 R Roger Williams National Memorial center parking lot is the 395 Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park 6 i v Rhode Island 44 Blackstone River State Park e Waterplace Park John Hunt House first left. From I-95 south N School of Design r o Brown University Old Slater Mill /S o John Brown House 44 take exit 29. Bear right North Slatersville Historic District R.R. Station M 195 a R.I. Historical Society Library Ashton Historic District in onto Fountain Street, then S Blackstone River, Whitinsville Historic District t India Point Park right onto Exchange Street. Blackstone Canal, Hopedale Village Historic Distric E and the a At light take left onto s Blackstone River Bikeway Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Centers: t To Cape Cod 10 Scituate P EAST National Seashore Roosevelt Avenue. Visitor Pawtucket Visitor Center ro B Reservoir v a Lock Kelly House/Blackstone River State Park i y center is on the right at 295 d PROVIDENCE Museum of Work and Culture 1 e 195 14 n B the end of the block. 0 1 5 Kilometers c i River Bend Farm at Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park e k

Information e Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center at Worcester p 95 R 0 1 5 Miles 5 i a v t 14 e h r