Projo Fitness Blog

Slater Mill on the Blackstone

Scores of historical interpreters, dressed in costumers dating back to the 16th Century will gather at Slater Mill in Pawtucket Tuesday for the kick-off of Footsteps In History. The month-long event will feature more than 100 events, beginning Saturday, in 24 communities along the Blackstone River Valley.

There will be bike rides, paddle trips and hikes through the valley which will be aflame in autumn colors.

"The program promotes 500 years of history by placing events connected with the Blackstone River Valley's history, culture and natural resources under one umbrella," said Lisa Mosczynski, spokeswoman for the event.

"Not only do we have all these things going on, but we also have places like Purgatory Chasm -- amazing natural history places," said Patricia Perry, coordinator of Footsteps in History. A historical interpreter herself, Perry is placing more emphasis on interpretation in the fifth edition of Footsteps In History.

For the last four years, the event was limited to Columbus Day weekend. This year, it will run through the end of October.

For the first time, there will be Native American interpreters, representing the Nipmuc Nation) at the Hassanamisco Indian Museum in Grafton, Mass., Oct. 17 from 11 to 4 p.m. "Scheduling it for Columbus Day was hard for them to swallow," said Perry.

Several farms in the river valley will be open for tours and harvesting throughout the Footsteps In History event.

Last year, more than 15,000 visitors attended programs over three days, Mosczynski said.

A complete listing of sites, programs and unique events is available here.

 Tags  Blackstone River Valley cycling events hiking paddling

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