Past Events of the Blackstone Valley Historical Society
January 22, 2017: Senetchonet to Manville: A Journey Through Time
Nestled in the northern part of the Town of Lincoln, Rhode Island, Manville is a quiet community that is proud of its working heritage. However, that lifestyle was shaken in 1955 with two terrible disasters that altered its way of life forever. BVHS showed the first part of the movie on January 22, 2017 to a full house. Roger Gladu, the historian who gathered much of the material for the documentary produced by Betty and Carlo Mencucci was at the showing.
February 26, 2018: Snapshots of the Blackstone Valley by Dan Bethel
A wonderful exhibit of the work of Lincoln’s favorite amateur photographer, Dan Bethel.
Pawtucket Times interview with Dan Bethel
March 19, 2017: Rhode Island Railroad Stations: Post Card Views at the Turn of the 20th Century.
Joseph Coduri, author of “Rhode Island Railroad Stations: Post Card Views at the Turn of the 20th Century” gave a presentation based on his book. Using images from vintage post cards, Mr. Coduri will illustrate the role the railroads played in early twentieth century life in Rhode Island. The railroads linked Rhode Island’s villages and connected them to the shoreline communities. Image is from the book, showing postcard views of the Westerly and Apponaug stations.
April 23, 2017: Blackstone Valley History Through Ephemera: Dan Bethel’s Collection
A grand exhibit that showcased collector Dan Bethel’s newest finds, including photos of the Manville Mill, an early artist’s rendition of the Lincoln Mall, and ephemera and photos from Lincoln Downs.
May 21, 2017: The Christine Nowak Lecture. Gail Mohanty, Technology, Industrialization and the Landscape.
June 28, 2017: BVHS’s Annual Tour of Cogswell Tower
Bob Ferri, Central Falls City Council President, took us on his annual tour of Cogswell Tower. Record numbers of people came to enjoy this Tuesday evening event and share stories and pictures. Dan Bethel was there to share historical pictures of the park. Dunkin Donuts and the City of Central Falls helped sponsor this tour.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017: The Eclipse is coming!
Francine Jackson, NASA Solar System Ambassador, staff astronomer at Ladd Observatory, and BVHS Board member gave a well-attended talk on the August 21, 2017 solar eclipse.
September 23, 2017: Great Road Open House Day and Smithsonian Museum Day Live!
For Great Road Open House day, there was a special exhibit at North Gate: An Elaborate History: The Cumberland Ballous. Arnold’s Lonsdale Bakery and North Gate at were also open.
October 15, 2017: The General and the Ad-Man
A talk about President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his friend and advisor, Rhode Island native son William “Bill” Edward Robinson, by Madeleine O. Robinson, PhD (URI ’80).
November 5, 2017: Americana: Songs from America’s History, from the Revolution to World War I
Pianist and soloist Michael DiMucci presented a program of songs from the American Revolution to World War I. Kevin Heskin presented a wonderful exhibit of WWI material.
December 3, 2017 Christmas Party at North Gate.
