September 21, Great Road Day 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be an exhibit of some of BVHS’s 19th and early 20th century photographs of Pawtucket.
October 21, 6:30 pm. (Monday) Ashley Selima, Director of the RI State Archives and Public Records Administration will give a talk on RI Civic Participation, Voting, and Voter Suppression.
November 13, 6:30 pm (Wednesday) Steve Emma, RI Mineral Hunters, will give a presentation about fossil hunting in RI.
11AM – 4PM
Discover 300 Years of History Along One of the Oldest Roadways in the Country
–Historic New England’s Arnold House (1693) Learn about Lincoln’s founding family. This rare stone-ender-house has one of the largest fireplaces you’ll ever see. 487 Great Road
–Saylesville Friends Meetinghouse (1703) One of the earliest and longest continuously used Quaker meetinghouses in New England. Final resting place of the Arnold family. 374 Great Road
–Great Road Heritage Campus at Chase Farm Park 671 Great Road: Picturesque meadows to explore or bring a picnic; Visitors Center with Restrooms, view artist’s mural of Great Road in the 19th Century, and visit four-historic sites listed below. Pick up the Shuttle to Moffett & Hearthside:
-Pullen’s Corner Schoolhouse (1850) Lincoln’s last one-room schoolhouse, recently
relocated, restored, and preserved as a 19th c. classroom. Special outdoor exhibit of a
Revolutionary War encampment, with reenactors, drills, traditional craft demonstrations.
-Hannaway Blacksmith Shop (1880) Watch the blacksmith at the forge and anvil forming
hot metal into household objects, just as it was done during the 19th c. in this original shop.
-Moffett Mill (1812) This rare relic from the early industrial era, a versatile former
machine shop still has its original equipment and tools. Accessed only by Shuttle Bus.
-Hearthside House Museum (1810) This majestic stone mansion, hosted by costumed
docents in 19th c. attire, offers an exhibit on the history of Lincoln Woods State Park and its connections to Hearthside and Moffett Mill. 677 Great Road (parking across the street or shuttle from Chase)
-Butterfly Mill (1812) A former textile factory built by Stephen Hopkins Smith at the same time he built Hearthside. The recently restored mill space will be opened from 11-2 by the homeowner. Take Shuttle or walk from Hearthside parking lot next door to it. 700 Great Road
–Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge (1804) One of the oldest masonic lodges in the state that included many of the town’s most notable citizens as its members. Still in use today and open once a year to the public for this occasion. 1093 Great Road
–Valentine Whitman House (1696) Stop by to check out this excellent example of a stone-ender house that has recently undergone total rehabilitation by Preserve RI and now a private residence. Outdoor viewing only
with written materials. 1147 Great Road
–Northgate (1807) Home of the Blackstone Valley Historical Society, this original toll house for the Louisquisset Turnpike and later a Grange where social activities took place. Exhibit of 19th & early 20th c. photographs of Pawtucket. 1873 Louisquisset Pike
–Arnold Bakery (1874) One-room original bakery relocated from Saylesville, adjacent to Northgate.
FREE TOURS
Talk: 2:00 – 4:00 pm Sunday, January 21
Blackstone Valley Historical Society, 1873 Old Louisquisset Pike, Lincoln, RI
Author Amanda Quay Blount will give a talk about her extensively researched book Meet Me at the Biltmore.
On June 6, 1922, thousands of people gathered in downtown Providence to witness the grand opening of the most modern hotel of its day: the awe inspiring Providence Biltmore Hotel. Since that fateful day, the Biltmore has captured the imaginations of local patrons and distant travelers alike, providing luxury accommodation to such celebrities as Babe Ruth, John F. Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Louis Armstrong, the Von Trapp Family, Maya Angelou, the Rolling Stones, and Providence’s infamous mayor, Buddy Cianci. The story of the Biltmore is a sensational drama of scandal, secrets and high society. With characters ranging from crooked politicians and mobsters to bootleggers and Hollywood stars, the Biltmore has provided the backdrop for some of the highest highs and lowest lows of Providence in the last century.
Now, for the first time in its hundred-year history, the storied past of the Providence Biltmore Hotel comes to life in this meticulously researched tale of the rise, fall, and renaissance of Rhode Island’s capital city, as seen through the eyes of one of its most iconic landmarks.
North Gate makes a wonderful venue for your next gathering. Click here to find out more!
Welcome to the new (and hopefully improved) home of the Blackstone Valley Historical Society. We hope you find it informative and entertaining. The site will be evolving as we go – feel free to comment and let us know how we’re doing!
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The BVHS receives many inquiries about genealogy, family stories and how to contact others about these subjects. The Society wants to act as a facilitator for people to connect with one another. Post here to ask questions, share a story or a photo. Who knows? You may uncover something special!
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