Cultural

Bringing Heritage to Life

[ image by Jim McElholm-Single Source Inc. ]

In the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor supporting the folk and cultural traditions of the Blackstone River Valley is important to retaining a true sense of who we are and celebrating the ethnic makeup of the region. The Commission supports activities that perpetuate an understanding of valley heritage – traditional music, dance, language, crafts and trades that connect us to our past.

The further development of the creative community in the Corridor also contributes to a vibrant economy and the chance to bring new life to older buildings and community centers.

Bringing heritage to life through the arts is one of the ways we celebrate the Valley for its authentic resources, cultural heritage and natural beauty.

In addition to the many attractions in Providence, RI and Worcester, MA, there are many ways to discover the culture of the Blackstone River Valley. Throughout the Corridor, you can discover the rich heritage of our past through exhibits, events, and programs at places like the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket, Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI, Waters Farm in Sutton and River Bend Farm in Uxbridge, MA.

The mission of the Blackstone River Theatre is to present the performing and visual arts; to offer arts education; and to preserve and support the cultural diversity and heritage of all types of traditional folk music, dance and visual arts with an emphasis on those groups that settled in the Blackstone River Valley.

Believing that the arts are integral to building important cultural bridges, Blackstone River Theatre is dedicated to promoting and developing the arts for our community and its artists by creating awareness, offering performance opportunities and promoting involvement through participation.

Stone Soup Arts Foundation operates the Stone Soup Coffeehouse in Pawtucket, RI and is one of the oldest and largest folk music venues in New England. Concerts present both nationally-known and local artists, promoting folk music in and around the Blackstone River Valley.

In Woonsocket, RI the Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Center is housed in a theatre that dates from 1926 that is renowned for its acoustics, intimacy and preserved artwork and architectural features.

A variety of programs are offered at the Stadium Theatre, ranging from live music and dance performances to classic movie nights.

In Pawtucket, RI, the Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre, or The Gamm, is a non-profit repertory theater performing plays of substance and distinction, acted with excellence in an intimate setting that emerses audiences in the action. Dramas and comedies (classical and contemporary), and exceptional Shakespeare productions are part of the 5-play season, running from September through June.

For information on places to enjoy in the Worcester area of the Valley, visit Great Museum Adventures in Central Massachusetts. A Calendar of Events and links will give you information on the Ecotarium, Higgins Armory Museum, Worcester Art Museum, Worcester Historical Museum and the Tower Hill Botanic Garden. You can also download coupons from the site good at these locations.

Through a partnership with the Corridor Commission, the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation in Massachusetts coordinates multicultural performing arts events in its “Exploring Our Culture” program. In Rhode Island, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council sponsors and provides information on several cultural sites and events throughout the Valley.

For a listing of Cultural Sites in the Blackstone River Valley, click here or find out about current events and performances at the Calendar of Events