Our History
Since our creation in 1985, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council has been a leader in transforming Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley into an internationally-recognized visitor destination – a strong, vibrant region for residents, businesses and visitors. Working with local communities, state and federal governments, and like-minded nonprofit organizations and businesses, we not only increased the number of visitors and enhanced their experiences, but strengthened the region’s economy, created a stronger, cleaner environment, and improved the quality of life for Blackstone Valley residents.
Today, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and our many partners and collaborators, the Blackstone Valley is considered one of Rhode Island’s most significant visitor destinations, and a region where communities have become attractive places to live and work. Here’s how we did it.
Years 1985 - 1990
The dropdown timeline showcases a selection of history. To view entire history, click Read Full History.
-
Robert Billington founded the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. The Council was headquartered at the Northgate Tollhouse in Lincoln. No contributions were received yet from the local cities and towns in the Blackstone Valley.
The Blackstone River Valley became nationally significant as a U.S. Heritage Corridor with the support of Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
The Blackstone Valley Historic Sites brochure was published.
Six communities in the Blackstone Valley approved the Tourism Council to promote tourism on their behalf: Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Cumberland, Lincoln, North Smithfield, Central Falls.
-
Robert Billington was hired as the first full-time Director of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.
The Board of Directors was elected to the Tourism Council.
A total of $5,000 was raised from local Chambers of Commerce, Blackstone Valley cities and towns and private individuals and matched by the Rhode Island State Department of Economic Development.
A celebration was held at Northgate Tollhouse in Lincoln to commemorate the formation of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. The celebration included guest speakers and over 20 exhibitors from the Blackstone Valley and music by Pendragon.
-
A ribbon–cutting ceremony and reception was held to commemorate the Tourism Council’s new headquarters at Northgate Tollhouse on April 6.
Blackstone Valley Banner Tours was published, highlighting 24 sites in the nine Blackstone Valley communities, with a $2,500 grant from National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The first nine interns from Johnson & Wales Department of Travel and Tourism worked with the Tourism Council to develop familiarization tours, prepare bus tour packages, and uncover leads for travel writers.
Mail inquiries from 6,000 customers were fulfilled.
-
The slogan "Destination Blackstone River Valley – Something New, Something Different" was launched.
Eighteen itineraries were developed for groups to tour Blackstone Valley.
The annual meeting of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council was held at The Comfort Inn in Pawtucket.
Over twenty bus tours of the Blackstone Valley were scheduled with Conway Bus Tours and other bus companies highlighting the area as a tourism destination.
-
The Blackstone Valley Traveling Exhibit was featured at the Power Expo staged by the Providence Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor received federal funding.
Chariot World Travel of Boston attended a seven-hour familiarization tour of the Blackstone Valley.
Blackstone Valley Tourism One, 16-foot rubber raft secured through Navy surplus, was launched.
-
A postage stamp featuring the Slater Mill and commemorating 200 years of statehood for Rhode Island was issued this year at the Slater Mill.
The Fiber That Wove America’s Spirit, the Blackstone Valley’s first promotional videotape, was produced. The video included our new theme song, The Working River, written and performed by Pendragon.
The Rhode Island State quilt was created by Gail Antunes of Cumberland. Blackstone Valley Tourism Council was one of the sponsoring agencies.
The Tourism Council received a $400 grant from the Rhode Island Arts and Tourism Commission to distribute its promotional video and companion music tape.
Years 1991 - 1995
-
The Tourism Council moved its headquarters to larger office space at the Blackstone Valley Electric Company building on Route 116 in Lincoln, RI. building on Route 116 in Lincoln, RI
Gov. Bruce Sundlun took a fundraising tour on the Blackstone River and donated toward the Council’s fundraising efforts to build a riverboat for touring the different sections of the Blackstone River.
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission approved $250,000 in funding to the Visitor’s Center in Pawtucket.
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission approved a $10,000 grant and a $25,000 grant for the construction of the Blackstone Valley Explorer.
Sixteen fall foliage riverboat rides were held, leaving from the Pawtucket Harbor.
The first “Turn It Around With Tourism” teleconference was held at Bryant College in conjunction with South County Tourism, RI Division of Tourism, Johnson and Wales University, University of Rhode Island, Bryant College, and the Small Business Development Center.
-
A Regional Comprehensive Tourism Guide for the Blackstone Valley was published.
Events of the Week, a regular media release, was sent to over 300 media outlets.
The Tourism Council organized the Comeback Coalition, a group that would galvanize over four dozen nonprofit and for-profit organizations to work together to re-make the image of Pawtucket.
The Steamboat Muster was the focal point of the Comeback Coalition.
The First Annual International Steamboat Muster was held August 21-23 in Pawtucket, co-coordinated by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. The Muster attracted 20 steamboats from the United States and Canada and also included a Civil War Encampment, a Captain’s Dinner, music, entertainment, dancing, costumed participants, a free concert by the U. S. Navy 18-piece Navy Show Band, the Pawtuxet Rangers Fife and Drum Corps, exhibits at the Pawtucket Children’s Museum and steamboat-themed movies at the Pawtucket Library.
-
A year-long celebration was planned to mark the 200th anniversary of Slater Mill.
Experience the Making of America logo was designed by Gates Leighton Associates of East Providence to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Slater Mill.
The name Blackstone Valley Explorer was chosen from 150 entries by the public as the new name of the riverboat being built by Luther Blount of Blount Marine of Warren, RI.
Golden Hammer pins were sold to support construction of the 49-passenger riverboat, the Blackstone Valley Explorer.
The New England Labor History Conference was held at Woonsocket City Hall in April 1993, co-sponsored by Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, the Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor and other Valley organizations. Over 150 people attended the Conference.
-
The Blackstone Valley/Amber Valley Compact was signed in Belper, England. A delegation from Blackstone Valley traveled to Amber Valley to celebrate the signing and participated in a “twinning ceremony” with Belper, England.
The RiverClassroom program on the Blackstone Valley Explorer offered history, ecology and wildlife education to students. The Pawtucket Credit Union sponsored the first RiverClassroom on the Blackstone Valley Explorer.
While visiting the Blackstone Valley in November, President Bill Clinton was presented with a PawSox hat and a key to the City of Pawtucket by Mayor Bob Metivier along with other mementos of his visit. Robert Billington presented the President with a framed photo of Slater Mill and a Mill Folks doll made by Park Ranger Suzanne Buchanan. The President also visited the Portuguese Social Club in Pawtucket.
Factory tours in the Blackstone Valley were planned for Tourism Week in May.
An episode of Entertainment Tonight was filmed in Pawtucket with Mayor Bob Metivier referencing a comment that was made by a character on the TV show Nurses. The script was written by Rhode Island native Danny Smith, and he admitted he was only poking fun at the City of Pawtucket.
-
The Blackstone Valley’s first trolley in 60 years was purchased in partnership with Conway/Grayline.
The River Classroom program was developed that offered students rides on the Blackstone Valley Explorer along with lessons in the history of the Blackstone River, ecology and wildlife.
Robert Billington was elected President of the Old Slater Mill Association in February 1995.
Edwin Bearss, a National Park Service Chief Historian, spoke at the Blackstone Valley Electric Company auditorium in February 1995 on the Civil War and President Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Bearss is the author of 12 books on the Civil War.
A Civil War Expo was held at the Lincoln Mall in February. Robert Hunt Rhodes, whose memoirs were quoted extensively in Ken Burns Civil War series The Civil War, attended and sold copies of his book.
Years 1996 - 2000
The dropdown timeline showcases a selection of history. To view entire history, click Read Full History.
-
The Catholic Oak tree which stands near the entrance to the Ann & Hope in Cumberland is a red oak and was once the site of where William Blackstone preached. It was featured in the Notable Rhode Island Tree Calendar of 1996.
The Tourism Council offered a new program in 1996 aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer called “River in the Classroom” which educated students about the importance of the Blackstone River. Ocean State Power donated $5,000 to get the program started. The donation started the fifth anniversary of the company’s production of its first megawatt of power.
In May, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council hosted the 45-members and families of the Thornton’s Brass Band from Amber Valley, England. The band performed in all nine Blackstone Valley communities as well as Providence to over 4,000 people. The concerts cemented the relationship between the Blackstone Valley and the Amber Valley in England.
The City of Pawtucket and the Pawtucket Riverfront Commission met in August to consider the future of the parcel of land next to the State Pier in Pawtucket owned by Dr. Paul Healey.
New round-trip tours on the Blackstone Valley Explorer leaving from the Old Oyster House Restaurant in East Providence to the Providence waterfront were offered daily in August by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.
-
Plans for the Blackstone River Watershed Council were established.
The Tourism Council hosted the World Canal Conference in the Blackstone Valley in October 1997.
Christmas trolley tours through Lincoln, Cumberland and Central Falls were developed.
The Arts and Entertainment History Channel has chosen to air six episodes of the Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor series Along the Blackstone.
A second riverboat, the 10-passenger Spirit of Blackstone Valley, was purchased.
The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council planned Tourism Business Networking events.
-
The Blackstone River received the prestigious designation as an American Heritage River by President Bill Clinton.
"Rhode Island Rivers Day" was established to celebrate the Blackstone River’s impact on the community and honor its volunteers.
The RI Film Forum was established by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.
Dave Balfour, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, was appointed to be Chepachet Village’s first Main Street Coordinator.
The Rhode Island General Assembly voted in favor of creating an Arts and Entertainment District in Pawtucket to offer tax incentives to artists to encourage them to move into the mill districts in Pawtucket.
The Northern Rhode Island Conservation District, with a grant funded by the federal Clean Water Act Section 319 and the Rhode Department of Environmental Management, recruited volunteers to work on small one-day projects to improve the quality of water in the Blackstone River. Volunteers toured the river on the Tourism Council’s boat the Spirit of the Blackstone to become familiar with the area.
-
Water Cruises of Rhode Island launched the Hope and Renaissance European-style ferry boats to shuttle commuters between Providence & Pawtucket. Water Cruises is a partnership between Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and Conway/Grayline of Rhode Island.
The POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, launched with permission from author Chris Van Allsburg and publisher Houghton Mifflin.
The Council worked closely with the US Army of Corps of Engineers, the US Natural Resources Conservation Commission, Save the Bay, and the National Park Service.
Wal-Mart presented the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council with a grant of $1,000 to be used for the opening of the new Visitor Center in Pawtucket.
The Tourism Council published an Official Visitor Guide to the Blackstone Valley. Twenty-five thousand copies were distributed annually. In addition, a collection of brochures was published each year which highlighted local restaurants, ethnic foods, special events, factory outlet shopping, and train, trolley and river tours.
-
The Samuel Slater Canal Boat built by C.T.P. Fox Boatbuilders of Cambridgeshire, England arrived in Central Falls in January.
Launched the British Canal Boat, the Samuel Slater which provides daytime cruising, tea tours and overnight accommodations on the Blackstone River.
Spring Scenic Train Excursions on the Providence & Worcester Railroad were held in May. For the first time, the train traveled to Worcester, MA and then to Putnam and Danielson, CT before returning to Cumberland, RI.
An Elderhostel Program titled From Fields to Factories: the Blackstone River Valley of New England was held April 30 through May 5. The program attracted seniors 55 and older.
The Blackstone River Watershed Council participated in the Millenium Spruce-Up of the Blackstone Canal along the Blackstone River Bikeway in Lincoln.
Years 2001 - 2005
-
The Tourism Council led a cultural/tourism/economic development tour to the Amber Valley in England as part of the Amber Valley/Blackstone Valley Compact.
Work on the Central Falls Landing project was begun. Partial funding for river landing portion was provided in a grant from the ISTEA funds, administered by RIDOT.
A birdhouse–making workshop at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center was held in February and sponsored by the Tourism Council.
Tom Ward, publisher of The Valley Breeze, published the Visitor Guide to the Blackstone Valley.
Robert Billington participated in the Brazil National Tourism Marketplace. Rhode Island and Sergipe, Brazil are sister states.
The City of Pawtucket received a Millennium sculpture from the town of Belper, England.
-
Worldwide publicity was created for the Blackstone Valley after sending a 7 foot-tall William Blackstone Mr. Potato Head to England.
The tourblackstone.com website was launched, promoting attractions, events and other Blackstone Valley information.
Robert Billington attended World Canal Conference in Montreal, Canada.
Robert Billington presented a sustainable tourism development paper in Hong Kong at an International Conference on Tourism.
The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council attended the Pow Wow in New Orleans, one of the largest travel shows in the United States.
A Spring Blossom Train trip was held on the Providence & Worcester Railroad in May.
-
The Easter Bunny and representatives from the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council visited the offices of the Valley Breeze, The Times and Neighbors to promote the first Easter Bunny Express Train Trips which were held on the Providence & Worcester Railroad in April.
The City of Pawtucket received five new Dragonboats from Taiwan for the Rhode Island Dragonboat Festival which is held at Festival Pier in Pawtucket during the Pawtucket Arts Festival.
For the first time, there was an Open Studio Stroll in the Spring where over 100 artists' studios opened to the public. The Blackstone Valley Trolley shuttled people from one location to another throughout the day.
Over 3,000 tires and other trash were hauled out of the Blackstone River by the Blackstone River Watershed Association. The project was underwritten by Firestone for Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful.
The Blackstone Valley and the Amber Valley of England celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the twinning of the two areas in May.
-
A new website, Cycleblackstone.com, promoted the Blackstone Valley Bike Path.
The Blackstone Valley Art Showcase was held from December 14 through January 17 at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center to benefit the educational programs of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.
The fifth year of the Pawtucket Arts Festival took place in September with a gala at the Pawtucket Visitors Center. The Arts Festival included trolley tours to art studios, Dragonboat races, a film festival, and a performance of the RI Philharmonic at Slater Park.
The former Lebanon Mill on Exchange Street was transformed in 2004 into Blackstone Exchange LLC, live-work condo units along the Blackstone River in Pawtucket. The project is being developed by Ranne Warner from Lexington, Massachusetts.
Over 2,100 discarded tires were hauled out of the Blackstone River during Keep America Beautiful's Great American Cleanup in May, and they will be taken away and recycled by Firestone Tire.
A Preserve America Community Award was presented to the city of Pawtucket in July by Lynn Scarlett, assistant to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.
-
The Tourism Council obtained licensing by Warner Brothers to host THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Ride.
The Rhode Island Chinese New Year was celebrated in February at the Chinese Christian Church in Pawtucket. Over 1,000 people attended.
The Pawtucket Rotary Club is lighting up the Blackstone River at the falls near the Slater Mill to celebrate their 100th Anniversary.
The Dineblackstone.com database of Blackstone Valley restaurants and eating establishments was created.
The Blackstone Valley double-decker bus was sold to the Philadelphia Trolley Works Company in June. The Philadelphia Trolley Company bought the bus and repainted it and opened the top. The bus is now part of the fleet of double-decker buses touring historic sites in Philadelphia.
A boat provided by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council partnered with WaterFire, The PARI Independent Living Center, and the Ocean State Center for Independent Living to offer boat rides to tour WaterFire in Providence. For the third year in a row, people with disabilities such as Lou Gehrig’s disease, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities were able to see WaterFire up close.
Years 2006 - 2010
The dropdown timeline showcases a selection of history. To view entire history, click Read Full History.
-
The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council was presented with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Ulysses Prize for Innovation in Tourism Management for contributing to a positive change with regard to community values in Rhode Island over the past 20 years. The prize was presented in Madrid, Spain. The Tourism Council also received the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Sbest certification.
The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, in partnership with Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful and Firestone Complete Auto Care in Warwick, held a oneday tire collection for the Blackstone Valley. The event is the Great American Clean-Up, part of the Keep America Beautiful campaign.
The original locomotive weathervane that was on the Woonsocket Train Depot was sold for $1.2 million dollars. The weathervane that replaced it was stolen.
Blackstone River State Park Visitor Center opened off I-295 in Lincoln.
The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation extending the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor federal financing for five more years.
-
The Tourism Council received worldwide publicity in Dubai, UAE, by the World Travel and Tourism Council, winning the top Tourism for Tomorrow Destination award.
The Tourism Council won the Sbest Certification from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The accreditation recognizes excellence in the Tourism Council’s destination management and was created to promote improvement in competitiveness and sustainability of tourism destinations around the globe.
The Tourism Council published the Rhode Island Green Visitor Guide for the Blackstone Valley uses all environmentally-friendly methods and materials, and highlights eco-friendly destinations, activities and environmental principles.
The Blackstone Valley Green Tourism Symposium was held at the Visitor Center in April.
The Tourism Council introduced the International Foods of the Blackstone Valley booklet, promoting multicultural dining offered in the historic Blackstone Valley region. More than 70,000 brochures were printed.
-
The Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful program was certified by Keep America Beautiful.
The Tourism Council was awarded a $50,000 Preserve America grant for the Broad Street Regeneration Project.
The Broad Street Regeneration Project was initiated with the Mayors of Pawtucket, Central Falls and Cumberland.
Tour Your Own Backyard tours were organized by the Tourism Council.
“Blackstone Valley Salsa” and “Blackstone Valley Dynamite Sauce” food contests were held.
Events of the Week, a regular news release, was emailed to over 300 media outlets and linked to a widening network of websites.
-
The Sustainable Tourism Planning and Development Laboratory was accepted as a partner to Global Sustainable Tourism Alliance of the United Nations Foundation, the Rain Forest Alliance and the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
The Tourism Council sponsored a bus trip to Washington, DC for the Inauguration of Barack Obama in January.
A Civic Tourism II Conference dealing with sustainable tourism concepts hosted 180 participants.
The sixth annual Tour Rhode Island, coordinated by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, featured 24 bus tours which toured different parts of the state, was held in May.
Blackstone Alert had a meeting at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center in Pawtucket and heard a report of the Flood of 2005 and how it affected businesses in the Blackstone Valley.
-
The Polar Express was moved to the 19th century train depot in Woonsocket.
Blackstone Culinaria continued to produce weekly food tours at restaurants in the Blackstone Valley. Many different cultures are featured in the food tours, including Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Mexican, Guatemalan, Mediterranean, Portuguese, Spanish, Indian, Greek, Irish and Senegalese. Some of the restaurants featured include The Village Restaurant, Chepachet Farm, Enn Japanese, Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining, Taqueria Lapito, River Falls, Jac’s Wraps, The Pillsbury House, Jaswell Farm, Grace Note Farm, and The Hose Company.
The 1st Annual Rhode Island Cherry Blossom Festival featured Asian & American culture together with a parade, dancing, demonstrations, cherry tree plantings, a May Breakfast, and the first-ever Cherry Blossom 5K road race on Roosevelt Avenue in Pawtucket.
A Cherry Pie Bake-off was held at the Slater Mill Historic Site to celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival.
An exhibition of artwork honoring cultural diversity opened at the Collaborative Gallery at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center.
The Tourism Council expanded the 3-hour Behind-the-Scenes Leisurely Bicycle Tours of the Blackstone Valley.
Years 2011 - 2015
-
The first Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame commemorated Rhode Island's musical heritage through a museum and annual induction ceremonies.
An on-road bike path was established, linking the Blackstone River Bikeway with the East Bay Bike Path allowing folks to pedal from Woonsocket to Bristol – a total of 33 miles.
Tourism planners from around the country and the globe participated in the Blackstone Valley Sustainable Tourism Planning and Development Lab to learn more about “sustainable tourism.”
The three-hour “Behind the Scenes Leisurely Bike Path Tours” were expanded to 13 guided tours from Pawtucket to Lincoln and two new trips from Lincoln to Woonsocket.
The Tourism Council coordinated efforts to bring Taiwanese performing artists who were touring the USA to the International Charter School in Central Falls.
The Tourism Council helped coordinate the Colombian Festival Parade in Pawtucket and Central Falls.
-
Chocolate Mill Overlook Park was dedicated in Central Falls. Between March 2012 and February 2013, the BVTC organized a planning consortium of town planners, developers, architects and non-profit leaders for the purpose of visualizing design possibilities to a section in Pawtucket and Central Falls known as Chocolate Mill Gateway. The goal is to make this neighborhood a welcoming and prosperous place. These sessions generated plans for further developing river vistas, new housing developments and updated traffic calming and roadside landscaping designs.
First inaugural concert and ceremony for the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame was held at Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket.
The Hachiko monument unveiled in Woonsocket.
The Cherry Blossom Festival was held in Pawtucket, Central Falls and Woonsocket.
Work continued on the Broad Street Initiative in Pawtucket, Central Falls and Cumberland.
The 20th Anniversary of the Blackstone Valley Explorer was held in April.
-
The Cupid Ball was held at Blackstone Valley Visitor Center to introduce the new Rhode Island Cherry Blossom Princess.
The Ghost Army exhibit, film and reception were held at the Stadium Theater in Woonsocket.
Beautiful archway lighting was installed on both the east and west sides of the Chocolate Mill Bridge.
In June 2013, we sponsored the Blueways Alliance Paddle Across Rhode Island Program.
A sharrow marking system was developed to allow on-road biking and connect bikeways.
The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council coordinated the efforts to build the state’s first urban campground on the shores of the Blackstone River at River Island Community Park in Central Falls.
Tokyo’s Hachi Summit was celebrated in Japan and the Tourism Council sent a greeting letter along with a Hachi banner and Hachi brochures commemorating the movie Hachi - A Dog’s Story, starring Richard Gere, which was filmed at the Woonsocket Train Depot. A statue of Hachi is at the Depot and attracts many Japanese visitors every year.
-
A special Polar Express Event was held at the Woonsocket Depot to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the movie, featuring author Chris Van Allsburg, Warner Brothers, Rail Events, Lionel Trains, and artist Patrick Kinkade.
Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park received official designation.
The Blackstone Shop, a new store featuring handcrafted jewelry and artwork by local artists as well as Polar Express-themed gifts opened at the Visitor Center in Pawtucket.
Pawtucket River Bridge Concerts featured DotAir and Louisiana Nights shows.
The Tourism Council worked on the Burrillville geotourism project.
The Sea Research Foundation and the Tourism Council launched a new science program that has middle-school students exploring the river’s depths with a remote-controlled, video-equipped submersible device, and a miniature version of the robot submarine that Robert Ballard used to explore the wreck of the Titanic.
-
Paths to Progress RI advocated for completion of the state bike path system.
We worked in Pawtucket to develop the first off-road section of the Blackstone River Bikeway.
A three-wheel bike was built to transport and deliver tourism literature in the Blackstone Valley.
A drone video of the Valley was created.
The Tourism Council planned the first American Girl Train Trip based on Grace Thomas, an American Girl Doll of the Year, who was from the Blackstone Valley.
The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council established the Blackstone Valley Heritage Environmental Trust Fund to enhance environmental educational work in the Blackstone Valley.
Years 2016 - 2020
The dropdown timeline showcases a selection of history. To view entire history, click Read Full History.
-
The State awarded $10 million for bike path construction as part of the Green Economy Bond.
The Tourism Council created the Paths to Progress Committee to begin the effort to complete the bike paths, not only in the Blackstone Valley but throughout the state.
The Tourism Council collaborated with the city of Woonsocket and Riverzedge Arts in the rebranding and repositioning of the city’s Main Street Arts and Entertainment District.
In November 2016 we ran a Care for the Cape workshop on Cape Cod for the Sustainable Tourism Lab.
Robert Billington traveled with local officials and historians to Quebec as part of a mission by the Museum of Work and Culture, the city of Woonsocket and other local leaders to re-establish social, cultural, and economic development ties between Woonsocket and Quebec.
The Tourism Council organized officials from Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Cumberland to re-start the Broad Street Regeneration Project, which the Council initiated in 2009.
The Council partnered with the other Rhode Island regional tourism directors and the state’s new Chief Marketing Officer to reformat Rhode Island’s state tourism and marketing efforts.
-
The Tourism Council worked with consultants Nail Communications, RDW Group, MMGY Global (via its public relations arm NJF), and the RI House Legislative Commission to Study Tourism Marketing to strengthen the state’s new tourism strategy and programming.
The Tourism Council partnered with Delin Design, Tai-O Corporation, Rock Spot Climbing, and the City of Pawtucket to illuminate the Morris Nathanson Bridge (formerly the Exchange Street Bridge) in Pawtucket.
The Tourism Council, along with the state-wide Paths to Progress Committee, successfully led the fight for a state bond to increase funds for the state-wide bike path, including building additional miles for the Blackstone Valley portion of the bike path.
A coordinator was selected in March 2017 to manage the reinvigorated Broad Street Regeneration Initiative. The position was funded by the Rhode Island Foundation.
In April the Tourism Council worked on a Blackstone Valley Familiarization Tour with the state’s new advertising and public relations team.
Blackstone Culinaria, our food experience tours, went to A & W Drive-In in Smithfield, Monte Cara in Pawtucket, McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket and Crepe Corner in Smithfield in June and July.
-
The Blackstone Culinaria for 2018 was set, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to visit great eateries in the Blackstone Valley. Participants learned how great food was created while they enjoyed their meal and gained a better insight into how our restaurants were founded.
Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful received a grant to host a cigarette litter prevention campaign, installing 50 cigarette butt collection containers in bus shelters and municipal locations.
Michelle Moreno-Silva was crowned Rhode Island Cherry Blossom Princess by Governor Gino Raimondo on March 16 at the State House.
The Tourism Council supported over 1,400 volunteers that assisted in the 2018 Great American Cleanup, removing over 23 tons of litter from the Blackstone Valley.
The BVTC’s Marketing Director, James Toomey, produced a comprehensive and beautiful Visitor Guide for 2018, which was available to the public at all our distribution points throughout Rhode Island.
In April 2018 the Sustainable Tourism Lab brought Megan Epler Wood International to do a Sustainable Lab in Pawtucket.
-
The Art League of Rhode Island Exhibition on Twisting Fibers was held at the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and adjacent Gallery 175 in Pawtucket from March 8 – May 8, 2019.
East Providence native Margaret Rogers was crowned 2019 Rhode Island Cherry Blossom Princess by Governor Gina Raimondo on March 29 at the Rhode Island State House.
Robert Billington was part of Governor McKee’s delegation to visit the Republic of China (Taiwan) April 13-18, 2019.
Roger Brooks, President and Founder of Destination Development Association, was the guest speaker on May 19 at the Sustainable Tourism Planning and Development Laboratory. Since 1981, Roger has assisted more than 2,000 communities with their downtown development place-branding, tourism, and marketing efforts, and he is now one of the most widely recognized experts in the field.
The Annual Heritage Golf Tournament at Crystal Lake Golf Club in Burrillville was held in June.
The Tourism Council partnered with Don Leighton and Arek Galle from BETA Engineering, Morris Nathanson, Louis Yip, and Sue Marra of the City of Pawtucket to plan the new Rev. William Blackstone statue that will be located on the corner of Exchange Street and Roosevelt Avenue in Pawtucket. The statue was designed by Peruvian artist, Peruko Ccopacatty of West Kingston.
-
In January Robert Billington went to the Tomaquag Museum to establish a relationship with the native Americans regarding the William Blackstone statue to be installed in Pawtucket. He met with Loren Spears.
In February preliminary meetings were held regarding East Providence joining the group of cities and towns promoted in the Blackstone Valley by the Tourism Council.
The International Economic Ambassador program continued.
Robert Billington met with the Department of Health and Virginia Sindelar regarding her licensing at Grace Note Farm.
The BVTC continued the ZAP project.
In February Mark Brodeur, State Tourism Director, met with the BVTC staff regarding branding for the Blackstone Valley.
Robert Billington participated in meetings with CREST (The Center for Responsible Travel) regarding responsible tourism practices that businesses, destinations and travelers can adopt in order to achieve a healthier environment, help communities and honor indigenous cultures and ecosystems.
Years 2021 - 2024
-
The Ghost Army tank, built for the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council in 2019, was sent to the D-Day Museum in Virginia for exhibit.
BVTC staff met with stakeholders regarding Watchamocket Square in East Providence.
The Tourism Council organized a campaign addressing anti-Asian American sentiment in Rhode Island.
The Tourism Council took possession of two donated pontoon boats for work on the Blackstone River.
Meetings were held regarding a Market Square boat launch in Woonsocket.
Robert Billington attended a RI250 brainstorming meeting.
BVTC staff worked on the Blackstone River Needs Assessment Study.
A meeting was held with the Champlin Foundation in April regarding the River Classroom in our new offices.
In an effort to support the Chinese community and combat racism, the BVTC helped organize the Asian-American-Pacific Islanders (AAPI) group.
-
Robert Billington participated in the organization of the general management plan for the new National Park.
Robert Billington participated in the organization of the general management plan for the new National Park.
The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council joined with the Lieutenant Governor’s office, Commerce RI and the World Export Center at Bryant University to develop the Rhode Island Economic Ambassador Program.
East Providence became the 10th community represented by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.
Roger Brooks from Destination Development Association led the BVTC in a branding exercise.
Roger Brooks from Destination Development Association led the BVTC in a branding exercise.
-
Roger Brooks from Destination Development Association led the BVTC in a branding exercise.
Staff from the BVTC attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Spa at Twin River in Lincoln.
The BVTC partnered in a Destinations and New Attractions meeting with Commerce RI.
We participated in a transit-oriented development event at the Rhode Island Convention Center.
We participated in a transit-oriented development event at the Rhode Island Convention Center.
We participated in a transit-oriented development event at the Rhode Island Convention Center.
The sheep we purchased in a fund raiser at the Samuel Slater Experience was painted by artist Jerry Aissis.
-
The BVTC Staff met with Jen Kilsey, the new Director of the Pawtucket Arts Festival, to discuss programming for 2024. We helped create a formal event for the Cape Verdean community to celebrate their culture.
The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council was part of the US250 Committee and the World Cup State Committee.
Temporary interpretive plaques were installed at the site of the William Blackstone statue in Pawtucket at the corner of Roosevelt Avenue and Exchange Street.
The Tourism Council continued to work on the Sowams Heritage Area Project.
In February we re-launched the Paths 2 Progress (P2P 2.0) for the RI Department of Health and GrowSmart RI.
On March 20, Rhode Island’s 2024 Cherry Blossom Princess, Alexandria Evers, was crowned at Shark’s Event Center in Center Falls.
The Tourism Council worked on an advertising program at the Pawtucket-Central Falls train station.
The Tourism Council worked with the Rhode Island Football Club on river access plans for Tidewater Stadium.