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Contact:
Lisa Mosczynski
Media Relations
508-341-4876
lmosczynski@hotmail.com
September 19, 2005
For Immediate Release
Ranger Dan Wegner to Walk Blackstone River Valley End-to-End
Kicks-off Footsteps in History Preserve America Weekend
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Numerous stops are planned along the way to highlight the Blackstone River Valley’s rich heritage and scenic cultural landscapes. His journey is designed to promote Footsteps in History — the largest mobilization of historic and cultural sites, open houses, artistic and interpretive programs, and festivals ever planned for the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.
"I want to open a few doors and give people 'just a peek' so they will come out Columbus Day Weekend to experience five centuries of architecture and cultural landscapes that are preserved in the Blackstone River Valley," Ranger Dan explained. "There are lots of interpretive programs and festivals that embrace our arts and culture planned for the Footsteps in History weekend and you won’t have to drive far to experience some of our country’s most important history."
Walking on behalf of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Ranger Dan will start at the Worcester Historical Society on Elm Street in downtown Worcester, MA at noon on Wednesday, September 28. His route will take him past the city’s newly renovated park and over to beautifully restored Union Station and on to the path of the Blackstone Canal as he makes his way towards Quinsigamond Village and the Blackstone River Bikeway.
Events planned along the week-long walk include a visit to a Grafton classroom and to Grafton’s Engine House #3 in Farnumsville on Thursday, September 29th. As he makes his way down the Blackstone River Valley, Ranger Dan will also make appearances at special events including the Heritage Homecoming Ecumenical Breakfast in Blackstone on September 30th. In Woonsocket, Ranger Dan will be met by a Mill Worker from the Museum of Work and Culture who will share his work experience with the Park Service Ranger.
If you would like to walk with Range Dan to experience the Blackstone River Valley from his perspective, or for more information, contact Ranger Dan Wegner at 401-762-0250.
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Click here for a schedule of the highlights of Ranger Dan’s walk (Word format). All events are subject to change without notice. For specific information, call Ranger Dan at the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor at 401-762-0250.
Footsteps in History is sponsored by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Collaborative an organization representing the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. The Collaborative has affiliated with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s Preserve America Program to offer over 120 historical and cultural sites to the public with open houses, artistic and interpretive programs, festivals and much more during Columbus Day Weekend.
The Blackstone Valley Tourism Collaborative is encouraging visitors to participate in the Footsteps in History Preserve America weekend by promoting a $1,000 Gas Give-a-Way contest through the over 120 sites participating in the weekend. For contest details, see www.footstepsinhistory.com.
For more information and a complete listing of participating sites and organizations, visit www.footstepsinhistory.com or call Veronica Cadoppi, Program Coordinator at 401-724-2200.
