World War II Comes to the Valley

Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park and ValleyCAST will present an informative and interactive afternoon of history at Alternatives’ Whitin Mill in Whitinsville, MA. This event is free and open to the public.

During the 1940s, many workers in the Blackstone Valley mobilized to contribute to the war effort. In historic Whitinsville, MA, the Whitin Machine Works was transformed by the war, with changes in personnel and in the manufacturing focus. Come to the Whitin Mill to explore exhibits on manufacturing, see uniforms from the 1940s, and more local artifacts.

Throughout the day, there will be lectures hosted inside the Singh Theater.

Free, drop-in activities from Battleship COVE and other partners will be available for kids throughout the day.

Schedule of Events:

1 PM – 5 PM Dennis H. Rice Community Plaza Tables and activities – Battleship Cove, Baker Co. 12, 3-5-0 Girls

This event will also include a station with information on America the Beautiful and Federal Recreational Land passes. Rangers will be onsite to distribute passes for eligible veterans and active-duty military personnel.

GB & Lexi Singh Performance Center Tables and exhibits from ValleyCAST, International War Museum, Hopedale Women’s History Project, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, and more

1:30 PM GB & Lexi Singh Performance Center

Watch a preview of episode seven of Slatersville, the award-winning documentary series by Christian de Rezendes. “The War Years” shines a light on the contributions of people from Slatersville during World War II, with a focus on the Slatersville Mill, which shifted 100% of their manufacturing to meet the demands of the U.S. military.

(Note: Research and production of “Slatersville” has been supported by several grants from Rhode Island Humanities.)

2:30 PM GB & Lexi Singh Performance Center

Lecture – Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, “World War II Comes to the Valley”

3:30 PM GB & Lexi Singh Performance Center Lecture – Linda Hixon, Hopedale Women’s History Project – “It was no soft job:” the Draper Corporation and World War II

Participating Partners: · ValleyCAST · Open Sky Community Services · Battleship Cove · Baker Co. 121 · 3-5-0 Girls · International War Museum · Hopedale Women’s History Project · Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park