To Do in RI: Laboring for Freedom at Slater Mill, Pawtucket

A full house gathered at Slater Mill last Friday night for the opening of “Laboring for Freedom: African Americans in the Blackstone River Valley,” a collaborative exhibit created by Stages of Freedom and the National Park Service.

Conceived by Ranger Kevin Klyberg and researched by Robb Dimmick and Ray Rickman of Stages of Freedom, the exhibit highlights the little-known contributions of Black laborers from Providence to Worcester, with a focus on the early decades of industry up through the Civil War. From the workers who cut the roads that led to Slater Mill, to the self-emancipated fugitives who came to reside in small towns and growing cities, this exhibit covers stories of resilience from across the Valley.

Stages of Freedom’s newest exhibit, Laboring for Freedom: African Americans in the Blackstone River Valley, debuted on October 18th at the Old Slater Mill, a National Historic Landmark, 67 Roosevelt Avenue in Pawtucket. Robb Dimmick and Ray Rickman delivering remarks.

This exhibit highlights the contributions of Black laborers from Providence to Worcester, with a focus on the early decades of industry up through the Civil War. From the workers who cut the roads that led to Slater Mill, to the self-emancipated fugitives who came to reside in small towns and growing cities, this exhibit covers stories of resilience from across the Valley.

Visitors will be able to view the exhibit Thursdays to Sundays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM through December 14, 2024.

Our story from last week: