Join us for this informatie talk on the history of the American Industrial Revolution and the Blackstone River Valley by Devon Kurtz.
Beginning way back with Samuel Slater and the building of the first textile mill in America, the Blackstone River Valley has been a center of invention, innovation, and industry. Building upon both generations of New England family-run businesses and the passionate drive of myriad immigrant newcomers, the influence of this region travelled far and wide. The Blackstone Canal brought goods and services from Worcester to Providence, across the nation and up to the moon! Goddard’s rocket, Clark’s astronaut suits, Airforce uniforms, bicycle production and development, the first factory made cotton spun thread, the monkey wrench, Tupperware, baking powder, make-at-home pizza and Near East Rice Pilaf were invented, developed and launched from this modest part of central Massachusetts and Rhode Island. But one cannot forget thought innovation – the first National Women’s Rights Convention took place here and a significant campaign for 20th Century Workers Rights was launched from a Worcester ice cream parlor. Evidenced by these stories of the past and examples from the present, the tradition of invention, innovation, and industry formed the basis for the creation of a national park.
Devon Kurtz is the Executive Director of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor (BHC). He joined BHC in 2014 to develop the exhibits and interpretive plan for its new visitor center in Worcester, MA, which opened in November 2018. Prior to joining BHC, Kurtz served as the Director of Public Programs for the Higgins Armory Museum and Concord Museum following twelve years as the program coordinator for Old Sturbridge Village. As the Executive Director, Kurtz acts as the dedicated steward of BHC’s environmental resources, an interpretive partner with the National Park Service of the region’s history, and a committed advocate for the region’s economic development and progress.