Modern Day Pioneers of the Blackstone Valley featured in Finale of WE THE PEOPLE Exhibit

What does it take to see a problem in your community and decide to do something about it? What happens when that idea becomes a vision—and you are the one challenged to pioneer it? What do a leading local newspaper, a world-class performing arts theatre, and a historic house museum all have in common? Those questions and others will take center stage on September 12 at 1:30-2:30 p.m. with “Modern Day Pioneers of the Blackstone Valley,” a special panel discussion under the tent at historic Hearthside House, 677 Great Road, Lincoln, Rhode Island.

The program features three Blackstone Valley leaders, each of whom have pioneered a vision into an enduring legacy for our community. The panel will feature Russell Gusetti, founder and executive director of the Blackstone River Theater in Cumberland, RI; Tom Ward, founder and former editor of The Valley Breeze Newspaper; and Kathy Hartley, founder and president of the Friends of Hearthside in Lincoln RI, which is currently celebrating 25 years of preserving history on Great Road. The discussion will be facilitated by Jennifer Hayden Stokes, author of The Pioneer’s Way: Leading a Trailblazing Life That Builds Meaning for Your Family, Your Community, and You.

The panel is designed to go beyond a traditional “founder’s story.” Instead, panelists will share the personal journey behind their pioneering efforts—and what their experiences can teach others who recognize a need and have the courage and persistence to create a solution. The public is invited to attend this inspiring conversation and to bring friends, colleagues, family members and anyone who might be curious about these successful local stories of trailblazing, vision and community contribution. “Modern Day Pioneers of the Blackstone Valley” will serve as the culminating special presentation of the Great Road Heritage Campus' season-long celebration of America's 250th anniversary, “WE THE PEOPLE: A Journey Through Great Road’s History & Legacy.” This extensive exhibit features unique perspectives on our community, events, and objects that shaped the nation’s history as well as the local stories of those who helped to shape the Blackstone Valley and the Great Road, a colonial highway which dates to almost a hundred years prior to the Revolution.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view the exhibit displayed throughout Hearthside House before the presentation through an early opening of the museum at noon and following the program, with final admission at 3:00. Docents in period attire guide visitors throughout both floors of the museum. The other sites at the Great Road Heritage Campus will be open for touring as well between 1:00-4:00 pm. These include the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop (c.1880) and the Pullen's Corner One-Room Schoolhouse (c.1850). The Moffett Mill (c.1812) is accessible for tours at 1:00, 2:00, or 3:00 pm by shuttle van only from Hearthside Museum.