Series of lecture programs on Work/Life balance slated

Pawtucket, RI (January 6, 2022)—What does work mean to you? Do you feel you have a balanced life between work and rest? Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park staff and its partners at the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor announce an engaging three-part virtual series on work, rest, and play this winter. Together with community experts from throughout the Blackstone River Valley, the Work/Life Winter Series will explore the struggle for a balanced life in the past and in our own unprecedented times.

The three programs will begin at 1:00 PM EST on Saturdays, January 29, February 12, and February 26, 2022, and will be hosted on Zoom in partnership with the Blackstone

River Valley National Heritage Corridor. Register for the series by visiting www.nps.gov/blrv/planyourvisit/work-lifewinter-series.htm.

January 29, 2022: Discussion on Work Featuring: Anastasi Azure and Outsider Collective of the Hope Artiste Village, Pawtucket, RI

What is it like to work in a restored mill building? This discussion will include a brief ranger-led history of Slater Mill and an insiders’ view of Hope Artiste Village. Featured guests include the Outsider Collective and Anastasia Azure, artists who work in the Hope complex. The talk will reveal new uses for old buildings in and around Pawtucket and how concepts of work have changed over time.

February 12, 2022: Discussion on Rest

Featuring: Bob Forrant of UMASS Lowell and Paul Piwko and Alexandra Orlandi of the National Museum of Mental Health

During the past two years, a staggering number of people have left their jobs in the midst of a global pandemic. Millions of workers have also reported unprecedented levels of burnout. With this in mind, what can histories of workplace injuries and mental health teach us today? For this discussion, labor history scholar Robert Forrant will offer an overview and history of how industrial accidents have been managed.