Fall River History Walk, art exhibit scheduled for Narrows, Quequechan Rail Trail

Come enjoy live history, a beautiful walk, and art!

On Saturday, May 5th, starting at 1 p.m., students from Durfee High School and UMass Dartmouth will bring the history of Fall River’s textile industry to life at the city’s second annual “History Walk – Cotton, Labor, Profit” Dressed in period costume, and with carefully researched scripts, students will portray real-life mill workers, mill owners, and other city residents who were living in Fall River over a century ago. At each of the over dozen live history stations along the Quequechan River Rail Trail, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the city’s industrial past, what it was like to work in the mills, and how local activists tried to improve the living and working conditions of mill workers. In addition, interactive displays of the tools and materials used in the cotton industry as well as fun ways to engage with historical photographs will make the learning about history fun for visitors of all ages. A special feature of this year’s History Walk will be sculptures created by Durfee art students of the shoes worn by 19th century mill workers that encourage visitors to literally step into workers’ shoes.

Following the River Rail Trail event, there will be an art exhibit about textile workers and mills entitled “The Art of Work, Textiles and the American Dream.” Enjoy a guided tour with local artist, Deborah Bornas, at the Narrows Center for the Arts. Light refreshments featuring Fall River specialties will be served. See http://www.narrowscenter.org/deborah-baronas-opening-reception/

Register for the free Urban Bus Tour at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-rivers-2nd-annual-history-walk-cotton-labor-profit-tickets-45236579828
Pick-up will be at 12:30, Star Store 715 Purchase Street, New Bedford and at 12:50, UMass Dartmouth, Parking Lot#1. Return to these locations by 4PM. Seats are limited.

If you prefer to come on your own, visitors can access the History Walk from Britland Park, parking is at Wordell Street parking lot. The Narrows Center for the Arts is at 16 Anawan Stree.

The even is sponsored by UMass Dartmouth Center for Community Engagement, Urban Studies Program, History Department, Sociology & Anthropology Department, BayCoast Bank.

Contact Andrea Klimt, aklimt@umassd.edu for more information.

In the case of rain, the entire event will take place at the Narrows Center.