The Blackstone Heritage Corridor (BHC), in partnership with the Worcester Writers’ Collective, proudly announces the launch of Blackstone Story Walks—a new initiative that blends local history, creative writing, and the scenic experience of the Blackstone River Bikeway/Greenway. 

The project features excerpts from original short stories and poems written by Worcester-area authors, displayed along the southern section of the bikeway in Worcester and Millbury. Story panels are installed along the trail with accompanying QR codes, allowing visitors to access the full-length versions of each piece directly on their phones. Designed to engage walkers, cyclists, and visitors of all ages, Blackstone Story Walks invites readers to explore both the physical landscape and the creative imagination it inspires.  

“Blackstone Story Walks brings our mission to life in a creative new way,” said Anya Wilczynski, Interim Executive Director of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor. “It celebrates the creativity of this region—both past and present—while promoting local writers and inviting the public to interpret their surroundings with fresh eyes.” 

Each writer drew inspiration from the Blackstone Valley—its landscapes, history, and symbolism. The featured works reflect a wide range of voices and themes, from Indigenous heritage and notable local figures to poetic meditations on the river and the pathways it shapes. Every piece offers a unique and thought-provoking lens on place and identity. 

“So much of our organization is centered on the belief that storytelling is a highly effective tool for building community,” said Brett Iarrobino, a representative of the Worcester Writers’ Collective. “We’ve talked for a while now about how often we’ve run into original, local writing in exciting and unexpected places across Worcester County and New England, and we started to feel an urgency to bring that innovation to our city. Through this collaboration, we’re proud to showcase voices that reflect the depth and diversity of Worcester and the entire Corridor.” 

To view these signs, start your walk at the bikeway/greenway parking area at 205 North Main Street, Millbury, MA, and follow along the bike path. You’ll find signs along several bridges bordering the river. 

For more information about Blackstone Story Walks, visit www.blackstoneheritagecorridor.org or follow BHC on social media. To get involved as a contributing writer or to learn more about the Worcester Writers’ Collective, email [email protected]. 

To view the signs, click here.