Family Business: The Drapers, Whitins, and the Rise of Industry

In the early 19th century, a number of families in the Blackstone Valley used their land and talents to create small businesses. Within a few decades, some of these enterprises grew into industrial empires. During this talk, Park Ranger Allison Horrocks (Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park) will discuss two of these families: the Drapers of Hopedale and the Whitins of Northbridge. How did the Drapers and Whitins leverage their abilities to make textile businesses? What were the differences between their business models and resulting company towns? Learn about these two experiments in industry in the historic Little Red Shop Museum located in Hopedale, Massachusetts.

This event is being held at the Little Red Shop Museum, 12 Hopedale Street, Hopedale, MA.

Host or Publisher Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor