In celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, the National Archives and National Park Service are collaborating on a special project to transcribe Revolutionary War Pension Files of more than 80,000 of America’s first veterans and their widows, containing more than 2 million documents. These records may contain valuable details about Revolutionary War veterans and their families, such as rank, unit, period of service, age, residence, date and place of marriage, and date and place of death of spouse. You may find copies of marriage or other family records, information pertaining to military activities or details about soldiers’ lives, along with letters, diaries, or family trees within these records. Become a citizen archivist and unlock the details and stories found within these rich records!

Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park and the Blackstone Valley Historical Association are co-hosting a Revolutionary War Veteran’s Pension Transcription Program on Monday, April 13, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the North Gate Toll House (1873 Old Louisquisset Pike, Lincoln, RI). Participants will learn about the value of wartime pensions and hear service stories about patriots from the Blackstone Valley. Rangers will provide training on how to access pensions and transcribe these vital records online. Are you ready to join us and contribute to the nation’s 250th anniversary?

These programs are free and open to all. Please bring a laptop.
Date/Time: 4/13/2026 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Location: 1873 Old Louisquisset Pike, Lincoln, RI
Point of Contact: Allison Horrocks (Allison_Horrocks@nps.gov)
401-318-4883
Reservation or Registration Required: No