Lowell National Historical Park, one of over 390 units of the National Park Service, preserves and interprets the history of the American Industrial Revolution in Lowell, Massachusetts. The park in downtown Lowell includes historic cotton textile mills, 5.6 miles of power canals, operating gatehouses, and worker housing. The Park offerings from September 4, 2007 through October 8, 2007 are adjusted for the season.
Visitor Center
Begin your visit at Market Mills, the former Bigelow Carpet Company complex, one of the city’s original textile mills. At the Visitor Center, you can plan your exploration of the major park sites and the city’s rich industrial past.
Lowell: The Industrial Revelation, an award -winning multimedia presentation, introduces visitors to the story of how people, technology, and capital came together to revolutionize textile production-and a way of life-in Lowell and other American cities. Also shown is Lowell Blues, a film by Henry Ferrini about author Jack Kerouac and his native city. (Due to special programs times may vary occasionally).
Make reservations for park tours and other programs, visit the Children’s Corner, sign up for the Junior Ranger Program, and shop in the Museum Store. Learn about Lowell’s many cultural institutions and the diverse array of special events that celebrate the city’s rich ethnic heritage. General information on area lodging and dining is also available. Free admission.
Boott Cotton Mills Museum
Don’t miss the roar of a 1920s weave room with operating power looms! The park’s primary exhibit includes the weave room and interactive exhibits and video programs about the Industrial Revolution, labor, and the rise, fall, and rebirth of Lowell. See insert for seasonal hours. Fees: Adults, $6.00; Youths, 6 -16 & Students $3.00; Senior Discount; Children 5 and under, free. Call to inquire about special group rates.
Mill Girls & Immigrants Exhibit
Explore the history of “mill girls" and immigrants in a Boott Mills boardinghouse. The Mill Girls & Immigrants Exhibit, located in the Mogan Cultural Center, tells the human story of the Industrial Revolution by concentrating on the working people of Lowell. Free admission.
MOGAN CULTURAL CENTER
The Patrick J. Mogan Cultural Center is a program of Lowell National Historical Park in partnership with University of Massachusetts Lowell. It features a series of temporary community exhibits.
History of Firefighting in Lowell
June 10 - September 28
Come enjoy an exhibit on the history of the Lowell Fire Department and its role in helping prevent major fires in the city over the years.
Exhibit opening Sunday, June 10, 12:00 p.m. at the Mogan Center. For more information: Jason Strunk at (978)458-8501. Free admission.
History of Boxing in Lowell
October 8, 2007 - March, 2008
This exhibit traces the history of Lowell’s symbolic sport of choice, boxing, from its earliest days through the last half-century of Golden Gloves. Exhibit opening October 7. For more information: Mehmed Ali at (978)275-1826. Patrick J. Mogan Cultural Center, 40 French Street, Lowell. Free admission.
Ierri e Oggi - Yesterday and Today: A Retrospective of the Italian Community of Lowell
Website launch October 8, 4:00 p.m. at Cafe Paradiso, 143 Middle St. Come celebrate with the launch of a new website on the history of the Italian community of Lowell with food, drink and music. For more information: Judy Bessette at 978-957-2923.
Fall Hours
September 4 - October 8
VisitorCenter
9:00 am - 5:00 pm Daily
BoottCotton Mills Museum
9:30 am - 5:00 pm Daily
Mill Girls & Immigrants Exhibit
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Daily
Guided Tours
Canal Boat Tours*
Explore the historic resources of the Pawtucket Canal, Francis Gate & Guard Locks complex, and the Merrimack River via a ranger-led tour using park trolleys and boats. Some walking is required - wear comfortable shoes. Tours take place rain or shine - dress accordingly. Canal tour times and schedules may be modified at any time depending on water levels. Fees: Adults: $8.00; Seniors: $7.00 (Ages 62+); Youths: $6.00 (Ages 6 -16); Children: Free (Ages 5 and under).
Pawtucketto the River Tour
This 90 -minute tour travels by foot, trolley and boat along the Pawtucket Canal to the river. Discover how the demand for waterpower forever changed the river and the city of Lowell.
Fall: Sept. 3 - Oct. 8*
Saturday, Sunday & Columbus Day: 11:00 a.m., 12:00, 2:00, & 3:00 p.m..
Walking Tours
Views of Lowell Walking Tour
***Note, due to trolley line construction the Views of Lowell Walking Tour will run until the trolley is back on line, late September. Please call for more information***
Join a park ranger and learn about the downtown locks and canal structures; explore the relationship of the river to the power and production of the industrial city; or learn about the lives of Lowell’s famous “mill girls." Tour travels primarily by trolley although there may be some walking. Offered Monday - Friday in the Fall and daily in Free.
Fall: Sept.- Oct 8
Monday - Friday 2:30 p.m.
EXPLORE THE MERRIMACK SERIES
Paddling on the River
Take your canoe or kayak on a river trip conducted by Merrimack River Watershed Council guides and Lowell National Historical Park rangers. All paddling trips are free. No reservations are required, and trips generally run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For more information go to www.merrimack.org or call the Merrimack River Watershed Council office at (978) 275-0120.
September 9
Sunday, 9:00a.m. -3:00p.m. Merrimack, NH at Depot St..
MAPP the Merrimack
How do you test for water quality? Join a ranger on a special boat tour and observe the process of water quality testing. In conjunction with the Merrimack River Watershed Council, the park is participating in the Merrimack River Water Quality Monitoring, Analyzing, Protecting, and Promoting (MAPP) Project. Come join us! Regular fees apply. Fees: Adults: $8.00; Seniors: $7.00 (Ages 62+); Youths: $6.00 (Ages 6 -16); Children: Free (Ages 5 and under).
September 20*
Thursday 9:00 - 11:30 AM
*Reservations are required for all tours. All canal boat tour reservations must be ticketed and paid for no later than thirty minutes before the start of the tour; at that time, unclaimed reservations will be released and sold to waiting visitors.
Jack Kerouac’s Original Scroll Manuscript of On the Road held over to Oct. 14, 2007
The Jack Kerouac On the Road, Original Scroll Manuscript and Exhibit will be at Lowell National Historical Park’s Boott Cotton Mills Museum Gallery, is being held over due to popular demand until Oct. 14, 2007. The exhibit will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the publication of On the Road, recognized as a modern classic among American novels. This will be the only New England exhibit of this significant American literary artifact. The Exhibit is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum Gallery, 115 John Street, Lowell, Massachusetts. City wide Kerouac-related events are listed at www.ontheroadinlowell.org. Admission is Free.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
