Lowell, MA. The Tsongas Industrial History Center presents a performance by Sharon Kennedy as mill girl Mary Margaret O’Connell. Ms. Kennedy’s 90-minute solo performance relates the epic story of Mary Margaret O’Connell and her struggles in the new and growing industrial city of mid-19th century Lowell. Highlights of Mary Margaret O’Connell’s life include: her parents’ immigration from County Cork, Ireland; her father’s work with the Lowell canals; the house her father built; her mother’s work in the big Yankee houses; the childhood sicknesses endured and survived; her own toil as a weaver in the mills; her school years at St. Patrick’s Church; and the day-to-day life of the Irish in the “Acre" section of Lowell.
This performance is free to all and the performance content relates to the Massachusetts educational curriculum standards. A buffet supper prior to the performance along with a chance to chat with friends and colleagues is available for $28.00, advance reservations required.
The Tsongas Industrial History Center is a program of the University Of Massachusetts Lowell Graduate School Of Education. In cooperation with Lowell National Historical Park, the Tsongas Industrial History Center serves as the educational branch of the park providing innovative educational programming to local and regional schools. This performance is made possible with the support of the Mogan Cultural Center.
Mark your calendar for Dec. 2, 2008 at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum, 115 John Street, Lowell, MA. Dinner at 5:30 - 6:30 pm ($28.00, reservations are required by Nov. 24, 2008). Performance at 6:30 pm.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
