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 8 through Oct. 12, 2009 are adjusted for the season.
VisitorCenter
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. 9:00am-5:00pm, daily. Free admission.
BoottCotton 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. 9:30am-5:00pm, daily. 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. 1:30pm-5:00pm daily. 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.
Tuesdays 9:00am-9:00pm.
Fall Hours
September 8 - October 12
VisitorCenter
9:00 am - 5:00 pm Daily
BoottCotton Mills Museum
9:30 am - 5:00 pm Daily
Mill Girls & Immigrants Exhibit
1:30 pm - 5:00 pmDaily
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).
Canal Boat Tours offered Saturday, Sunday, and Columbus Day at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:15 pm (90 minutes in length)
Guided Tours
Views of Lowell Trolley Tour
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.
Fall:
Monday - Friday 2:30 p.m.
Additional Events at Lowell
Lowell’s Young Producers Forum
Join six of Lowell finest young video producers for a screening of their work at the Visitor Center auditorium. This free event will highlight the work of the students, who under the guidance of Sambath Bo of Lowell Telecommunications Corporation have learned the art of digital story telling stories of their lives growing up in the historic city. Keynote speakers include Ryan Gifford of Florentine Films and Visual Artist James Higgins.,
September 26
Saturday 5:00p.m. -7:00pm Visitor Center, 246 Market Street, Lowell.
National Public Lands Day
Join Lowell National Historical Park Saturday, September 26th for the 16th annual National Public Lands Day and help us care for our land. Last year, 110,000 volunteers worked in 1,399 locations and in every state. All park exhibit sites are fee-free to celebrate our national parks, museums, and public lands. Regular canal tour fees do apply
September 26*
All day.
*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.
Lowell Arts Festival
Meet with writers, painter, photographers, dancers, actors and musician. Fine arts and crafts, art workshops and specialty foods will welcome you along the way. For more information, visit culture is cool.org. September 26-27
Lowell Celebrates Kerouac
Join Lowell National Historical Park and Lowell Celebrates Kerouac! In celebrating the life and works of Jack Kerouac. Special tours and events will include walking tours to places Kerouac wrote about while growing up in Lowell in the 1930’s. More information: www.lowellcelebrateskerouac.org
October 1-4
Massachusetts Poetry Festival
Meet with local and regional poets - Many of national significance - and discover the literary heritage of the Commonwealth, with poetry readings, panel talk, and performance. More information: www.masspoetry.org
October 15-18
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
