Guided Tours and Programs
Lowell's Hidden History
Weekends at 2:30; 60-90 minutes in length, Free
Join Lowell National Historical Park Rangers as they present walks and talks on numerous aspects of Lowell's history. These popular programs will be offered weekends in February and offered throughout the winter.
Saturday, February 5
Mill Girls & Immigrants
Join a Park Ranger on this exploration of the stories of Lowell's working people and the places they called "home." This walking tour will explore Lowell's downtown, historic district and visit a restored boardinghouse. Tour starts at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market Street.
Sunday, February 6
Lowell: America's Early Water Laboratory
Powerful minds, science and technology that transformed Lowell from an agricultural hamlet into the premier international city for the study and use of water power in the 19th century. Join a Park Ranger for an indepth exploration of the canal system and discover its innovative history and discuss its influence on 21st century power technology. Lowell was commonly known as the "Venice of the United States" in 19th century America - this tour pulls back the historical curtain and reveals the hidden greatness of the Lowell canal system. Program starts at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market Street.
Saturday, February 12
Farm to Factory
How cloth is made? Before the factories of Lowell began producing cloth, many people in New England made cloth at home. Join a park ranger to discover how cloth was produced on the farms of New England and learn to weave on hand looms in this interactive workshop.
Program begins at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum entrance, 115 John Street.
Sunday, February 13
Mill Girls & Immigrants
A Park Ranger will lead you on an exploration of the stories of Lowell's working people and the places they called "home." This walking tour will explore Lowell's downtown, historic district and visit a restored boardinghouse. Tour starts at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market Street.
Saturday, February 19
Tunes and Tales of the Mill Era
Follow the story of the people and work in Lowell from the farm to the modern era, through music, story, and song. Join a Park Ranger to explore this saga with vocals, fiddle, banjo, guitar, and mountain dulcimer. Program begins at Lowell National Historical Park Theater, 246 Market Street.
Sunday, February 20
Mill Girls & Immigrants
A Park Ranger will lead you on an exploration of the stories of Lowell's working people and the places they called "home." This walking tour will explore Lowell's downtown, historic district and visit a restored boardinghouse. Tour starts at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market Street.
Saturday, February 26
Farm to Factory
Ever wondered how cloth is made? Before Lowell's mills began producing cloth, many in New England made cloth at home by hand. Learn to weave on hand looms in this interactive workshop!
Program begins at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum.
Sunday, February 27 2:00 (NOTE: Time change)
"Calling Track and Military Cadence Calls: How a Southern African American Tradition Contributed to Military Basic Training"
Join us for a screening of the documentary Gandy Dancers, followed by a discussion of work chants and how they were introduced and institutionalized in military basic training. The program will also feature edited clips of military cadence calls and a live demonstration by Sergeant David Polaris and local military cadets. Program begins at Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market Street
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
