Lowell National Historical Park preserves and interprets the
history of the American Industrial Revolution in Lowell, Massachusetts.
The park includes historic cotton textile mills, 5.6 miles of
canals, operating gatehouses, and worker housing. Turn-of-the-century
trolleys operate March through November. The park will be closed
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Visitor Center
Begin your visit at Market Mills, the former Lowell Manufacturing
Company mill complex, one of the city’s original textile
mills. Market Mills houses the National Park Visitor Center,
where you can make reservations for tours, explore exhibits,
visit the Children’s Corner, and view the award-winning
multi-image video program, “Lowell: The Industrial Revelation” every
half hour 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Also on view at 4:00 PM is “Lowell
Blues,” a film by Henry Ferrini about author Jack Kerouac
and his native city. (Due to special programs, times may vary
occasionally). General information on area lodging, cultural
institutions, and dining is also available. Also in Market
Mills: the Visitor Center Bookstore, and the Brush Art Gallery
and Studios. 246 Market Street, Lowell, MA
Boott Cotton Mills Museum
Don’t miss the roar of a 1920s weave room with operating
power looms! The Boott Cotton Mills Museum includes the weave
room plus interactive exhibits and video programs about the Industrial
Revolution, labor, and the rise, fall, and rebirth of Lowell.
Adults, $6.00; Seniors, $4.00 (62+); Youths, 6-16 $3.00;
Students (16+ with ID), $4.00; Children 5 and under, free. 115
John Street (formerly 400 Foot of John Street), Lowell, MA
Also at the museum, check for daily happenings at the Tsongas
Industrial History Center, Lowell Historical Society, and shop
at the Museum Store (reduced hours in winter - call for details)
for a large selection of mill-related books, cloth from our weave
room, books for kids, and other mill-related items.
Patrick J. Mogan Cultural Center The Patrick J. Mogan Cultural Center, located at 40 French Street,
is a program of Lowell National Historical Park in partnership
with the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The mission of
the Mogan Cultural Center is to “tell the human story
of Lowell” through the development of exhibits, projects
and programs. The Center serves as the home to the world-renowned
Angkor Dance Troupe, LNHP’s Mill Girls and Immigrants
Exhibit and the University of Massachusetts’ Center for
Lowell History. The Mogan Cultural Center strives to play a
positive role among community groups as well as advance cultural
and historical activities within the city. 40 French Street, Lowell,
MA
Mill Girls and Immigrants Exhibit
Explore the history of “mill girls” and immigrants
in a Boott Mill boardinghouse. The Mill Girls and Immigrants
Exhibit, located in the Patrick J. Mogan Cultural Center, tells
the human story of the Industrial Revolution by concentrating
on the working people of Lowell. Free. 40 French Street, Lowell,
MA
Children’s Activities
Become a Junior Ranger
Pick up a Junior Ranger Activity booklet at either the Visitor Center or the
Boott Cotton Mills Museum. As you explore the park, complete the series of activities
presented in the booklet and turn it in to a ranger at the desk before you leave
to become a Junior Ranger—badge, certificate, and all! Answers to the activities
can be found throughout the park. Free.
Boott Discovery Trail
Discover the story of Lowell's mills, their machinery, and their workers through
the Boott Discovery Trail during your visit to the Boott Cotton Mills Musuem.
Children of all ages can pick up their work aprons and time cards at the
museum entrance and through hands-on activities explore how cotton cloth
was made from raw cotton to finished cloth. Experience the roar of a 1920s
weave room and learn what working in a textile mill was like. Available
during regular museum hours. Free with admission.
Children's Corner
Visit our Children's Corner in the park's Visitor Center. Participate in hands-on
activities to explore Lowell's technology through gears and pulleys, read
a book together to learn about immigration, machinery, and much more. Self-guided
during regular Visitor Center hours. Free.
