Lowell's Hidden History for February 2011

Date: February 3, 2011
Contact: Phil Lupsiewicz, 978-275-1705

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 19^th century. Join a Park Ranger for an indepth exploration of the canal system and discover its innovative history and discuss its influence on 21^st century power technology. Lowell was commonly known as the "Venice of the United States" in 19^th 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