Lowell, Massachusetts is about 30 miles north of Boston. There are many unique things to see and do in Lowell, the fourth largest city in Massachusetts.
http://www.lowellma.gov/
LOWELL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
The Lowell National Historical Park commemorates the story of America’s Industrial Revolution. The Market Mills Visitor Center provides an introduction to the Park, a multi-image video program called “Lowell: The Industrial Revolution”, and “Lowell Blues” a film about Jack Kerouac who came from Lowell. The park runs the Boott Cotton Mills Museum, The Patrick J. Mogan Cultural Center, and the Mill Girls and Immigrants Exhibit. Guided tours are available.
67 Kirk Street
Lowell, Massachusetts 01852
978-970-5000
http://www.nps.gov/lowe/index.htm
BOOTT COTTON MILLS MUSEUM
The Boott Cotton Mill was an operating textile mill until 1955. The US Parks Department restored the mill and created the museum. Exhibits feature authentic mill equipment including a “Weave Room” containing industrial grade looms which are operating at top speed.
67 Kirk Street
Lowell, Massachusetts 01852
978-970-5000
http://www.lowell.com/boott-cotton-mills-museum.php
PATRICK J. MOGAN CULTURAL CENTER
The Mogan Cultural Center in Lowell is housed in a former Lowell mill girls’ boarding house. The Center’s mission is to “tell the human story of Lowell.” Visitors will find exhibits, projects and programs sponsored by community groups.
40 French St.
Lowell, Massachusetts 01852
978-270-5000
http://www.nps.gov/lowe/historyculture/mogan-cultural-center.htm
MILL GIRLS AND IMMIGRANTS
This exhibit is located in the Mogan Cultural Center. The focus of this exhibit is the people who worked in Lowell.
40 French St.
Lowell, Massachusetts 01852
http://www.nps.gov/lowe/planyourvisit/boat_tour.htm
WHISTLER HOUSE MUSEUM OF ART
Where Art Meets History”
The Whistler House Museum is located in an historic home which was built in 1823. The painter James McNeil Whistler was born in this house. His mother, Anna Whistler, is the subject of his painting “Whistler’s Mother.” The Museum has a permanent collection of the works of New England artists from the 19th and early 20th century.
243 Worthen St.
Lowell, Massachusetts 01852-1822
978-452-7641
http://www.whistlerhouse.org/
THE REVOLVING MUSEUM
“The Revolving Museum is an evolving laboratory of creative expression for people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities who seek to experience the transformative power of art.”
This museum is not easy to describe. As its name indicates, the exhibits change frequently allowing for different artistic expressions. Past exhibitions have included “Toys & Games: More Than Amusement;” and “Electrifying! The Art of Light and Illumination.”
22 Shattuck Street
Lowell, MA 01852
978-937-2787
http://www.revolvingmuseum.org/
NEW ENGLAND QUILT MUSEUM
The history of quiltmaking in American is on display at the New England Quilt Museum. Their collection includes over 150 quilts and quilt tops. Special exhibits are featured throughout the year.
18 Shattuck Street
Lowell, Massachusetts 01852
978-452-4207
http://www.nequiltmuseum.org/
BRUSH ART GALLERY AND STUDIOS
A non-profit organization, the Brush Art Gallery was founded in 1982. It is located in a restored mill, and contains a gallery as well as artist studios. The studios are open to the public on a daily basis.
256 Market Street
Lowell, Massachusetts
978-459-7819
http://www.thebrush.org/
THE NATIONAL STREETCAR MUSEUM
The National Streetcar Museum in Lowell focuses on the history of public transportation. It is a satellite exhibit of the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine. The history of public transit in the city of Lowell and in America is presented. The museum is housed in a restored trolley from the French Quarter in New Orleans.
25 Shattuck Street
Lowell, Massachusetts
http://www.trolleymuseum.org/lowell/
AMERICAN TEXTILE HISTORY MUSEUM
The American Textile History Museum was founded in 1960 to foster knowledge and understanding about the significance of textile manufacturing. Exhibits include costumes, textiles, memorabilia related to textile mills, and textile producing machinery.
491 Dutton Street
Lowell, Massachusetts 01854
978-441-0400
http://www.athm.org/
