Lowell lies on the Merrimack River in northern Massachusetts. The heyday of the textile industry is recalled in two open-air museums, the Lowell National Historic Park and the Lowell Heritage State Park. Also in the town is the birthplace of the artist James MacNeill Whistler, which contains some of his pictures.
The American Textile History Museum in Lowell traces the history of textile production in the U.S. from the 18th century to the mid-1900s. Exhibits include hand-powered tools and equipment, machinery, fabrics, and garments in displays that highlight the industry over the past 250 years.
Address: American Textile History Museum, 491 Dutton Street, Lowell, MA 01854-4221, United States
Phone: 1 (978) 441-0400, Fax: 1 (978) 441-1412
Hours:
10am-5pm; Closed: Mon, Tue
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: Group rates available.
Special Programs and Exhibitions may have additional admission fees.
Dedicated to tracing the history of quilting in America, the New England Quilt Museum presents changing exhibits of contemporary, traditional and antique quilts. The New England Quilter's Guild founded the non-profit museum in 1980. It is located in the former Lowell Institution for Savings building constructed in 1845. The facility also hosts a variety of classes, workshops and lectures throughout the year.
Address: New England Quilt Museum, 18 Shattuck Street, Lowell, MA 01852-1820, United States
Phone: 1 (978) 452-4207, Fax: 1 (978) 452-5405
Hours:
January 1 to April 30: 10am-4pm; Closed: Sun, Mon
May 1 to December 31: 10am-4pm; Sun:12pm-4pm; Closed: Sun, Mon, Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), American Independance Day (July 4), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Easter - Christian
Tips: The main gallery is closed between exhibitions.
The Middlesex Canal, built between 1793 and 1803, was a superhighway of its time. The canal played an important role in the Industrial Revolution and was in operation until 1853. The canal is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Middlesex Canal Museum and Visitor Center offers information on the canal and it's historical relevance. Exhibits include maps, drawings, artifacts and the technology that was used to build the canal.
Showcases professional and amateur sport in New England. This branch of the Sports Museum of New England, with another in the Boston Fleet Center, contains multi-media presentations, uniforms, equipment, photos and other memorabilia. Some examples of the type of exhibits found here include: "The Boston Braves," "Lowell and the Merrimack Valley" and "Women in Sports." Visitors can also see the sculptures of Bobby Orr, Harry Agganis, Larry Bird and Carl Yastrzemski.
James Abbot McNeil Whistler was born in this house in 1834. The Whistler House Museum of Art was established in 1908 to house a collection of 19th and 20th century American paintings including some etchings and lithographs by Whistler. The museum features revolving exhibits year-round as well as special events and programs.
Address: Whistler House Museum of Art, 243 Worthen Street, Lowell, MA 01852-1874, United States
Phone: 1 (978) 452-7641, Fax: 1 (978) 474-2421