Lowell Attractions

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.

The Chelmsford Historical Society and Museum offers displays on the history of the local area and people. Period rooms feature changing exhibits.

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.

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.

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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.