Visit Lowell National Historical Park!

If you are learning about the rise of industry and factories in America, there are few places that will give you more of a complete first person introduction than Lowell.  As a city bought and formed by ambitious textile manufacturers from the Boston area, much of the Lowell mills remain preserved and even operational.  From the impressive turbine and canal system visible from the Suffolk Mills to the functioning looms and educational activities at the Boott Cotton Mills, this site is a must-see.  Here is a link to the Lowell National Historical Park website: http://www.nps.gov/lowe/index.htm

Another resource that you may find useful, especially if you are hunting for primary sources on the topic would be the University of Massachusetts Lowell Center for Lowell History: http://libweb.uml.edu/clh/mo.htm

And even more resources, check out the lessons and teaching ideas through the Tsongas Industrial History Center.  The ideas for activities are incredible: http://www.uml.edu/tsongas/

And now, take a look at some pictures and video taken from my recent trip to the mills.

Note the Pawtucket Canal on the right of the picture.  This was used to power the mills. Hoot taken at the Suffolk Mills.

Bird's eye view of the turbine system at Suffolk Mills.

An attempt at weaving using loom replicas at  the Boott Cotton Mills.  This is just one of the many authentic experiences students can take part in.

Tribute to Sarah Bagley, Lucy Larcom and all of the women who helped to demand better working conditions and pay, including a ten-hour workday (instead of up to fourteen hours).