To request field trip reservations or contact us, please call 978-970-5080, email: tihc@uml.edu, or fill out our field trip request form to begin the booking process.

Reservations for the full 2026-2027 school year are now open. Call us early for the best chance of booking the programs and dates you prefer. We look forward to welcoming your classes in Lowell for in-person programs.

We are offering some programs only on certain days and times of the year. We will also continue to offer our popular virtual field trip programs.

We highly recommend you review the Plan Your Visit page before you call.

Visit or interact with us!

Teenagers and instructor at a loom learning how to weave at the Tsongas Industrial History Center

Field Trips

Students participate in hands-on learning activities and visit sites where history was made.

Check Out Our Field Trips

A hands-on learning center

Watch the video to see how students “do” history and science at Tsongas Industrial History Center (TIHC).

Read more about us!

Girl waving to someone on a computer while remote learning

Virtual Field Trips

Interactive, "live" online programs for students - in class or at home.
Boy working on a computer

Remote Learning Modules

Modules are ready for Google Classroom: primary and secondary sources, photographs, videos, questions, and writing prompts.
Artist's rendering of mills in Lowell

Teaching Resources

Activities, lesson plans, and multimedia resources. Read more.
Black and white photo of Boott Mill workers

Primary Resources

A database of historic documents, maps, and images.
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Professional Development

The TIHC offers a variety of engaging professional development opportunities that meet the needs of history, science, and English language arts teachers.

Learn More About Professional Development

School-age kids holding nets on a field trip with the Tsongas Industrial History Center

Summer Camps

Explore history, science, and nature at TIHC’s summer camps.

Check Out Our Summer Camps!

Tsongas Industrial History Center (TIHC) News

Do you know an educator passionate about hands-on learning, multidisciplinary connections, and supporting other educators? Nominate them by October 1 for our inaugural Dorrie Kehoe Educator Award.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 - Join us for Weaving + Working on the Line

Join us for “Hands-On History” on the second Saturday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. The free drop-in events celebrate the Center’s 35th anniversary and Lowell’s bicentennial.

Thursday, September 3, 2026 - Mindful Weaving

Feel the rhythm and relax, find your groove and attune to the loom. Learn more about our Mindful Weaving sessions and register.

See more upcoming events on our Calendar page.

News

More News

Partnership

The Tsongas Industrial History Center is an education partnership between the University of Massachusetts Lowell School of Education and the National Park Service at Lowell National Historical Park.

  • UMass Lowell
  • National Park Service

2026 Dorrie Kehoe Educator Award Nomination

Nomination Deadline: October 1, 2026

Introduction

The Tsongas Industrial History Center (TIHC) is an educational partnership of UMass Lowell and Lowell National Historical Park. Known as a place where students enjoy “the best field trip ever,” the TIHC uses hands-on activities and Lowell’s resources to help learners explore the history and science of industrialization and its impacts. 

The TIHC has established an Educator Award to recognize Dorrie (Bonner) Kehoe, one of the founders of the TIHC and its School Liaison from 1987 to 1998. 

Dorrie was instrumental in setting up the Tsongas Industrial History Center before our official opening in 1991. She visited various sites and museums to observe engaging, multi-disciplinary school programs and, most importantly, met regularly with local educators to learn how TIHC could best meet their needs. Much of what she established at the Center—with the help of other staff and teacher-advisors—is still in place today, 35 years after our opening. 

Dorrie was a passionate supporter of the TIHC well beyond her retirement. Upon her passing earlier this year, the TIHC chose to honor her contributions and legacy with this award.      

General Criteria

The nominee is a teacher or administrator in the education field who: 

  1. Supports others engaged in teaching or learning in the field of education. 
  2. Demonstrates the benefits of hands-on, experiential education.
  3. Makes multi-disciplinary connections to benefit life-long student learning.

You may self-nominate or nominate a colleague for this award. 

The award winner will receive a $500 gift, courtesy of the UMass Lowell College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, for the purchase of educational supplies.  

Nomination deadline: October 1, 2026

Notification: October 16, 2026

Note: This award will be presented at the in-person 35th anniversary celebration of the Tsongas Industrial History Center on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 4 p.m.  The award will be presented at the TIHC, 115 John Street, Lowell, MA 01852

Nomination Form

Submit a 2026 Dorrie Kehoe Educator Award Nomination

Note: If you prefer to complete a fillable PDF nomination form, please email: Ellen_Anstey@uml.edu.