05/01/2026
By Ellen Anstey
Hands-On History at the Tsongas Industrial History Center
Saturday, May 9 from 1 - 4 p.m. (Drop in!)
Experience history by doing!
Lowell National Historical Park and the Tsongas Industrial History Center are excited to welcome you for “Hands-On History” — part of the City of Lowell’s Bicentennial celebrations and the Tsongas Industrial History Center’s 35th anniversary!
"Hands-On History" takes place the second Saturday of each month through October.
3rd Floor, Boott Cotton Mills Museum (115 John St., Lowell, MA)
This month’s activities include:
Trying weaving on a loom, testing different types of water wheels, and building a canal system to discover the innovative system that powered Lowell’s mills.
This month’s Hands-On History is also part of Doors Open Lowell.
Also on this day, you can meet Lowell National Historical Park curators and explore rarely seen objects from the museum collections related to Lowell’s commemorations and anniversaries. Bring your questions about caring for family photos and textiles as you learn how preservation experts protect the past for the future.
These free, drop-in workshops are appropriate for all ages.
Explore our educational workshop spaces at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum and discover how the Industrial Revolution shaped life then and now. Whether you’re a returning visitor or brand new to history, there’s something hands-on for everyone.
Questions: Call 978-970-5080 or email: TIHC@uml.edu
Other upcoming "Hands-On History" Saturdays include:
- June 13 - Weaving + Working on the Line
- July 11 - Weaving + Lowell's Many Cultures
- August 8 - Weaving + Engineering
- Sept. 12 - Weaving + Working on the Line
- Saturday, Oct. 10 - Weaving + Water Power