09/23/2026
By Ellen Anstey
The Tsongas Industrial History Center is celebrating 35 years as a partnership between UMass Lowell and Lowell National Historical Park.
The celebration will include light refreshments, short talks and stories, opportunities to share your ideas for the Center’s future, and the presentation of the inaugural Dorrie Kehoe Educator Award.
We hope you’ll celebrate with us!
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026
- Time: 4 – 6 p.m.
- Location: Tsongas Industrial History Center, Boott Cotton Mills Museum, 115 John Street, Lowell
The event is free and open to all. RSVP for the celebration.
Dorrie Kehoe Educator Award
The Tsongas Industrial History Center 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 its official opening in 1991. She visited various sites and museums to observe engaging, multidisciplinary 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 its opening.
Dorrie was a passionate supporter of the TIHC well beyond her retirement. After her passing earlier this year, the TIHC chose to honor her contributions and legacy with this award.
The award winner will receive a $1,000 gift, courtesy of the UMass Lowell College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and Dorrie Kehoe’s family, for the purchase of educational supplies.
Nominate an educator for the Dorrie Kehoe Educator Award. Nominations are due by Oct. 1, and the award will be presented at the Oct. 29 celebration.
Contact Ellen_Anstey@uml.edu with any questions.