The mission of the Tsongas Industrial History Center is to use experiential learning and Lowell’s resources to help learners explore the history and science of industrialization and its impacts, with the goal of sparking curiosity, critical thinking, inspiration and action.
Download our full 2024-2025 Impact and Engagement Report (pdf).
"It reinforced and supplemented what we've been learning about the Industrial Revolution. The history came alive — very motivational and attitude changing."
– Teacher
"Definitely the most effective component of our visit was the opportunity for hands-on learning through designing a solution to a real-world problem. Students worked cooperatively and were able to discuss their ideas … resulting in a richer learning experience."
– Teacher
The Tsongas Industrial History Center (TIHC) collaborates with university and community partners to advance knowledge, learning, and civic engagement.
The TIHC is part of the Merrimack Dragonfly Mercury Project, a community science initiative examining the present state and legacy of mercury pollution in New England waterways. Partners include the Appalachian Mountain Club, Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust, Middlesex Community College Professor Lisa Lobel, Lowell High School and other Massachusetts State Parks. TIHC supports youth engagement and archival research activities.
The TIHC collaborated on a teacher professional development program in genomics and bioinformatics in partnership with Biology professor Freddy Chain, funded through a 3-year National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Grant.
The TIHC partnered with Engineering professors Chris Hansen and Meg Sobkowicz-Klein on the National Science Foundation-funded Sustainable Water Innovations in Materials – Mentoring, Education and Research (SWIMMER) project, which trains graduate students across disciplines to transform the lifecycle of materials and their interaction with water ecosystems.