The Tsongas Industrial History Center supports and encourages the teaching of industrial history using site-based, hands-on experiences for over 40,000 students in grades 3 through 12 annually. All programs are aligned with Massachusetts and New Hampshire State Curriculum Frameworks.

Our location within Lowell National Historical Park allows students to explore historic cotton mills, 5.6 miles of canals, gatehouses, and worker housing. We use these resources to engage students in such topics as labor history, immigration, economics, textile production, globalization, technology/engineering, and impacts of industrialization on nature and society.

Financial Aid financialaid

Financial aid for field trips is available. Please click on the links to apply for funds to support your trip.

The Tsongas Industrial History Center recommends applying for funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Big Yellow School Bus program and Local Cultural Council Grants.

Teachers we know have also had success applying for field trip money from Target Field Trip Grants.

The National Park Trust offers grants directly to Title I Schools for Pre-K through 12th grade classes to attend field trips with National Parks in Spring of 2023. The application deadline is February 17, 2023. Funds can be used for any field trip or bus costs at National Park sites. These grant funds could be used to pay for virtual or in-person field trips at the Tsongas Industrial History Center at Lowell National Historical Park. Get more information on the National Park Trust website.

Grade Chart

In-Person Programs and Virtual Field TripsGrade 2Grade 3Grade 4Grade 5Grade 6Grade 7Grade 8HSHistory & Social StudiesCivicsScience & Engineering
Bale to Bolt
Change In The Making
Community Connections
Engineer It!
Exploring The Immigrant Experience
Farm to Factory
Industrial Watershed
Power to Production
River as a Classroom
Workers on the Line
Yankees and Immigrants
Change Over Time: Through Children’s Eyes
Citizens Respond to an Industrial Crisis
Engineering a Better Future
Human Impact on the Living Planet
Mill Girls: Life and Work in an Industrial City
Immigration, Culture, and Community
Same, Only Different
Waterpower: Powering a Revolution

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