Lowell, Massachusetts, is a city rich in history and culture. Museum buffs love this town as it’s full of different places to visit – from quilting to painting, there’s no shortage of things to see and learn about. For an inspiring day, you can visit one of these museums to learn about Lowell’s textile heritage at local museums.
Whistler House Museum
The Whistler House Museum is a museum at the birthplace of the painter James McNeill Whistler. It was built in 1823 but was purchased in 1907 and became a museum in 1908. On the first and second floors, you can find permanent collections with a whole room dedicated to the famous artist. The top floor of the museum is a functioning artist studio.
There’s an area in the rear of the house, known as the Parker Gallery, where they display new exhibits. The Whistler House Museum is located at 243 Worthen St. The museum and gallery are open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.
The New England Quilt Museum
At the New England Quilt Museum you can see and learn everything there’s to know about quilts. You’ll learn that there’s much more to the art of quilting than meets the eye. They have both traditional and original exhibits to show off the hard work of people such as Sue Garman, Priscilla Sage, and Pat Delaney. You can find the New England Quilt Museum at 18 Shattuck St. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
Boott Cotton Mills Museum
The Boott Cotton Mills Museum pays tribute to the innovative creations in the world of engineering and technology. They have interactive programs and exhibits where you can learn about the Industrial Revolution, urban growth, and much more. This kid-friendly museum should definitely be visited when you have several hours to spare as there is so much here to see and do! During the months of March through November, be sure to check out the historic trolleys. The Boott Cotton Mills Museum is located at 115 John St. and is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
National Streetcar Museum
Since opening for business in 1978, the National Streetcar Museum shows off some interesting Industrial Revolution history in a unique way. The streetcars, or trolleys, have a long history in this town and are really amazing to see in person. The museum has both open and closed trolleys that were built by the J.G. Brill Company and were run by the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway Company.
You can actually take a ride in the trolleys on the 2-mile track that is operated by the National Park Service. This is a seasonal option typically enjoyed from March through November. You can check out everything the National Streetcar Museum has to offer at 25 Shattuck St. #819. They’re open on Saturday and Sunday only from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Next time you are on the hunt for a museum to visit, make sure and check out one – or all! – of these spots. You’ll leave feeling humbled and maybe even have the urge to create something of your own!
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