The Lowell National Historic Park preserves and interprets the historical and cultural
sites in Lowell, Massachusetts, the most significant planned industrial city in the
United States.
The River as Power and Wealth integrates a historic mill building with new exhibits
interpreting the use of water power in Lowell's textile mills, and the technological
advances that made this possible. Large-scale, original machine parts of the water-driven
power train dramatically highlight the interpretive story. The exhibit also interprets the
ongoing effects of human use to the regional watershed and the local water systems.
Prior to the installation of this exhibit, the Suffolk Mill was open only for Ranger-led tours.
This new exhibition creates unstaffed exhibits for drop-in visitors, and also supports the Park's
large audience of school groups. The River Studio is a major interactive element for a Ranger-led,
collaborative group experience. Using real water and water testing equipment, visitors role-play
to determine shared water usage and stewardship of the river.
