Often there is plenty of legend and lore surrounding a building, site or person floating around a community. The best way to uncover the truth is through research, which is not always as difficult as it might sound. It is important to know where to look, what to look for, and the right questions to ask. This list is meant to provide researchers with a general primer of resources and is no means an exhaustive list. Do not be afraid to ask questions in the places you are doing research, since often the archivists and librarians know their collections very well and provide good advice.  

The Board and its staff are available to assist with any questions regarding research in general or specific questions about Lowell history. If we are not sure of the answer, we can direct you to which facility or archive would be an appropriate resource. Please contact the Lowell Historic Board staff at (978) 446-7200.  

Where To Go & Documents To Look For 

Online Resources

Center for Lowell History

http://library.uml.edu/clh/

The University of Massachusetts Lowell Libraries, Center for Lowell   History was established in 1971 to assure the safekeeping, preservation and availability for study and research of materials in unique subject areas, particularly those related to the Greater Lowell Area and the University of Massachusetts Lowell.  

Library of Congress “American Memory”

http://memory.loc.gov/

American Memory is a gateway to rich primary source materials relating to the history and culture of the United States. The site offers more than 7 million digital items from more than 100 historical collections.  

Massachusetts Genealogical Research

http://www.mass-doc.com/mass_research_tools.htm  

New England Archivists

www.newenglandarchivists.org

The Pollard Memorial Library

http://www.pollardml.org/

The Pollard Memorial Library is Lowell’s downtown library, which is a great resource for local and state history.  

Ready, Net, Go! Archival Internet Resources

http://www.tulane.edu/~lmiller/ArchivesResources.html

This service is an archival "meta index," or index of archival indexes. That is, from here it refers you to the major indexes, lists, and databases of archival resources. From them you can link to almost every archives and archival resource in the metaverse.        

Archives, Libraries, and Research Centers

Center for Lowell History 

University of Massachusetts Lowell 

Patrick J. Mogan Cultural Center 

40 French Street 

Lowell, Massachusetts 01852

Phone:  978-934-4997 

Fax:   978-934-4995

http://library.uml.edu/clh/ 

Monday - Friday  9:00 - 5:00

Tuesday Evening  5:00 - 9:00 

Saturday   10:00 - 3:00    

Lowell Historical Society

115 John Street, Fourth Floor

Lowell, MA 01852

Phone: 978-970-5180

Wednesday & Thursday 10:00-1:00

http://ecommunity.uml.edu/lhs/index.html

Massachusetts Archives

220 Morrissey Boulevard

Boston MA 02125

Phone:   617-727-2816

Fax:   617-288-8429

http://www.state.ma.us/sec/arc/archrs/hrsidx.htm 

Monday – Friday 9:00 - 5:00

Saturdays   9:00 - 3:00   

Massachusetts Historical Commission

220 Morrissey Boulevard

Boston, Massachusetts 02125

Phone:  617-727-8470

Fax:  617-727-5128

http://www.state.ma.us/sec/mhc/mhcidx.htm    

The Pollard Memorial Library

401 Merrimack Street

Lowell, MA. 01852

Phone:  978-970-4120 

Fax:  978-970-4117

TDD:  978-970-4129

http://www.pollardml.org/ 

Monday - Thursday  9:00-9:00

Friday – Saturday  9:00 – 5:00

Sunday   Closed

Historic New England (formerlyThe Society For The Preservation of New England Antiquities)

Phone:  617-227-3956

http://www.historicnewengland.org

Historic Homeowner Program

HNE offers a Historic Homeowner program in which members can access support and information about preserving and maintaining their historic houses.

Call 617-227-3957 extention 273 for a membership form or more information.

http://www.historichomeowner.org/member/Historic_Homeowner.htm