Lowell, Massachusetts#History

{{Main|History of Lowell, Massachusetts}}

{{For timeline}}

File:Merrimack and Concord.jpg and Concord Rivers; across the Cox Bridge are the Boott Mills; in the upper left is the historic Lowell Sun building with its iconic sign on top.]]

The Pawtucket Falls, which provided the hydropower for Lowell's industry in the 1800s, also served as an important seasonal fishing site for native people at the time of European colonization in the 1600s.{{Cite book |last=Gookin |first=Daniel |url=https://archive.org/details/s1collections01massuoft/page/n197/mode/1up |title=Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society: Gookin's Historical Collection of the Indians in New England |date=1674 |publisher=Boston [etc.] |others=Robarts – University of Toronto |pages=197}} The Pawtucket people are named for this location, literally meaning "at the falls" in Massachusett.{{Cite book |last=Douglas-Lithgow |first=Robert Alexander |url=https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofamer00doug/page/142/mode/2up |title=Dictionary of American-Indian place and proper names in New England; with many interpretations, etc. |date=1909 |publisher=Salem, Mass., Salem Press |others=Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center |pages=142}}

In the mid-1600s, English efforts to convert native people to Christianity led to the founding of the "praying town" of Wamesit at the confluence of the Concord and Merrimack Rivers in what is today Lowell, however the population of Wamesit was reckoned at only 75 people just prior to King Phillip's War, which significantly altered relations between English colonists and indigenous groups in New England, and led to the abandonment of many praying towns. By the 1800s, the area that would become Lowell was part of the farming community of East Chelmsford, Massachusetts.

Founded in the 1820s as a planned manufacturing center for textiles, Lowell is located along the rapids of the Merrimack River, {{cvt|25|mile}} northwest of Boston in what used to be a farming community called East Chelmsford, Massachusetts. The so-called Boston Associates, including Nathan Appleton and Patrick Tracy Jackson of the Boston Manufacturing Company, named the new mill town after their visionary leader, Francis Cabot Lowell,{{cite web|url=http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=3011|title=Profile for Lowell, Massachusetts, MA|publisher=ePodunk|access-date=August 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515115200/http://epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=3011|archive-date=May 15, 2019|url-status=dead}} who had died five years before its 1823 incorporation. As Lowell's population grew, it acquired land from neighboring towns, and diversified into a full-fledged urban center. Many of the men who composed the labor force for constructing the canals and factories had immigrated from Ireland, escaping the poverty and Great Famine of the 1830s and 1840s. The mill workers, young single women called Mill Girls, generally came from the farm families of New England.

File:Saint Anne's Episcopal Church; Lowell, MA; south (front) side; 2011-08-20.JPG

By the 1850s, Lowell had the largest industrial complex in the United States. The textile industry wove cotton produced in the Southern United States. In 1860, there were more cotton spindles in Lowell than in all eleven states combined that would form the Confederate States of America.Stephen J. Goldfarb, "A Note on Limits to Growth of the Cotton-Textile Industry in the Old South", Journal of Southern History, 48, (1982), 545. Many of the coarse cottons produced in Lowell eventually returned to the South to clothe enslaved people, and, according to historian Sven Beckert, "'Lowell' became the generic term slaves used to describe coarse cottons."{{Cite book|title = Empire of Cotton: a Global History|last = Beckert|first = Sven|publisher = Knopf|year = 2014|location = New York}} The city continued to thrive as a major industrial center during the 19th century, attracting more migrant workers and immigrants to its mills. Next were the Catholic Germans, followed by a large influx of French Canadians during the 1870s and 1880s. Later waves of immigrants came to work in Lowell and settled in ethnic neighborhoods, with the city's population reaching almost 50% foreign-born by 1900.[http://www.yankeemagazine.com/issues/2009-11/features/lowell-timeline/1 Marion, Paul, "Timeline of Lowell History From 1600s to 2009"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316054422/http://www.yankeemagazine.com/issues/2009-11/features/lowell-timeline/1 |date=March 16, 2012 }}, Yankee magazine, November 2009. By the time World War I broke out in Europe, the city had reached its economic peak.

In 1922, it was affected by the 1922 New England Textile Strike, shutting down the mills in the city over an attempted wage cut.{{Cite book |last1=Foner |first1=Philip Sheldon |title=History of the labor movement in the United States. 9: The T.U.E.L. to the end of the Gompers era / by Philip S. Foner |last2=Foner |first2=Philip Sheldon |date=1991 |publisher=Intl Publ |isbn=978-0-7178-0674-4 |location=New York |pages=19–31}}{{Cite journal |last=E. Tilden |first=Leonard |date=1923 |title=New England Textile Strike |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41828627 |journal=Monthly Labor Review |volume=16 |issue=5 |pages=13–36 |jstor=41828627 }}

The Mill Cities' manufacturing base declined as companies began to relocate to the South in the 1920s. The city fell into hard times, and was even referred to as a "depressed industrial desert" by Harper's Magazine in 1931, as the Great Depression worsened. At this time, more than one third of its population was "on relief" (government assistance), as only three of its major textile corporations remained active. Several years later, the mills were reactivated, making parachutes and other military necessities for World War II. However, this economic boost was short-lived and the post-war years saw the last textile plants close.

File:Abandoned mill in Lowell.jpg

In the 1970s, Lowell became part of the Massachusetts Miracle, being the headquarters of Wang Laboratories. At the same time, Lowell became home to thousands of new immigrants, many from Cambodia, following the genocide at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. The city continued to rebound, but this time, focusing more on culture. The former mill district along the river was partially restored and became part of the Lowell National Historical Park, founded in the late 1970s.File:Lowell Park HQ.jpg

Although Wang went bankrupt in 1992, the city continued its cultural focus by hosting the nation's largest free folk festival, the Lowell Folk Festival, as well as many other cultural events. This effort began to attract other companies and families back to the urban center. Additional historic manufacturing and commercial buildings were adapted as residential units and office space. By the 1990s, Lowell had built a new ballpark and arena, which became home to two minor league sports teams, the Lowell Devils and Lowell Spinners. The city also began to have a larger student population. The University of Massachusetts Lowell and Middlesex Community College expanded their programs and enrollment. During the period of time when Lowell was part of the Massachusetts Miracle, the Lowell City Development Authority created a Comprehensive Master Plan which included recommendations for zoning adaptations within the city. The city's original zoning code was adopted in 1926 and was significantly revised in 1966 and 2004, with changes included to respond to concerns about overdevelopment.City of Lowell Master Plan Update: Existing Conditions Report, Department of Planning and Development, December 2011, 3.0 Land-Use p. 31

In 2002, in lieu of updating the Comprehensive Master Plan, more broad changes were recommended so that the land use and development would be consistent with the current master plan. The most significant revision to the 1966 zoning code is the adoption of an inclusion of a transect-based zoning code and some aspects of a form-based code style of zoning that emphasizes urban design elements as a means to ensure that infill development will respect the character of the neighborhood or district in question. By 2004, the recommended zoning changes were unanimously adopted by the City Council and despite numerous changes to the 2004 Zoning Code, it remains the basic framework for resolving zoning issues in Lowell to this day.City of Lowell Master Plan Update: Existing Conditions Report, Department of Planning and Development, December 2011, 3.0 Land-Use p. 32

File:Pawtucket Canal at Central St looking west, Lowell MA.jpg

The Hamilton Canal District (HCD) is the first district in Lowell in which regulation and development is defined by Form-Based Code (HCD-FBC) and legislated by its own guiding framework consistent to the HCD Master Plan.Hamilton Canal District Form-Based Code Zoning Section, City of Lowell Zoning Section 10.3, February 2009 p. 4 The HCD is a major redevelopment project that comprises 13 acres of vacant, underutilized land in downtown Lowell abutting former industrial mills. Trinity Financial was elected as the Master Developer to recreate this district with a vision of making a mixed-use neighborhood. Development plans included establishing the HCD as a gateway to downtown Lowell and enhanced connectivity to Gallagher Terminal.{{cite web |url=http://www.trinityfinancial.com/sub/hamiltoncanal.php |title=Hamilton Canal District, Lowell, Massachusetts |website=trinityfinancial.com |publisher=Trinity Financial LLC |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006125014/http://www.trinityfinancial.com/sub/hamiltoncanal.php |archive-date=October 6, 2014 }}Hamilton Canal District Master Plan, September 2008 p.. 6

In the 1990s, Lowell had been locally notorious for being a place of high drug trafficking and gang activity, and was the setting for a real life documentary, High on Crack Street: Lost Lives in Lowell. In the years from 1994 to 1999, crime dropped 50 percent, the highest rate of decrease for any city in America with over 100,000 residents.

Within one generation, by 2009, Lowell was ranked as the 139th most dangerous city of over 75,000 residents in the United States, out of 393 communities. Out of Massachusetts cities, nine are larger than 75,000 residents, and Lowell was fifth.{{cite web|url=http://os.cqpress.com/citycrime/2009/CityCrimeRankings2009.htm|title=CQ Press: City Crime Rankings 2009|access-date=April 27, 2010|archive-date=September 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901124312/http://os.cqpress.com/citycrime/2009/CityCrimeRankings2009.htm|url-status=dead}} For comparison Lowell was still rated safer than Boston (104 of 393), Providence, RI (123), Springfield (51), Lynn (120), Fall River (103), and New Bedford (85), but rated more dangerous than Cambridge (303), Newton (388), Quincy (312), and Worcester (175).

File:Lowell From the Air.JPG

File:1876 bird's eye view of Lowell, Massachusetts; colored.jpg

Lowell is located at {{Coord|42|38|22|N|71|18|53|W|type:city}} (42.639444, −71.314722).{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990|archive-date=August 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824085937/https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|url-status=live}} According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|14.5|sqmi|km2}} of which {{convert|13.8|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|0.8|sqmi|km2}} (5.23%) is water.

Lowell features a four-season Humid continental climate, with long and very cold winters, which typically experience an average {{cvt|56|inch}} of snowfall, with the highest ever recorded seasonal snowfall being {{cvt|120|inch}} in the winter of 2014–2015. Summers are hot and humid, and of average length, while autumn and spring are brief transition periods between the two. On average, temperature in Lowell ranges from {{cvt|64 to 84|°F}} in the summer months, and between {{cvt|2 and 33|°F}} in the winter months, with the yearly average being {{cvt|49|°F}}.

{{Weather box

|location = Lowell, Massachusetts (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1885–present)

|single line = Y

|Jan record high F = 70

|Feb record high F = 77

|Mar record high F = 89

|Apr record high F = 96

|May record high F = 98

|Jun record high F = 102

|Jul record high F = 103

|Aug record high F = 103

|Sep record high F = 100

|Oct record high F = 89

|Nov record high F = 81

|Dec record high F = 76

|Jan avg record high F = 56.1

|Feb avg record high F = 58.0

|Mar avg record high F = 68.3

|Apr avg record high F = 82.9

|May avg record high F = 90.2

|Jun avg record high F = 94.1

|Jul avg record high F = 95.5

|Aug avg record high F = 93.8

|Sep avg record high F = 90.0

|Oct avg record high F = 79.8

|Nov avg record high F = 69.9

|Dec avg record high F = 60.1

|year avg record high F= 97.5

|Jan high F = 34.0

|Feb high F = 37.3

|Mar high F = 45.4

|Apr high F = 59.0

|May high F = 70.0

|Jun high F = 79.0

|Jul high F = 84.7

|Aug high F = 83.0

|Sep high F = 75.5

|Oct high F = 62.4

|Nov high F = 50.5

|Dec high F = 39.8

|year high F=

|Jan mean F = 24.9

|Feb mean F = 27.1

|Mar mean F = 34.9

|Apr mean F = 46.8

|May mean F = 57.5

|Jun mean F = 67.0

|Jul mean F = 72.8

|Aug mean F = 71.1

|Sep mean F = 63.5

|Oct mean F = 50.9

|Nov mean F = 40.4

|Dec mean F = 31.0

|year mean F=

|Jan low F = 15.8

|Feb low F = 16.9

|Mar low F = 24.4

|Apr low F = 34.6

|May low F = 45.0

|Jun low F = 55.0

|Jul low F = 60.9

|Aug low F = 59.3

|Sep low F = 51.5

|Oct low F = 39.5

|Nov low F = 30.3

|Dec low F = 22.1

|year low F=

|Jan avg record low F = -2.4

|Feb avg record low F = 0.7

|Mar avg record low F = 8.2

|Apr avg record low F = 23.9

|May avg record low F = 33.4

|Jun avg record low F = 43.3

|Jul avg record low F = 51.9

|Aug avg record low F = 49.8

|Sep avg record low F = 37.6

|Oct avg record low F = 26.5

|Nov avg record low F = 17.0

|Dec avg record low F = 5.8

|year avg record low F= -5.0

|Jan record low F = -22

|Feb record low F = -29

|Mar record low F = -14

|Apr record low F = 6

|May record low F = 27

|Jun record low F = 33

|Jul record low F = 44

|Aug record low F = 38

|Sep record low F = 26

|Oct record low F = 19

|Nov record low F = 1

|Dec record low F = -20

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation inch = 3.61

|Feb precipitation inch = 3.20

|Mar precipitation inch = 4.32

|Apr precipitation inch = 4.06

|May precipitation inch = 3.81

|Jun precipitation inch = 4.37

|Jul precipitation inch = 3.86

|Aug precipitation inch = 4.00

|Sep precipitation inch = 3.89

|Oct precipitation inch = 5.00

|Nov precipitation inch = 3.85

|Dec precipitation inch = 4.54

|Jan snow inch = 15.9

|Feb snow inch = 14.2

|Mar snow inch = 11.2

|Apr snow inch = 1.9

|May snow inch = 0.0

|Jun snow inch = 0.0

|Jul snow inch = 0.0

|Aug snow inch = 0.0

|Sep snow inch = 0.0

|Oct snow inch = 0.0

|Nov snow inch = 1.5

|Dec snow inch = 11.4

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in

|unit snow days = 0.1 in

|Jan precipitation days = 10.9

|Feb precipitation days = 9.2

|Mar precipitation days = 10.6

|Apr precipitation days = 11.2

|May precipitation days = 12.7

|Jun precipitation days = 11.3

|Jul precipitation days = 10.4

|Aug precipitation days = 9.7

|Sep precipitation days = 9.2

|Oct precipitation days = 10.9

|Nov precipitation days = 10.5

|Dec precipitation days = 10.7

|Jan snow days = 6.3

|Feb snow days = 5.2

|Mar snow days = 3.6

|Apr snow days = 0.8

|May snow days = 0.0

|Jun snow days = 0.0

|Jul snow days = 0.0

|Aug snow days = 0.0

|Sep snow days = 0.0

|Oct snow days = 0.1

|Nov snow days = 1.0

|Dec snow days = 3.8

|Jan snow depth inch = 10.7

|Feb snow depth inch = 11.2

|Mar snow depth inch = 9.8

|Apr snow depth inch = 1.3

|May snow depth inch = 0.0

|Jun snow depth inch = 0.0

|Jul snow depth inch = 0.0

|Aug snow depth inch = 0.0

|Sep snow depth inch = 0.0

|Oct snow depth inch = 0.1

|Nov snow depth inch = 1.2

|Dec snow depth inch = 8.0

|year snow depth inch= 17.5

|source 1 = NOAA

{{cite web

|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00194313&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL

|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Lowell, MA

|access-date = February 28, 2023

}}

|source 2 = National Weather Service

{{cite web

|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=box

|publisher = National Weather Service

|title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Boston

|access-date = February 28, 2023

}}

}}

File:1975 map of canal system in Lowell, Massachusetts.png

Lowell is located at the confluence of the Merrimack and Concord rivers. The Pawtucket Falls, a mile-long set of rapids with a total drop in elevation of 32 feet, ends where the two rivers meet. At the top of the falls is the Pawtucket Dam, designed to turn the upper Merrimack into a millpond, diverted through Lowell's extensive canal system.

The Merrimack, which flows southerly from Franklin, New Hampshire to Lowell, makes a northeasterly turn there before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at Newburyport, Massachusetts, approximately {{cvt|40|mile}} downriver from Lowell. It is believed that in prior ages, the Merrimack continued south from Lowell to empty into the ocean somewhere near Boston. The glacial deposits that redirected the flow of the river left the drumlins that dot the city, most notably, Fort Hill in the Belvidere neighborhood. Other large hills in Lowell include Lynde Hill, also in Belvidere, and Christian Hill, in the easternmost part of Centralville at the Dracut town line.

The Concord, or Musketaquid (its original name), forms from the confluence of the Assabet and Sudbury rivers at Concord, Massachusetts. This river flows north into the city, and the area around the confluence with the Merrimack was known as Wamesit. Like the Merrimack, the Concord, although a much smaller river, has many waterfalls and rapids that served as power sources for early industrial purposes, some well before the founding of Lowell. Immediately after the Concord joins the Merrimack, the Merrimack descends another ten feet in Hunt's Falls.

There is a ninety-degree bend in the Merrimack partway down the Pawtucket Falls. At this point, the river briefly widens and shallows. Here, Beaver Brook enters from the north, separating the city's two northern neighborhoods, Pawtucketville and Centralville. Entering the Concord River from the southwest is River Meadow, or Hale's Brook. This brook flows largely in a man-made channel, as the Lowell Connector was built along it. Both of these minor streams have limited industrial histories as well.

The bordering towns (clockwise from north) are Dracut, Tewksbury, Billerica, Chelmsford, and Tyngsborough. The border with Billerica is a point in the middle{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} of the Concord River where Lowell and Billerica meet Tewksbury and Chelmsford.

The ten communities designated part of the Lowell Metropolitan area by the 2000 US Census are Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Lowell, Pepperell, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, and Westford, and Pelham, New Hampshire. See Greater Lowell.

File:North Common Village, with Saint Jean-Baptiste Church in background; Lowell, MA; 2011-09-03.jpg

Lowell has eight distinct neighborhoods: the Acre, Back Central, Belvidere, Centralville, Downtown, Highlands, Pawtucketville, and South Lowell.{{cite web|url=http://www.lowellma.gov/depts/dpd/services/planning/neighborhoods|title=City of Lowell|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513014638/http://www.lowellma.gov/depts/dpd/services/planning/neighborhoods|archive-date=May 13, 2012}} The city also has five ZIP codes: four are geographically distinct general ZIP codes, and one (01853) is for post-office boxes only.

The Centralville neighborhood, ZIP Code 01850, is the northeastern section of the city, north of the Merrimack River and east of Beaver Brook. Christian Hill is the section of Centralville east of Bridge Street.

The Highlands, ZIP Code 01851, is the most populated neighborhood, with almost a quarter of the city residing here. It is located in the southwestern section of the city, bordered to the east by the Lowell Connector and to the north by the railroad. Lowellians further distinguish the sections of the Highlands as the Upper Highlands and the Lower Highlands, the latter being the area closer to downtown. Middlesex Village, Tyler Park, and Drum Hill are in this ZIP Code. The Upper Highlands also includes the University of Massachusetts Lowell, South Campus (Fine Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Health Sciences & Education).

Downtown, Belvidere, Back Central, and South Lowell make up the 01852 ZIP Code, and are the southeastern sections of the city (south of the Merrimack River and southeast of the Lowell Connector). Belvidere is the mostly residential area south of the Merrimack River, east of the Concord River, and north of the Lowell and Lawrence railroad. Belvidere Hill Historic District runs along Fairmount Street. Lower Belvidere is the section west of Nesmith Street. Rogers Fort Hill Park Historic District, Lowell Cemetery, and Shedd Park are this side of town. Back Central is an urban area south of downtown, toward the mouth of River Meadow Brook. South Lowell is the area south of the railroad and east of the Concord River. Other minor neighborhoods within this ZIP Code are Ayers City, Bleachery, Chapel Hill, the Grove, Oaklands, Riverside Park, Swede Village, and Wigginville. Although the use of the names of these smaller neighborhoods has been in decline in the past decades, there has been recently a reemergence of their use. Downtown Lowell includes the UMass Lowell East Campus which consists of university housing, recreation facilities, research and the university's sports arena, as well as the Middlesex Community College.

Pawtucketville, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, North Campus; and the Acre make up the 01854 ZIP Code. The northwestern portion of the city includes the neighborhood where Jack Kerouac resided around the area of University Avenue (previously known as Moody Street). The North Campus of UMass Lowell (Colleges of Engineering, Sciences and Business) is in Pawtucketville near the Lowell General Hospital. The older parts of the neighborhood are around University Avenue and Mammoth Road, whereas the newer parts are around Varnum Avenue. Pawtucketville is the official entrance to the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsborough State Forest, the site of an historic Native American tribe, and in the age of the Industrial Revolution was a prominent source of granite used in canals and factory foundations.{{Cite web |url=http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/ldtf.htm |title=Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest |access-date=March 3, 2010 |archive-date=February 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205041651/http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/ldtf.htm |url-status=live }}

{{Historical populations

|type= USA

|1830|6474

|1840|20796

|1850|33383

|1860|36827

|1870|40928

|1880|59475

|1890|77696

|1900|94969

|1910|106294

|1920|112759

|1930|100234

|1940|101389

|1950|97249

|1960|92107

|1970|94239

|1980|92418

|1990|103439

|2000|105167

|2010|106519

|2020|115554

|2024*|120418

|source={{center|U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015|archive-date=July 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701194652/https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|url-status=live}}}}

|footnote=* = population estimate. {{Historical populations/Massachusetts municipalities references}}{{cite journal|title=1950 Census of Population|volume=1: Number of Inhabitants|at=Section 6, Pages 21-7 through 21-09, Massachusetts Table 4. Population of Urban Places of 10,000 or more from Earliest Census to 1920|publisher=Bureau of the Census|access-date=July 12, 2011|year=1952|url=http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/23761117v1ch06.pdf|archive-date=July 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721040747/http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/23761117v1ch06.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite web | title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020−2022| publisher=United States Census Bureau | access-date=November 25, 2023 | url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html}}

}}

File:Race and ethnicity 2020 Lowell, MA.png

Population Density: According to the 2010 Census,{{cite web | title=Table DP-1: Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010; 2010 Demographic Profile Data | publisher=US Census Bureau | access-date=February 26, 2012 | url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US2537000| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212134110/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US2537000| url-status=dead| archive-date=February 12, 2020}} there were 106,519 people living in the city. The population density was {{convert|7,842.1|pd/sqmi}}. There were 41,431 housing units at an average density of {{cvt|2,865.5|/sqmi}}.

Household Size: 2010, there were 38,470 households, and 23,707 families living in Lowell; the average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.31. Of those households, 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.9% were married couples living together, 14.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 38.4% were non-families, 29.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Age Distributions: Lowell has also experienced a significant increase in the number of residents between the ages of 50–69 while the percentages of residents under the age of 15 and over the age of 70 decreased.{{cite web|url=http://www.lowellma.gov/dpd/devservices/Documents/Land%20Board%20Regulations/Final%20Master%20Plan.pdf|title=Sustainable Lowell 2025|website=lowellma.gov|page=xx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221182144/http://www.lowellma.gov/dpd/devservices/Documents/Land%20Board%20Regulations/Final%20Master%20Plan.pdf|archive-date=February 21, 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=February 21, 2015}} In 2010 the city's population had a median age of 32.6.{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/P1/0400000US25.06000|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212202839/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/P1/0400000US25.06000|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 12, 2020|title=Table QT-P1: Age Groups and Sex: 2010; 2010 Census Summary File 1|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=February 26, 2012}} The age distribution was 23.7% of the population under the age of 18, 13.5% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females, there were 98.6 males; while for every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.6 males.

Median Income: for a household in the city was $51,714, according to the American Community Survey 5-year estimate ending in 2012.{{cite web|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/25/2537000.html|title=State and County Quick Facts: Lowell (city) Massachusetts|website=US Census Bureau Quick Facts|publisher=United States Census Bureau|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104173010/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/25/2537000.html|archive-date=November 4, 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=December 7, 2014}} The median income for a family was $55,852. Males had a median income of $44,739 versus $35,472 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,730. About 15.2% of families and 17.5% of individuals were below the poverty line, including 24.5% of those under age 18 and 13.2% of those age 65 or over.{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/1600000US2537000|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212102753/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/1600000US2537000|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-02-12|title=Table DP03 – SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS; 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates|publisher=US Census Bureau, 2006-2010 American Community Survey}}

Racial Makeup: In 2010, the ethnic diversity of the city was 60.3% White (49.3% Non-Hispanic White{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_13_1YR_DP05&prodType=table |title=Lowell (city), Massachusetts |work=American Community Survey 2013 1-year estimates |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102154030/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_13_1YR_DP05&prodType=table |archive-date=January 2, 2016 }}), 20.2% Asian American (12.5% Cambodian, 2.0% Indian, 1.7% Vietnamese, 1.4% Laotian), 6.8% African American, 0.3% Native American, 8.8% from other races, 3.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.3% of the population. The largest Hispanic group was those of Puerto Rican ancestry, constituting 11.3% of the population.{{cite web|title=Ethnicity in Lowell: Lowell National Historical Park Ethnographic Overview and Assessment|url=http://library.uml.edu/Clh/OH/ETHNO/Ethnicity%20in%20Lowell.pdf |via=University of Lowell, Massachusetts Libraries|publisher=National Park Service|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150726000122/http://library.uml.edu/Clh/OH/ETHNO/Ethnicity%20in%20Lowell.pdf |archive-date = 26 July 2015}} In 2020, the most commonly reported ancestries were Cambodian (15%), Irish (14.1%), Puerto Rican (11.1%), English (7%), French (6.1%), and Italian (5.2%).{{cite web |title=TOTAL POPULATION |url=https://data.census.gov/table?t=-06:-1000E:-3000F:-4000G:-5000K:-7000E:-8000B&g=160XX00US2537000&d=DEC+Detailed+Demographic+and+Housing+Characteristics+File+A |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau}}

In 2010, Lowell had the highest proportion of residents of Cambodian origin of any place in the United States at 12.5% of the population. The Government of Cambodia opened up its third U.S. Consular Office in Lowell, on April 27, 2009, with Sovann Ou as current advisor to the Cambodian Embassy.[http://khmerization.blogspot.com/2009/04/cambodian-consulate-opens-in-lowell.html "Cambodian Consulate Opens in Lowell"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408175900/http://khmerization.blogspot.com/2009/04/cambodian-consulate-opens-in-lowell.html |date=April 8, 2021 }}, Khmerization, April 27, 2009, accessed October 26, 2010 The other consular offices are in Long Beach, California, and Seattle, Washington, which also have large Cambodian communities. In 2022, Lowell elected the first Cambodian-American mayor in the United States, Sokhary Chau.{{Cite web |date=2022-01-04 |title=First Cambodian American mayor in U.S. takes office |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/first-cambodian-american-mayor-us-takes-office-rcna10827 |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=NBC News |language=en}}

According to current FBI Crime Data Analysis, Lowell is the 46th most dangerous city in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, for all sizes.{{Cite news|url=https://thisweekinworcester.com/fbi-data-50-1-mas-dangerous-cities-towns-worcester-rank/|title=FBI DATA: #50 to #1: MA's Most Dangerous Cities and Towns – Where Does Worcester Rank?|date=September 26, 2017|work=This Week In Worcester|language=en-US|access-date=May 4, 2018|archive-date=May 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504155511/https://thisweekinworcester.com/fbi-data-50-1-mas-dangerous-cities-towns-worcester-rank/|url-status=dead}} In 2018, the violent crime rate for Lowell was less than half of the violent crime rate in Boston, with no murders compared to 49 in Boston. Lowell's crime rate has dropped tremendously since the 1990s, and while the likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime in Massachusetts are 1 in 265, the odds in Lowell are 1 in 289, making Lowell (approximately) 10% safer than the rest of the state, on average.{{Cite web|url=https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ma/lowell/crime|title=Lowell, MA Crime Rates and Statistics – NeighborhoodScout|website=www.neighborhoodscout.com|language=en|access-date=May 3, 2018|archive-date=May 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504090941/https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ma/lowell/crime|url-status=live}} Lowell's violent crime rate is comparable to Honolulu, HI and is less than one-quarter that of Washington, D.C.{{Cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/us-cities-few-crimes-fbi-2018-5#37-washington-dc-had-451-violent-crimes-per-10000-residents-4|title=FBI data reveals some of the lowest-crime cities in nearly every US state|work=Business Insider|access-date=May 4, 2018|archive-date=May 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504092039/http://www.businessinsider.com/us-cities-few-crimes-fbi-2018-5#37-washington-dc-had-451-violent-crimes-per-10000-residents-4|url-status=live}}

File:Front of boott mill.jpg

• February: Winterfest – celebration of winter. (Also, Lowell's Birthday)
• March: Lowell Women's Week{{cite web|url=http://lowellwomensweek.org/|title=Lowell Women's Week|access-date=December 11, 2014|archive-date=December 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213011831/http://lowellwomensweek.org/|url-status=live}} – A week of events recognizing women's achievements, struggles, and contributions to the Lowell community past and present. Irish Cultural Week – A celebration of Irish history and hulture within the Greater Lowell community.
• April: Lowell Film Festival{{cite web|url=http://www.lowell.com/events/lowell-film-festival/|title=Lowell Film Festival in Lowell, Massachusetts – Lowell.com|access-date=September 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701203417/http://www.lowell.com/events/lowell-film-festival/|archive-date=July 1, 2014|url-status=dead}} – Showcases documentary and feature-length films focusing on a variety of topics of interest to the Greater Lowell community and beyond
• May: Doors Open Lowell{{cite web|url=http://www.doorsopenlowell.org/|title=Welcome — Doors Open Lowell – National Preservation Month|access-date=July 2, 2010|archive-date=June 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100623085038/http://www.doorsopenlowell.org/|url-status=live}} – A celebration of preservation, architecture, and design where many historic buildings that normally have limited public access are open for viewing
• June: African Festival{{cite web|url=http://www.africanfestivallowell.org/|title=Home|website=African Festival Lowell|access-date=February 3, 2011|archive-date=April 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430234013/http://www.africanfestivallowell.org/|url-status=live}} – A celebration of the various African communities in and around Lowell
• July: Lowell Folk Festival – A three-day free folk music and traditional arts festival attended by on average 250,000 people on the last weekend in July
• August: Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival{{cite web|url=http://www.lowellwaterfestival.org/|title=Lowell Water Festival|access-date=February 10, 2008|archive-date=May 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514135647/http://www.lowellwaterfestival.org/|url-status=live}} – celebrates Southeast Asian culture
• September: Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race{{cite web|url=http://lowellkinetic.com/|title=Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race|access-date=September 22, 2017|archive-date=September 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923002635/http://lowellkinetic.com/|url-status=live}} – From the crossroads of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics comes a spectacular racing spectacle!
• October: Lowell Celebrates Kerouac Festival{{cite web|url=http://www.lowellcelebrateskerouac.org/|title=Lowell Celebrates Kerouac!|access-date=October 29, 2014|archive-date=October 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001132748/http://www.lowellcelebrateskerouac.org/|url-status=live}} – A celebration of the works of Jack Kerouac and his roots in the city of Lowell
• October: Bay State Marathon and half marathon

File:Lowell boat tour.jpg

Among the many tourist attractions, Lowell also currently has 39 places on the National Register of Historic Places including many buildings and structures as part of the Lowell National Historical Park.

File:"A Mother's Hands" - Monument Dedicated to the Armenian Genocide.jpg

• In the mid-1980s, Kerouac Park was placed in downtown.{{cite book|last=Marion|first=Paul|title=Atop an Underwood|publisher=Penguin Group|page=xxi|date=1999}}
• Lowell National Historical Park: Maintains Lowell's history as an early manufacturing and immigrant city. Exhibits include weave rooms, a waterpower exhibit, and paths along {{cvt|5.6|mile}} of largely restored canals.
• Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest: Hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing trails in an urban state forest
• University of Massachusetts Lowell: State University
• University of Massachusetts Lowell Radiation Laboratory: The site of a small nuclear reactor at the school
• Vandenberg Esplanade: Walking, biking, swimming, and picnicking park along the banks of the Merrimack River. Contains the Sampas Pavilion.
• Western Avenue Studios:{{cite web|url=http://westernavenuestudios.com/|title=WESTERN AVENUE – STUDIOS & LOFTS – Lowell MA|access-date=October 29, 2014|archive-date=October 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029041723/http://westernavenuestudios.com/|url-status=live}} Largest complex of artists studios in the United States at 122 Western Avenue.
• Jack Kerouac's birthplace: In the Centralville section of the city at 9 Lupine Road.
• Armenian genocide memorial: "A Mother's Hands" monument at Lowell City Hall.
• Bette Davis's birthplace: In the Highlands section of the city at 22 Chester Street.
• Rosalind Elias's birthplace: In the Acre neighborhood at 144 School Street .
• Lowell Cemetery: burial site of many of Lowell's wealthy industrialists from the Victorian era, as well as several U.S. Congressmen, a Massachusetts Governor, John McFarland, and a U.S. Senator. 77 Knapp Avenue.
• Edson Cemetery: burial site of Jack Kerouac and William Preston Phelps. Location of a monument dedicated to Chief Passaconaway. 1375 Gorham Street.
• The Acre: Lowell's gateway neighborhood where waves of immigrants have established their communities.
• Yorick Building: Former home of the gentlemen's club the "Yorick Club", currently a restaurant & function facility (Cobblestones).
• Little Cambodia: In 2010, the city began an effort to make it a tourist destination.Schweitzer. Sarah. "[http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/02/15/lowell_hopes_to_put_little_cambodia_on_the_map/ Lowell hopes to put 'Little Cambodia' on the map] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100419144855/http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/02/15/lowell_hopes_to_put_little_cambodia_on_the_map/ |date=April 19, 2010 }}." The Boston Globe. February 15, 2010. Retrieved on February 15, 2012.

File:Lowell Memorial Auditorium main entrance; Lowell, MA; west (front) side; 2011-08-20.JPG]]In the early years of the 1840s when the population quickly exceeded 20,000, Lowell became very active as a cultural center, with the construction of the Lowell Museum, the Mechanics Hall, as well as the new City Hall used for art exhibits, lectures, and for the performing arts. The Lowell Museum was lost in a devastating fire in the early morning of January 31, 1856,"New York Times" article "Destruction of the Lowell Museum by Fire" January 31, 1856 but was quickly rehoused in a new location. The Lowell Art Association was founded in 1876, and the new Opera House was built in 1889.[http://ecommunity.uml.edu/lhs/lowell_history.htm LHS – Lowell Historical Society] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621094111/http://ecommunity.uml.edu/lhs/lowell_history.htm|date=June 21, 2010}}

Continuing to inspire and entertain, Lowell currently has a plethora of artistic exhibitions and performances throughout a wide range of venues in the city:File:Boott cotton mill looms.jpg]]

• 119 Gallery{{cite web|url=http://www.119gallery.org/|title=119 Gallery (911 Electronic Media Arts, Inc.) – Art, Music, Performance, and Community – Lowell MA|access-date=April 8, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330151759/http://www.119gallery.org/|archive-date=March 30, 2010|url-status=dead}}
• Arts League of Lowell & All Gallery{{Cite web|url=http://www.artsleagueoflowell.com/|title=Arts League of Lowell|website=artsleagueoflowell.com|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=February 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216061004/http://artsleagueoflowell.com/|url-status=live}}
• The American Textile History Museum (closed in 2016){{cite web|url=http://www.athm.org/|title=American Textile History Museum – Telling America's story through the art, history, and science of textiles|access-date=April 7, 2010|archive-date=March 8, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308101506/http://www.athm.org/|url-status=live}}
• Ayer Lofts{{cite web|url=http://www.ayerlofts.com/|title=Welcome to Ayer Lofts Art Gallery|access-date=January 19, 2013|archive-date=May 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506135200/http://www.ayerlofts.com/|url-status=live}} Artist Live-work Lofts
• The Boott Cotton Mills Museum: Lowell National Historic Park
• Brush Art Gallery and Studios{{cite web|url=http://www.thebrush.org/|title=The Brush Art Gallery and Studios|access-date=February 13, 2010|archive-date=February 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100226014729/http://www.thebrush.org/|url-status=live}}
• Gallery Z & Artist Cooperative{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/galleryzartistcoop/|title=Gallery Z|website=facebook.com|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215200904/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgalleryzartistcoop%2F|url-status=live}}
• The Lowell Gallery{{cite web|url=http://www.lowellgallery.com/|title=Lowell Gallery|access-date=July 14, 2013|archive-date=June 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603180039/http://lowellgallery.com/|url-status=live}}
• Mill No. 5 – an eclectic indoor mall/streetscape featuring artisanal foods and hand-made items, live music and [http://www.lunalowell.com/ The Luna Theater], an independent film venue.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wgbh.org/dining-out/2018/05/17/milling-around-in-lowell|title=Milling Around In Lowell|date=May 18, 2018|work=Org|access-date=May 22, 2018|language=en|archive-date=May 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522063639/https://www.wgbh.org/dining-out/2018/05/17/milling-around-in-lowell|url-status=live}}
• National Streetcar Museum{{cite web|url=http://www.trolleymuseum.org/lowell/|title=National Streetcar Museum: Lowell, Massachusetts|access-date=April 7, 2010|archive-date=March 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317185058/http://www.trolleymuseum.org/lowell/|url-status=live}}
• The New England Quilt Museum{{cite web|url=http://www.nequiltmuseum.org/|title=NEQM Home|access-date=September 17, 2008|archive-date=September 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914141207/http://www.nequiltmuseum.org/|url-status=live}}
• Patrick J. Mogan Cultural Center: Lowell National Historic Park
• Whistler House Museum of Art – Art museum in birthplace of James McNeill Whistler.
• Western Avenue Studios (The Loading Dock Galleries){{Cite web|url=http://www.theloadingdockgallery.com/|title=Loading Dock Gallery|website=Loading Dock Gallery|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=May 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507085420/http://www.theloadingdockgallery.com/|url-status=live}} – A converted mill with over 300 working artists and musicians.
• UMass Lowell Galleries{{Cite web|url=https://www.uml.edu/FAHSS/Art/Galleries-Exhibitions/University-Gallery/|title=University Gallery {{!}} UMass Lowell|website=uml.edu|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=September 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919023027/https://www.uml.edu/FAHSS/Art/Galleries-Exhibitions/University-Gallery/|url-status=live}}

• Angkor Dance Troupe{{cite web|url=http://www.angkordance.org/|title=Angkor Dance Troupe|access-date=April 23, 2006|archive-date=April 24, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060424045805/http://www.angkordance.org/|url-status=live}} – Cambodian classical and folk dance company and youth programTuttle, Nancye, "Cambodian art, a New England tradition", The Lowell Sun, May 15, 2008.
• Arts League of Lowell{{cite web|url=http://www.artsleagueoflowell.com/|title=Arts League of Lowell|access-date=April 8, 2010|archive-date=February 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216061004/http://artsleagueoflowell.com/|url-status=live}}
• Center for Lowell History, University of Massachusetts Lowell{{cite web|url=http://library.uml.edu/clh/|title=University of Massachusetts Center for Lowell History|last=Pohl|first=Janet|access-date=January 11, 2007|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612230651/http://library.uml.edu/clh/|url-status=live}} – local history library and archive
• The Gentlemen Songsters{{cite web|url=http://www.gentlemensongsters.org/|title=Gentlemen Songsters Barbershop Harmony Chorus – Family Entertainment in the A Cappella Style – 2016|last=Durant|first=Jeri|access-date=October 3, 2008|archive-date=May 9, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509125741/http://www.gentlemensongsters.org/|url-status=live}} The Lowell Chapter of The Barbershop Harmony Society – Causing Harmony In The Merrimack Valley.
• Lowell Memorial Auditorium – Mid-sized venue for live performances.
• The Lowell Chamber Orchestra{{cite web|url=https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/|title=Home|access-date=January 14, 2021|archive-date=November 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106001519/https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/|url-status=live}} – First professional orchestra based in Lowell
• Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra{{cite web|url=http://www.lowellphilharmonic.org/|title=Home|access-date=January 19, 2013|archive-date=December 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216041531/http://www.lowellphilharmonic.org/|url-status=live}} – Community orchestra presenting free concerts and offering youth programs
• Lowell Poetry Network{{Cite web |url=http://www.lowellpoetrynetwork.org/ |title=Lowell Poetry Network |access-date=January 19, 2013 |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019021205/http://lowellpoetrynetwork.org/ |url-status=dead }} – A network of area poets and appreciators of poetry who host readings, receptions, and open mics.
• Lowell Rocks{{cite web|url=http://www.lowellrocks.com/|title=Lowell Rocks|access-date=January 19, 2013|archive-date=April 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403060818/http://www.lowellrocks.com/|url-status=live}} – Lowell nightlife and entertainment web site promoting performances at local bars and clubs
• Lowell Summer Music Series{{cite web|url=http://www.lowellsummermusic.org/page.php?wpage=home%2Fhome.htm|title=Lowell Summer Music Series|access-date=April 7, 2010|archive-date=March 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323102714/http://www.lowellsummermusic.org/page.php?wpage=home%2Fhome.htm|url-status=live}} – Boarding House Park
• Merrimack Repertory Theater – Professional equity theater
• Play by Player's Theatre Company – critically acclaimed community theater
• RRRecords – Internationally known record label and store
• Sampas Pavilion – Outdoor amphitheater on the banks of the Merrimack River
• Standing Room Only Players – musical review troupe
• UMass Lowell Department of Music Performances{{cite web|url=http://www.uml.edu/music|title=Music Department – UMass Lowell|access-date=June 14, 2015|archive-date=July 5, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705140538/http://www.uml.edu/music/|url-status=live}}
• The United Teen Equality Center{{cite web|url=http://www.utec-lowell.org/|title=Homepage – UTEC, Inc.|access-date=November 5, 2009|archive-date=January 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125154754/http://www.utec-lowell.org/|url-status=live}} A by teens, for teens youth center promoting peace, positivity and empowerment for young people in Lowell.
• UnchARTed{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/UnchARTed-202386856448988/|title=UnchARTed|website=facebook.com|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215200905/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Funchartedgallery|url-status=live}} – Gallery, studios, cafe, bar, and performance space in downtown Lowell

File:Pollard Memorial Library; Lowell, MA; south (front) side; 2011-08-20.JPG

{{Main|Pollard Memorial Library}}

The first Lowell public library was established in 1844 with 3,500 volumes, and was set up in the first floor of the Old City Hall, 226 Merrimack St. In 1872, the expanding collection was relocated down the street to the Hosford BuildingC.B. Tillinghast. The free public libraries of Massachusetts. 1st Report of the Free Public Library Commission of Massachusetts. Boston: Wright & Potter, 1891. [https://books.google.com/books?id=LusKAAAAYAAJ Google books] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215200246/https://books.google.com/books?id=LusKAAAAYAAJ |date=February 15, 2023 }} at 134 Merrimack St. In 1890–1891, the City of Lowell hired local Architect Frederick W. Stickney to design the new Lowell City Library, known as "Memorial Hall, in honor of the city's men who died in the American Civil War.{{cite web|url = https://lowelllibrary.org/about-us/library-history/|title = Library History|work = Pollard Memorial Library|access-date = December 13, 2019|archive-date = December 13, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191213213155/https://lowelllibrary.org/about-us/library-history/|url-status = live}} In 1981, the library was renamed the Pollard Memorial Library in memory of the late Mayor Samuel S. Pollard. And, in the mid-2000s the century-old National Historic building underwent a major $8.5m renovation.{{cite web|url=http://www.lowellma.gov/depts/dpd/services/econdev/Comm%20Inv|website=City of Lowell |title = Community Investments|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716212132/http://www.lowellma.gov/depts/dpd/services/econdev/Comm%20Inv|archive-date=16 July 2011|url-status= dead}} The city also expanded the library system to include the Senior Center Branch, located in the City of Lowell Senior Center.{{cite web|website = Pollard Memorial Library|url = https://lowelllibrary.org/about-us/hours-locations/|title = Hours & Locations|access-date = December 15, 2019|archive-date = December 13, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191213213200/https://lowelllibrary.org/about-us/hours-locations/|url-status = live}}

In fiscal year 2008, the city of Lowell spent 0.36% ($975,845) of its budget on its public libraries, which houses 236,000 volumes, and is a part of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium. Currently, circulation of materials averages around 250,000 annually, with approximately one-third deriving from the children's collection.July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008; cf. The FY2008 Municipal Pie: What's Your Share? Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Board of Library Commissioners. Boston: 2009. Available: [http://mblc.state.ma.us/advisory/statistics/public/repmunicpie/index.php Municipal Pie Reports] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123010127/http://mblc.state.ma.us/advisory/statistics/public/repmunicpie/index.php|date=January 23, 2012}}. Retrieved August 4, 2010 In fiscal year 2009, Lowell spent 0.35% ($885,377) of its budget on the library—approximately $8 per person, per year ($9.83 adjusted for inflation in 2021).July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009; cf. {{cite web|url=http://mblc.state.ma.us/advisory/statistics/public/repmunicpie/index.php|title=FY 2009 Municipal Pie Report|author=Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners|year=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123010127/http://mblc.state.ma.us/advisory/statistics/public/repmunicpie/index.php|archive-date=January 23, 2012|url-status=dead|access-date=April 4, 2011}}

As of 2012, the Pollard Library purchases access for its patrons to databases owned by: EBSCO Industries; Gale, of Cengage Learning; Heritage Archives, Inc.; New England Historic Genealogical Society; OverDrive, Inc.; ProQuest; and World Trade Press.{{cite web|url=http://databases.mvlc.org/Pollard|title=Databases|author=Pollard Memorial Library|access-date=May 15, 2012|archive-date=May 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501171910/http://databases.mvlc.org/Pollard|url-status=live}}

The Lydon Library is a part of the University of Massachusetts Lowell system, and is located on the North Campus. The building is named in honor of President Martin J. Lydon, whose vision expanded and renamed the college during his tenure in the 1950s and 1960s."Dyeing for a living: a history of the American Association of Textile" By Mark Clark Its current collection concentrates on the sciences, engineering, business management, social sciences, humanities, and health.{{cite web|url=http://libweb.uml.edu/Lydon.html|website=UMass Lowell Libraries|title = Lydon Library|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150511085856/http://libweb.uml.edu/Lydon.html |archive-date = 11 May 2015}}

The O'Leary Library is a part of the University of Massachusetts Lowell system, and is located on the South Campus. The building is named in honor of former History Professor and then President O'Leary, whose vision helped merge the Lowell colleges during his tenure in the 1970s and 1980s.{{cite web|url=http://www.olearyforcongress.com/news/rob-o-leary-looks-to-congress-with-an-eager-practiced-eye|title=Olearyforcongress.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714234922/http://www.olearyforcongress.com/news/rob-o-leary-looks-to-congress-with-an-eager-practiced-eye|archive-date=July 14, 2011|url-status=dead}} Its current collection concentrates on music and art.{{cite web|url= http://libweb.uml.edu/oleary.html|website=UMass Lowell Libraries|title =O'Leary Library|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170307135823/http://libweb.uml.edu/oleary.html |archive-date = 7 March 2017}}

The Center for Lowell History [special collections and archives] is a part of the University of Massachusetts Lowell system, 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. Located downtown in the Patrick J. Mogan Cultural Center at 40 French Street, the center is committed to the design and implementation of historical, educational, and cultural programs that link the university and the community in developing an economically strong and multi-culturally rich region. Its current collections and archives focus on historic and contemporary issues of Lowell (including: industrialization, textile technology, immigration, social history, regional history, labor history, women's history, and environmental history).{{cite web|url=https://libguides.uml.edu/archives|website=University of Massachusetts Lowell Libraries|title=Center for Lowell History|access-date=December 15, 2019|archive-date=December 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215222909/https://libguides.uml.edu/archives|url-status=live}}

File:Ramahlos West End Gym at former Hockmeyer family Waterhead Mill; north and west sides; Lowell, MA; 2011-09-11.JPG

Boxing has formed an important part of Lowell's working-class culture. The city's auditorium hosts the annual New England Golden Gloves tournament, which featured fighters such as Rocky Marciano, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Marvin Hagler. Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund both began their careers in Lowell, the subject of the 2010 film The Fighter.{{cite book|last1=Halloran|first1=Bob|title=Irish Thunder: The Hard Life and Times of Micky Ward|date=2010|publisher=First Lyons Press|location=Guilford, CT}} Arthur Ramalho's West End Gym is where many of the city's boxers train.{{cite news|last1=Sackowitz|first1=Karen|title=Blood, sweat, cheers: Lowell gym helps youths learn boxing, confidence, and it stars in a new movie|work=The Boston Globe|date=June 10, 2010}}

• University of Massachusetts Lowell River Hawks – NCAA Division I Hockey, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Track & Field, Field Hockey, Volleyball
• Lowell Spinners – Former Class A short-season professional baseball affiliate of the Boston Red Sox
• Boston Fleet – professional ice hockey team. They are one of the six charter franchises of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL)
• Lowell All-Americans – NECBL (Collegiate Summer Baseball)
• New England Riptide – National Pro Fastpitch League (Major League Softball)
• Lowell Nor'easter{{cite web|url=http://nefl.us/?page_id=148|title=Lowell Nor'easter – New England Football League|access-date=November 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118141252/http://nefl.us/?page_id=148|archive-date=November 18, 2015|url-status=dead}} – Semi-Professional football team (New England Football League)
• Greater Lowell United FC – Semi-Pro soccer team (NPSL){{cite web|title=THE NPSL COMES TO LOWELL, MA|url=http://www.npsl.info/home/770679.html|publisher=NPSL|access-date=November 19, 2013|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206223427/http://www.npsl.info/home/770679.html|archive-date=December 6, 2013}}{{cite web|title=New soccer team in Lowell will join Premier League|date=November 20, 2013|url=http://www.lowellsun.com/latestnews/ci_24562279/new-soccer-team-lowell-will-join-premier-league|publisher=Lowell Sun|access-date=November 20, 2013|archive-date=December 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208070403/http://www.lowellsun.com/latestnews/ci_24562279/new-soccer-team-lowell-will-join-premier-league|url-status=live}}
• Massachusetts Pirates – Professional indoor football team that competes in the Indoor Football League (IFL)

File:Tsongas Center.png File:Lelacheur.gif, home of the UMass Lowell River Hawks baseball team]]

• Edward A. LeLacheur Park Baseball Stadium – owned by the University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Lowell Memorial Auditorium – performance and boxing venue.
• Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell – multi-use sports and concert venue (6500 seats hockey, 7800 concerts)- the University of Massachusetts Lowell River Hawks, and various arena shows. On April 1, 2006, the arena held the 2006 World Curling Championships.
• Cawley Memorial Stadium – Stadium for Lowell High School and other sporting events around the Merrimack Valley. Uses FieldTurf. Former home of the MICCA Marching Band Championship Finals
• Stoklosa Alumni Field – Baseball stadium, used by Lowell All-Americans (4,000 seats)
• Costello Athletic Center indoor arena on campus of the University of Massachusetts Lowell
• UMass Lowell Bellgarde Boathouse{{cite web |url=http://www.uml.edu/CampusRecreation/Boathouse/About-Us.aspx |title=Boathouse & Kayak Center |access-date=January 8, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108032020/http://www.uml.edu/CampusRecreation/Boathouse/About-Us.aspx |archive-date=January 8, 2014 }} used as a rowing and kayaking center for UMass Lowell and the greater Lowell area
• Long Meadow Golf Club{{Cite web|url=http://www.longmeadowgolfclub.com/|title=longmeadowgolfclub|website=longmeadowgolfclub|language=en|access-date=February 6, 2018|archive-date=February 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207005416/http://www.longmeadowgolfclub.com/|url-status=live}} – Private 9 hole Golf course in the Belvidere neighborhood
• Mount Pleasant Golf Club{{Cite web|url=http://mpgc.net/|title=mpgc.net|website=mpgc.net|language=en-US|access-date=February 6, 2018|archive-date=February 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205115734/http://mpgc.net/|url-status=live}} – Private 9 hole Golf course in the Highlands neighborhood

{{Clear}}

{{See also|List of mayors of Lowell, Massachusetts}}

Lowell has a Plan-E council-manager government.{{cite web | title=Overview | publisher=City of Lowell | access-date=February 26, 2012 | url=http://www.lowellma.gov/govt/info/overview | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512013043/http://www.lowellma.gov/govt/info/overview | archive-date=May 12, 2012 }} There are eleven city councilors and seven school committee members. The City Council is elected every two years and is composed of eight district seats and three at-large seats. The School Committee is elected for two-year terms and is composed of four district seats, two at-large seats, and the mayor.{{cite web |title=Elections & Census |url=https://www.lowellma.gov/294/Election-Census |access-date=13 June 2023 |website=City of Lowell }} City Council and School Committee elections are non-partisan. In 1957, Lowell voters repealed a single-transferable-vote system, which had been in place since 1943.{{Cite journal|last=Santucci|first=Jack|date=November 10, 2016|title=Party Splits, Not Progressives|journal=American Politics Research|language=en|volume=45|issue=3|pages=494–526|doi=10.1177/1532673x16674774|s2cid=157400899|issn=1532-673X}}

The City Council chooses one of its members as mayor, and another as vice-mayor. The role of the mayor is primarily ceremonial. The mayor runs the weekly meetings under the guidance of the City Clerk. In addition, the mayor serves as the Chairperson of the School Committee.

The administrative head of the city government is the City Manager, who is responsible for all day-to-day operations, functioning within the guidelines of City Council policy, and is hired by and serves indefinitely at the pleasure of at least 5 of 9 City Councilors. As of April 2017, the City Manager is Eileen M. Donghue replacing Kevin J. Murphy.{{cite news|last=Moran|first=Lyle|title=Lowell City Manager Murphy ready to roll up his sleeves|url=http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_25569018/lowell-city-manager-murphy-ready-roll-up-his?source=rss_viewed|access-date=April 16, 2014|newspaper=Lowell Sun|date=April 15, 2014|archive-date=April 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416192315/http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_25569018/lowell-city-manager-murphy-ready-roll-up-his?source=rss_viewed|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_31797697/donoghue-sworn-city-manager-and-gets-right-down|title=Donoghue sworn in as city manager, and gets right down to work|access-date=April 28, 2018|archive-date=April 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412151154/http://www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_31797697/donoghue-sworn-city-manager-and-gets-right-down|url-status=live}}

Lowell is represented in the Massachusetts General Court by elected state representatives Rodney Elliot{{Cite web |title=Rodney Elliott |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Rodney_Elliott |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Ballotpedia |language=en}} (D- 16th Middlesex), Vanna Howard{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Margaret|date=September 1, 2020|title=Howard wins primary in 17th Middlesex race|url=https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/eagle-independent/2020/09/02/howard-wins-primary-for-17th-middlesex-seat/114619654/|access-date=|website=Wicked Local|archive-date=July 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724011116/https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/eagle-independent/2020/09/02/howard-wins-primary-for-17th-middlesex-seat/114619654/|url-status=live}} (D- 17th Middlesex), Tara Hong (D- 18th Middlesex),{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eledist/reps11idx.htm |title=Massachusetts Representative Districts |access-date=August 23, 2020 |work=Sec.state.ma.us |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520200244/https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eledist/reps11idx.htm |url-status=live }} and by State Senator Edward J. Kennedy (1st Middlesex) who is also a City Councilor.

Federally, the city is part of Massachusetts's 3rd congressional district and represented by Lori Trahan (D). The state's senior Senator is Elizabeth Warren (D). the state's junior Senator is Ed Markey (D).

In July 2012, Lowell youth led a nationally reported campaign to gain voting privileges for 17-year-olds in local elections; it would have been the first municipality to do so.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2012/07/24/let-17-year-olds-vote/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730052322/http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2012/07/24/let-17-year-olds-vote/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-07-30|title=Let 17-year-olds vote|last1=Plaisir|first1=Corinne|last2=Kirksey|first2=Carline|date=2012-07-24}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vote-17-movement-pushing-for-teen-voice-in-local-elections/|title='Vote 17' movement pushing for teen voice in local elections|last=Line|first=Molly|website=Fox News|date=July 11, 2012|access-date=March 6, 2013|archive-date=April 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404153655/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/07/11/vote-17-movement-pushing-for-teen-voice-in-local-elections/|url-status=live}} The 'Vote 17' campaign was supported by national researchers; its goals were to increase voter turnout, create lifelong civic habits, and increase youth input in local matters.{{cite web|url=http://peterlevine.ws/?p=6130|title=my testimony in favor of lowering the voting age to 17 in Lowell, MA|date=2011-04-13|access-date=March 6, 2013|archive-date=July 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702045336/http://peterlevine.ws/?p=6130|url-status=live}} The effort was led by youth at the United Teen Equality Center in downtown Lowell.

File:Lowell City Hall.JPG]]

Lowell is the last city in Massachusetts to use a fully plurality-at-large system due to its impact in diluting minority representation on its city council and school committee. With majority bloc voting these two committees were all-white, and had been mostly so for decades, despite the fact that the city's minority population had grown to 49%.{{cite web |title=Minority Residents Allege City's At-Large Electoral System Unlawfully Dilutes Their Vote |url=http://lawyersforcivilrights.org/our-impact/voting-rights/voting-rights-lawsuit-filed-against-lowell-mass/ |website=Lawyers for Civil Rights |access-date=2019-07-27 |archive-date=July 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727200101/http://lawyersforcivilrights.org/our-impact/voting-rights/voting-rights-lawsuit-filed-against-lowell-mass/ |url-status=live }}

On May 18, 2017, the Boston Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Latino and Asian-American voters, charging Lowell with violating the Voting Rights Act.

On May 29, 2019, a settlement agreement was reached that laid out six options for Lowell voters to review:{{cite web|title=Settlement of Federal Voting Rights Act Case Against Lowell, Mass.|url=http://lawyersforcivilrights.org/our-impact/voting-rights/settlement-of-federal-voting-rights-act-case-against-lowell-mass/|website=Lawyers for Civil Rights|access-date=2019-07-27|archive-date=July 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727200100/http://lawyersforcivilrights.org/our-impact/voting-rights/settlement-of-federal-voting-rights-act-case-against-lowell-mass/|url-status=live}}

• A single-member district-based system, with nine city council districts including at least two majority-minority districts, and three school committee districts electing two members each, with at least one being a majority-minority district.
• A hybrid system that combines single-member district-based seats with at-large seats:
• Hybrid 8-1 will have eight single-member districts (at least two majority-minority) and one at-large seat for the city council, and four single-member districts (at least one majority-minority) and two at-large seats for the school committee;
• Hybrid 8-3 is the same as 8-1 but expanding the city council by two at-large seats;
• Hybrid 7-2 will have seven single-member districts (at least two majority-minority) and two at-large seats for the city council, and seven single-member districts (at least two majority-minority) for the school committee (increasing its size by one);
• An at-large system of nine city council seats and six school committee seats, elected using single transferable vote — a return to the system in place between 1943 and 1957.
• A three-district system elected using single transferable vote, with three members from each elected to the city council and two members from each elected to the school committee.

Two options will be selected by the city council and will be put before the voters to choose in a non-binding referendum in November 2019, with a final decision by the city council in December 2019. The new system must be put in place by the November 2021 municipal elections.

With a rapidly growing student population, Lowell has been considered an emerging college town.{{cite web|url = http://www.lowellsun.com/news/ci_26271750/city-manager-wants-make-lowell-college-town|title = City manager wants to make Lowell a 'college town'|work = The Sun|date = 4 August 2014|first = Lyle|last = Moran|access-date = April 18, 2015|archive-date = April 18, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150418185427/http://www.lowellsun.com/news/ci_26271750/city-manager-wants-make-lowell-college-town|url-status = live}} With approximately 12,000 students at Middlesex Community College (MCC) and 19,000 students at University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell is currently home to more than 31,000 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students, and the location of some of the top research laboratories in Massachusetts. UMass Lowell is the third largest state university and fifth largest university in Massachusetts, while MCC is the second largest Community college in Massachusetts.{{cite web|url=http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=MA&pg=13&id=166513|title=UMass Lowell Demographics|publisher=National Center for Education Statistics|access-date=April 18, 2015|archive-date=August 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820230845/http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=MA&pg=13&id=166513|url-status=live}}

• Middlesex Community College
• University of Massachusetts Lowell

File:Recreation Center, north.jpg

Lowell Public Schools operates district public schools. Lowell High School is the district public high school. Non-district public schools include Greater Lowell Technical High School, Lowell Middlesex Academy Charter School,{{cite web|url=http://www.lmacs.org/|title=Lowell Middlesex Academy Charter School|access-date=January 6, 2016|archive-date=January 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111142327/http://lmacs.org/|url-status=live}} Lowell Community Charter Public School,{{cite web|url=http://www.lccps.org/|title=Home Page – Lowell Community Charter Public School|access-date=January 6, 2010|archive-date=January 7, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107081310/http://www.lccps.org/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url = http://www.lccps.org/about_the_school|website = LCCPS.org|title = About the School|access-date = December 13, 2019|archive-date = December 13, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191213204006/http://www.lccps.org/about_the_school|url-status = live}} and Collegiate Charter School of Lowell.{{cite web|url=http://www.lowell.sabis.net/|title=Collegiate Charter School of Lowell|last=SABIS®|access-date=January 6, 2016|archive-date=January 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113021427/http://www.lccs.sabis.net/|url-status=live}}

Lowell Public Schools is an above average, public school district located in Lowell, MA. It has 14,247 students in grades Pre-K, K–12 with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.{{Cite web|url=https://www.niche.com/k12/d/lowell-public-schools-ma/|title=Explore Lowell Public Schools|website=Niche|language=en-US|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=May 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507153303/https://www.niche.com/k12/d/lowell-public-schools-ma/|url-status=live}}

Lowell High School students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement® course work and exams. The AP® participation rate at Lowell High is 29 percent. The student body makeup is 50 percent male and 50 percent female, and the total minority enrollment is 68 percent with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/massachusetts/districts/lowell/lowell-high-9418|title=Best High Schools/Massachusetts|website=US News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423072038/http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/massachusetts/districts/lowell/lowell-high-9418|archive-date=April 23, 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=May 6, 2018}}

File:The Lowell Sun building; Lowell, MA; south and east sides; 2011-08-20.JPG is the city's daily newspaper.]]

The Sun, headquartered in downtown Lowell, is a major daily newspaper serving Greater Lowell and southern New Hampshire. The newspaper had an average daily circulation of about 42,900 copies in 2011.{{cite web|title=eCirc for US Newspapers: FAS-FAX Report |publisher=Audit Bureau of Circulations |date=September 30, 2011 |access-date=March 1, 2012 |url=http://abcas3.accessabc.com/ecirc/newstitlesearchus.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027085243/http://abcas3.accessabc.com/ecirc/newstitlesearchus.asp |archive-date=October 27, 2012 }} Continuing a trend of concentration of newspaper ownership, The Sun was sold to newspaper conglomerate MediaNews Group in 1997 after 119 years of family ownership.{{cite magazine | title=Bylines | magazine=American Journalism Review | last=Revah | first=Suzan | date=September 1997 | access-date=March 1, 2012 | url=http://www.ajr.org/article.asp?id=1833 | archive-date=December 12, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212120421/http://ajr.org/Article.asp?id=1833 | url-status=live }}

• WCAP AM 980, talk radio
• WLLH AM 1400 Spanish Tropical
• WUML FM 91.5, UMass Lowell-owned station
• WCRB FM 99.5, Classical music, licensed to Lowell

File:LRTA bus along Stevens Street at Light Avenue; Lowell, MA; 2011-12-08.JPG

Lowell can be reached by automobile from Interstate 495, U.S. Route 3, the Lowell Connector, and Massachusetts Routes: 3A, 38, 110, 113, and 133, all of which run through the city; Route 133 begins at the spot where Routes 110 and 38 branch off just south of the Merrimack River.{{cite web|url=http://www.Lowellma.gov/depts/dpd/services/econdev/Location|title=City of Lowell – Location|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008072237/http://www.lowellma.gov/depts/dpd/services/econdev/Location|archive-date=October 8, 2007|url-status=dead|access-date=October 2, 2007}} There are six bridges crossing the Merrimack River in Lowell, and four crossing the Concord River (not including the two for I-495).

For public transit, Lowell is served by the Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA), which provides fixed route bus services and paratransit services to the city and surrounding area. OurBus has daily bus service to Worcester and New York City. Other service includes Merrimack Vallery Regional Transfer Authority (MVRTA) Route 24 to Lawrence, and the Coach Company bus to Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Lowell is also served at Lowell station by the MBTA's commuter rail Lowell Line, with several departures daily to and from Boston's North Station.

The Lowell National Historical Park provides a free streetcar between its various sites in the city center, using track formerly used to provide freight access to the city's mills. An expansion to expand the system to {{cvt|6.9|mile}} was planned but rejected in 2016.{{cite web |last1=Welker |first1=Grant |title=Expanded Lowell trolley plans derailed |url=http://www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_29524586/expanded-lowell-trolley-plans-derailed |website=Lowell Sun |access-date=24 June 2019 |date=16 Feb 2016 |archive-date=June 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624193245/http://www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_29524586/expanded-lowell-trolley-plans-derailed |url-status=live }}

In addition to several car rental agencies, Lowell has four Zipcar rental locations convenient to Gallagher Terminal, the Downtown, and the three UMass Lowell campuses (North, South and East).

• Lowell General Hospital
• Saints Medical Center

File:Lower Highlands precinct police station; south and east sides; Lowell, MA; 2011-12-08.JPG

The city is primarily policed and protected by the Lowell Police Department, the University Police: UMass Lowell, and the National Park Service Police. The Massachusetts State Police and Middlesex County Sheriff's Office also work with local law enforcement to set up driver checkpoints for alcohol awareness. With the growth of UMass Lowell and the impact of its faculty and students in areas of scientific research, engineering, and nursing, the city has seen rapid gentrification of several neighborhoods.

Lowell Telecommunication Corporation{{cite web|url=http://ltc.org/|title=Home – LTC|access-date=January 19, 2013|archive-date=September 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919055715/https://www.ltc.org/|url-status=dead}} (LTC) – A community media and technology center, as well as the first public access television station in Massachusetts to unionize,{{cite news|url=https://www.lowellsun.com/2022/12/07/lowell-telemedia-staff-vote-to-unionize-create-greater-stability-in-the-workplace/ |title=Lowell TeleMedia Center staff vote to unionize, create 'greater stability' in the workplace |author=Cameron Morsberger|work=Lowell Sun|date=December 7, 2022 }} despite opposition from the nonprofit organization's board of directors.{{cite news|url=https://www.lowellsun.com/2023/02/14/lowell-telemedia-center-to-begin-contract-negotiations-following-union-certification/|work=Lowell Sun|title=Lowell TeleMedia Center to begin contract negotiations following union certification|date=February 14, 2023|author=Cameron Morsberger}}

• See List of people from Lowell, Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center (M2D2) Biotechnology Lab offers 11,000 square feet of fully equipped, shared lab facilities that can house 50 researchers and also includes plenty of co-working and meeting spaces.{{Cite web|url=https://www.uml.edu/Research/M2D2/facilities-services/110-canal.aspx|title=M2D2 110 Canal {{!}} UMass Lowell|website=uml.edu|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=September 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924030514/https://www.uml.edu/Research/M2D2/facilities-services/110-canal.aspx|url-status=live}}

The UMASS Lowell Innovation Hub{{Cite web|url=https://www.uml.edu/Innovation-Hub/|title=iHub {{!}} UMass Lowell|website=uml.edu|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=August 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808140349/https://www.uml.edu/innovation-hub/|url-status=live}} (iHUB) offer entrepreneurs, startups, technology companies and established manufacturing partners 24-hour access to all the amenities they need to get their businesses up and running, such as:

• dedicated office space
• rapid prototype development equipment and services
• open co-working and collaboration space, and
• meeting and conferencing space.

• Cash Carriers – William Stickney Lamson of Lowell patented this system in 1881.
• CVS/pharmacy – originally named the Consumer Value Store was founded in Lowell in 1963.
• Father John's Medicine{{cite web|url=http://library.uml.edu/clh/Fath/Fath2.Html|title=Father John's Story|first=Janet|last=Pohl|access-date=December 17, 2009|archive-date=February 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220015120/http://library.uml.edu/clh/Fath/Fath2.Html|url-status=live}} a cough medicine that was first formulated in the United States in a Lowell pharmacy in 1855.
• Francis Turbine – A highly efficient water-powered turbine
• Fred C. Church – Insurance (est. 1865)[https://archive.today/20120709030556/http://fredcchurch.com/about/history.php?PHPSESSID=a70f3f4ae8d2dc644ec8e08f6b2a808c Fredcchurch.com]
• Market Basket – Chain of approximately 80 grocery stores in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine
• Moxie – the first mass-produced soft drink in the U.S.
• Prince Spaghetti was once a major pasta manufacturer in the United States. The company moved from Boston to Lowell in 1941. Their plant was the largest pasta mill in the country and was located in the "Spaghettiville" section of town. The company was sold to Borden in 1987 and the plant closed in 1997 as production was moved to St. Louis. Their famous slogan was "Wednesday is Prince Spaghetti Day".
• Telephone numbers, 1879, Lowell is the first U.S. city to have phone numbers, two years after Alexander Graham Bell demonstrates his telephone in Lowell.{{cite web|url=http://www.yankeemagazine.com/issues/2009-11/features/lowell-timeline|title=Timeline of Lowell History|date=October 8, 2009|access-date=December 18, 2009|archive-date=December 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091204141041/http://www.yankeemagazine.com/issues/2009-11/features/lowell-timeline|url-status=dead}}
• Stuarts Department Stores
• Wang Laboratories – Massachusetts Miracle computer company

• In 1854, the Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank was founded as the first and only bank in the city that would accept a deposit of less than $1.00. It is the 73rd-oldest bank in America and has been in continuous operation since its founding.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/fiList.aspx?type=oldestbanks&sort=state|title=iBanknet {{!}} America's Oldest Banks|website=ibanknet.com|access-date=May 3, 2018|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201142758/http://ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/fiList.aspx?type=oldestbanks&sort=state|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/getbank.aspx?ibnid=usa_923707|title=The Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank Financial Reports|website=ibanknet.com|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201231650/http://ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/getbank.aspx?ibnid=usa_923707|url-status=live}}
• In 1892, Washington Savings Bank made its first home in Lowell and has continuously served the Greater Lowell area and communities.{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonsavings.com/about-us/our-history.html|title=Our History {{!}} Washington Savings Bank {{!}} Lowell – Dracut {{!}} Massachusetts – MA|website=washingtonsavings.com|access-date=May 3, 2018|archive-date=November 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121072600/https://www.washingtonsavings.com/about-us/our-history.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/getbank.aspx?ibnid=usa_654300|title=Washington Savings Bank Financial Reports|website=ibanknet.com|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=March 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329213353/http://ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/getbank.aspx?ibnid=usa_654300|url-status=live}}
• In 1989, Enterprise Bank and Trust was founded in Lowell and is the largest financial institution.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/getbank.aspx?ibnid=usa_1356768|title=Enterprise Bank and Trust Company Financial Reports|website=ibanknet.com|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=October 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002015909/http://ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/getbank.aspx?ibnid=usa_1356768|url-status=live}}{{clarify|date=November 2020 |reason=The largest financial institution where? In Lowell?}}
• In 1911, Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union was founded in Lowell and is the 5th-largest credit union in Massachusetts.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/getbank.aspx?ibnid=usa_194392|title=JEANNE D'ARC CREDIT UNION Financial Reports|website=ibanknet.com|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=October 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002031404/http://ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/getbank.aspx?ibnid=usa_194392|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/fiList.aspx?type=statecreditunion&state=25&sort=assets|title=iBanknet {{!}} Massachusetts – Credit Unions|website=ibanknet.com|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215200853/http://www.ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/fiList.aspx?type=statecreditunion&state=25&sort=assets|url-status=live}}
• In 1922, Align Credit Union was founded in Lowell.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/getbank.aspx?ibnid=usa_437398|title=ALIGN CREDIT UNION Financial Reports|website=ibanknet.com|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=July 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701030219/http://ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/getbank.aspx?ibnid=usa_437398|url-status=live}}
• In 1936, the Lowell Firefighters Credit Union was founded in Lowell.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/getbank.aspx?ibnid=usa_280893|title=LOWELL FIREFIGHTERS CREDIT UNION Financial Reports|website=ibanknet.com|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=October 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002023911/http://ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/getbank.aspx?ibnid=usa_280893|url-status=live}}
• In 1937, the Lowell Municipal Employees FCU was founded in Lowell.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/getbank.aspx?ibnid=usa_26774|title=LOWELL MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Financial Reports|website=ibanknet.com|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=March 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330005406/http://ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/getbank.aspx?ibnid=usa_26774|url-status=live}}
• In 1958, Mills42 Federal Credit Union was founded in Lowell.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/getbank.aspx?ibnid=usa_211981|title=MILLS42 FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Financial Reports|website=ibanknet.com|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=October 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002024257/http://ibanknet.com/scripts/callreports/getbank.aspx?ibnid=usa_211981|url-status=live}}

• Lowell Bank and Trust Company (1970–1983; now part of Bank of America){{Cite web|url=https://www.usbanklocations.com/lowell-bank-and-trust-company-20133.shtml|title=Lowell Bank and Trust Company|website=usbanklocations.com|access-date=May 7, 2018|archive-date=May 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507162433/https://www.usbanklocations.com/lowell-bank-and-trust-company-20133.shtml|url-status=live}}
• Lowell Institution for Savings (1829–1991; now part of TD Banknorth N.A.){{Cite web|url=https://www.usbanklocations.com/lowell-institution-for-savings-90228.shtml|title=Lowell Institution for Savings|website=usbanklocations.com|access-date=May 7, 2018|archive-date=May 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507160408/https://www.usbanklocations.com/lowell-institution-for-savings-90228.shtml|url-status=live}}
• Butler Bank (1901–2010; now part of People's United Bank){{Cite web|url=https://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/butlerbank.html|title=FDIC: Failed Bank Information – Bank Closing Information for Butler Bank, Lowell, MA|last=DRR|website=fdic.gov|language=en-US|access-date=May 7, 2018|archive-date=April 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413200454/https://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/butlerbank.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.lowellsun.com/ci_14909223|title=Like namesake general, Butler Bank fought to end|access-date=May 7, 2018|archive-date=May 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507153339/http://www.lowellsun.com/ci_14909223|url-status=live}}
• Lowell Co-operative Bank/Sage Bank (1885–2018; now part of Salem Five Bank){{cite news |last1=Lisinski |first1=Chris |title=Salem Five closes on acquisition of Sage Bank |url=https://www.lowellsun.com/2018/08/20/salem-five-closes-on-acquisition-of-sage-bank/ |access-date=November 7, 2020 |work=Lowell Sun |date=August 20, 2018 |archive-date=November 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113124034/https://www.lowellsun.com/2018/08/20/salem-five-closes-on-acquisition-of-sage-bank/ |url-status=live }}

Lowell's sister cities are:{{cite web|title=Across globe, building bridges|url=https://www.lowellsun.com/2012/06/03/across-globe-building-bridges-2/|website=lowellsun.com|publisher=The Sun|date=2012-06-03|access-date=2021-05-15|archive-date=July 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728105531/https://www.lowellsun.com/2012/06/03/across-globe-building-bridges-2/|url-status=live}}

{{div col|colwidth=21em}}

• {{flagicon|CMR}} Bamenda, Cameroon (2002)
• {{flagicon|LBR}} Barclayville, Liberia
• {{flagicon|UKR}} Berdyansk, Ukraine (1997)

• {{flagicon|GRC}} Kalamata, Greece (2020){{cite web|title=Lowell, Massachusetts and Kalamata, Greece to Become Sister Cities|url=https://greekreporter.com/2020/02/12/lowell-massachusetts-and-kalamata-greece-to-become-sister-cities/|website=greekreporter.com|publisher=Greek Reporter|date=2020-02-12|access-date=2021-05-15|archive-date=May 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515171228/https://greekreporter.com/2020/02/12/lowell-massachusetts-and-kalamata-greece-to-become-sister-cities/|url-status=live}}
• {{flagicon|KEN}} Nairobi, Kenya
• {{flagicon|IRL}} Limerick, Ireland (2013){{cite web|title=Limerick council to send Mayor to Boston for twinning|publisher=Limerick Leader|url=https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/201748/Limerick-council-to-send-Mayor-to.html|date=2016-01-26|access-date=2021-05-15|archive-date=May 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515171228/https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/201748/Limerick-council-to-send-Mayor-to.html|url-status=live}}
• {{flagicon|AGO}} Lobito, Angola
• {{flagicon|KHM}} Phnom Penh, Cambodia (2015){{cite web|title=Lowell delegation visits Cambodia, returns with sister city deal, perspective|url=https://www.lowellsun.com/2015/02/01/lowell-delegation-visits-cambodia-returns-with-sister-city-deal-perspective/|website=lowellsun.com|publisher=The Sun|date=2015-02-01|access-date=2021-05-15|archive-date=May 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515171227/https://www.lowellsun.com/2015/02/01/lowell-delegation-visits-cambodia-returns-with-sister-city-deal-perspective/|url-status=live}}
• {{flagicon|FRA}} Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, France (1989)
• {{flagicon|GHA}} Winneba, Ghana (2010)

{{div col end}}

• 2010, Lowell designated as a "Green Community"{{cite web|url=http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_15164308|title=City Council gets wind of green bonus|date=May 26, 2010|access-date=January 22, 2014|archive-date=February 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202095648/http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_15164308|url-status=live}}
• 1997 and 1998, Lowell was a finalist for the All-America City award.[http://www.ncl.org/aac/past_winners/past_winners.html NCL.org] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100707222907/http://www.ncl.org/aac/past_winners/past_winners.html |date=July 7, 2010 }}
• 1999, Lowell received an All-America City award.

{{Portal|United States}}

• List of mill towns in Massachusetts

{{reflist}}

{{Library resources box}}

• Dalzell, Robert F. Enterprising elite: The Boston Associates and the world they made (Harvard University Press, 1987)
• Deitch, Joanne Weisman. The Lowell Mill Girls: Life in the Factory (Perspectives on History Series) (1998)
• Dublin, Thomas. [https://books.google.com/books?id=qIveUjBIsBsC Women at Work: The Transformation of Work and Community in Lowell, Massachusetts, 1826-1860], (Columbia University Press, 1981)
• Eno, Arthur Louis. Cotton was king: A history of Lowell, Massachusetts (New Hampshire Publishing Company, 1976)
• Gross, Laurence F. The Course of Industrial Decline: The Boott Cotton Mills of Lowell, Massachusetts, 1835-1955 (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1993)
• Malone, Patrick M., [https://books.google.com/books?id=FBFViPDH0lQC Waterpower in Lowell: Engineering and Industry in Nineteenth-Century America], Johns Hopkins Introductory Studies in the History of Technology (2009)
• Mrozowski, Stephan A.; Ziesing, Grace H.; Beaudry, Mary C., [https://books.google.com/books?id=4GnpZHRjD0sC Living on the Boott: Historical Archaeology at the Boott Mills Boardinghouses, Lowell, Massachusetts], The Lowell Historic Preservation Commission (1996)
• Savard, Rita, [http://www.lowellsun.com/ci_14245920 "Three Hard Words: I Need Help: Jobs gone and bills mounting, many more in Greater Lowell seek food aid"], The Lowell Sun, January 22, 2010
• Stanton, Cathy, [https://books.google.com/books?id=ahySBLkwGK0C The Lowell Experiment: Public History in a Postindustrial City], University of Massachusetts Press. (2006)
• Weible, Robert, ed. The Continuing Revolution: A History of Lowell, Massachusetts (1991)

• Denenberg, Barry. So Far From Home: The Diary of Mary Driscoll, An Irish Mill Girl, Lowell, Massachusetts 1847 (Dear America Series) (2003)
• Eisler, Benita, [https://books.google.com/books?id=4vJx8mBHU2YC The Lowell Offering: Writings by New England Mill Women (1840-1845)], J.B. Lippincott (1977); Norton (1998)
• Larcom, Lucy, [https://books.google.com/books?id=YGYCAAAAIAAJ "Among Lowell Mill-Girls: a reminiscence"], The Atlantic Monthly, v.XLVIII (48), no.268, November 1881, pp. 593–612.
• The Lowell Historical Society, [https://books.google.com/books?id=yhJUI-1RVkUC Lowell: The Mill City (MA) (Postcard History Series)], Arcadia Publishing. (2005), illustrated postcards

{{commons category|Lowell, Massachusetts}}

{{wikivoyage|Lowell (Massachusetts)|Lowell, Massachusetts}}

{{EB1911 poster|Lowell}}

• [http://www.Lowellma.gov/ City of Lowell official web site]
• [http://www.merrimackvalley.org/ Merrimack Valley Region tourist information]
• [http://library.uml.edu/clh/ University of Massachusetts Lowell, Center for Lowell History]
• [https://www.loc.gov/collections/lowell-folklife-project/about-this-collection/ Lowell Folklife Project], Library of Congress
• {{Cite AmCyc|wstitle=Lowell (city)|display=Lowell, Massachusetts|short=x}}
• {{Cite NIE|wstitle=Lowell|short=x}}
• {{Cite Americana|wstitle=Lowell |short=x}}

{{Middlesex County, Massachusetts}}

{{Massachusetts}}

{{New England}}

{{Greater_Boston}}

{{Northeast Megalopolis}}

{{Northeast US}}

{{Massachusetts county seats}}

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Category:Cities in Massachusetts

Category:County seats in Massachusetts

Category:Populated places established in 1653

Category:Massachusetts populated places on the Merrimack River

Category:History of the textile industry

Category:1653 establishments in the Massachusetts Bay Colony

Category:Cities in Middlesex County, Massachusetts