Tonight I was pleased to represent the Lowell Heritage Partnership at the National Park and City of Lowell Reception that kicked-off the 10th Annual Doors Open Lowell. Special recognition was also given jointly by the Park and the Lowell Heritage Partnership for “Excellence in Cultural Heritage” to Jr. High teacher Rebecca Duda and her students for their work in reclaiming the Claypit Cemetery; to teacher and historian of the Irish in Lowell David McKean for his preservation work with St. Patrick’s Cemetery and assistance with the UML/Queens university dig at St. Patrick’s Church; and to citizen researcher and historian Marurice Comtois for his work in documenting the burial locations of Lowellians who served in the Civil War; and to urban developers Trinity Financial, LLC for “Excellence in Historic Preservation.” The Trinity group assembled for the award reminded me of the Oscars – when everyone involved trooped happily to the stage. It’s an impressive crew!

Speakers including host Michael Creasey, Superintendent of the Lowell National Historical Park, Lowell City Manager Bernie Lynch, State Senator Eileen Donoghue and Brian Martin, District Director for Congresswoman Niki Tsongas extolled the history, the partnerships, the vision and commitment that is Lowell. Superintendent Creasey while introducing the stakeholders and luminaries in attendance paid particular note and tribute to the presence of “the Father of the Lowell National Historical Park – 93 year old Dr. Patrick J. Mogan.

Another special guest – Lowell Sun publisher Mark O’Neil – with a prologue by Deputy Superintendent Peter Aucella – unveiled the 48-page supplement – available in your Lowell Sun tomorrow – that explores Lowell mill redevelopment efforts to date and what’s in store for the future. Don’t miss it. The photos alone are worth a look. The lead article by Dave Perry and those by Marie Donovan and Dennis Shaughnessy paint an interesting portrait of this redevlopement phenomenon.

The reception and ceremony was one of the best in a bevy of events held all over town in recent weeks. Kudos to the Park and the City.