I’m posting this for Marie due to technical difficulties out the Rte. 133 way. — PM

Last Thursday evening, Lowell National Historical Park and its community partner the Lowell Heritage Partnership hosted a reception to honor some who have contributed to the preservation of not only the “built environment” but also local culture and heritage—and to mark the start of the summer visitor season and promote Doors Open Lowell weekend and National Preservation Month.

Among those honored was Richard Howe—recognized as noted by LHP President Paul Marion as “an outstanding historian who unleashed Lowell Walks on to the community.” Dick created the concept of “Lowell Walks”—a series of guided walking tours of downtown Lowell on Saturday mornings throughout the summer.  Each tour has a different topic led by a different tour guide.  All tours begin at 10:00 a.m. from the Park Visitor Center. The attendance and popularity of the tours went way beyond the expected! With a range of topics and “expert” guides, the project blossomed. In accepting the recognition, Dick noted the role of the LNHP with the Walks:”The genius of the park is its collaborative spirit.” He appreciated how enthusiastic the National Park Service was when he proposed Lowell Walks. In its first year, 1,300 people participated in the 13 walks. The new season of Lowell Walks begins on June 11, and as always information about the schedule, tour topics and guide is available on the blog!

As our readers knows, Dick Howe, Northern Middlesex County Register of Deeds, is the co-author and author of two Lowell history books and well known for his tours of the Lowell Cemetery.

Other award winners included Martha Mayo for lifelong achievement in the preservation and presentation of Lowell history with UMass Lowell, the Lowell Historical Society and other groups; Winn Companies for outstanding adaptive reuse at the Counting House Lofts on Jackson Street, accepted by Michael Putziger; and the Asian American Cultures Festival produced by the UMass Lowell Asian American Studies Center, Angkor Dance Troupe, UMass Lowell World Music Ensemble, and Flying Orb Productions.