Social media especially Facebook and Twitter and other technology has brought a added dimension to celebrating and sharing the Lowell Folk Festival. Personally, my thanks to Facebook friends who posted spectacular photos from the opening parade and kick-off of the 28th Annual Lowell Folk Festival! Deb Belanger, Phil Lupsiewicz , Jennifer…
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An excerpt from the chapter about the Lowell Folk Festival in my forthcoming book, Mill Power: The Origin and Impact of Lowell National Historical Park, which will be available from Rowman & Littlefield Publishers in September. The book was produced in collaboration with the National Park Service. Here is…
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In the year 1215 a bunch of English nobles staged a tax revolt against the king and threatened his overthrow. Attempting to buy time, the king agreed to sign a petition they composed that set out their rights and privileges in relation to the monarchy. As soon as the crisis…
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This is a re-post from July 2013, pulled from the richardhowe.com archives—PM The media coverage of family friction involving the owners of the Market Basket supermarket empire sent me back in the Time Tunnel to the mid-1960s, maybe 1965, when the Ford Mustang was the sports car of the moment…
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The news about Gov. Deval Patrick seeking ways to aid children caught in a crisis situation along the southern border of the U.S. reminded me of an example of a member of Congress from Lowell trying to help children in distress during WWII. This is an excerpt from my essay…
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The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus (1849-87) Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From…
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Here are two articles for your Saturday morning reading. Both note how America and Americans address problems. The first from Ann McFeatters – a columnist who has covered the White House for years – speaks in more general terms – “Americans sure have odd ways of dealing with their problems“…
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Congratulations to the rangers at Lowell National Historical Park who have launched a new video series called “Behind the Park.” These videos gives you a behind the scenes look at some of Lowell’s most historic structures. Episode 2, on St. Anne’s Church, just launched on YouTube and Episode 1 on…
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To wrap up my account of a recent visit to the cultural attractions in Salem, Mass., I will think out loud about what made it a good day and what that has to do with marketing Lowell. First, everyone we encountered was pleasant and helpful, from the parking garage attendant…
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This post is a follow up to my earlier one about a recent visit to Salem, Mass., a place my family has been to many times. Rosemary and I try to get around the region in the summer especially, and a day trip to Salem is always a good choice.…
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