What do dish towels, dorm-style boarding houses, and secret British tech have in common? Welcome to Lowell National Historical Park — the birthplace of American industrial innovation and a catalyst for social change.

In this episode, host Missy Rentz explores the fascinating history of Lowell, Massachusetts, with Park Ranger Aubrey Brown. Discover how Lowell became the blueprint for mill towns across the U.S., why it centered young women as its primary workforce, and how the hum of textile looms sparked waves of activism, immigration, and independence.

🎧 You’ll learn about:

• The power looms that changed American manufacturing forever
• The "mill girls" who fought for better conditions—and found their voices
• How WWII shifted the mills from dishcloths to parachutes
• Why the boarding house system gave women a rare taste of freedom
• Today’s immersive visitor experience, including weaving demos, canal walks, and cultural exhibits

From innovation to labor rights, Lowell’s story is more than machinery—it’s a lens into the American spirit. Press play and get inspired by this city’s past and its ongoing legacy.