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Bricks and Stories Walking Tour: The Mother of All Textile Mills

  • Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation 154 Moody St Waltham, MA, 02453 United States (map)

Bricks and Stories Tours
of the historic Francis Cabot Lowell Mill 

Come see an evolution of a historic textile mill

Curious about the old mill complex by the river? Discover the history and architecture of the world’s first modern factory, the 1813 Boston Manufacturing Company, which lies right in your own backyard!

Take a walk by the river in the fresh air. On Saturdays, enjoy a tour before or after visiting the Waltham Farmer’s Market. Then have a delicious lunch at one of Waltham’s local eateries.  

It all starts at the Charles River Museum.

Bricks and Stories Walking Tour #1:
The Mother of All Textile Mills

Learn how this maze of buildings developed from a single brick mill—and why that humble mill was a powerhouse of industry and innovation!

Hone your powers of observation as you learn to read the clues that demystify this and other mill sites in every corner of industrial New England. 

What:
Free, 45-minute guided tours with staff members of the Charles River Museum

(WEATHER PERMITTING)

Where:
Tours begin overlooking the river beneath the Charles River Museum smokestack. Follow signs from Landry Park off of Moody Street or the footbridge behind Embassy parking. We meet outside our Visitor Entrance.

Directions and Parking Info HERE 

We look forward to seeing you there!

NOTE: This outdoor guided tour will cross the property of the Francis Cabot Lowell Mill Apartments for elderly and disabled residents. Although most Massachusetts COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted on May 29, the tour will follow social distancing practices and masks are encouraged.

The optimal size for this tour is up to 20 persons.
Groups are welcome to contact the museum to arrange a private tour.