We can trace the origins of women’s civic activism in Lowell to the early 1830s. After leaders within several local corporations voted to lower wages, women in Lowell stood up against the city’s corporate interests. They staged walkouts and later, wrote petitions to fight for better work conditions, including shorter days. But how far could women take a social movement without the right to cast ballots?
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Lowell National Historical Park
Article 1: Early Strikes in Lowell
Follow the story of two strikes, or "turnouts," that happened while mill girls were the main workforce in Lowell. Why did some succeed, and others fail? Read more
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Lowell National Historical Park
Article 2: Lowell Female Labor Reform Association
In January of 1845, the Lowell Female Labor Reform Association (LFLRA) was founded. This organization, which collaborated and fundraised with other local labor groups like the New England Workingmen’s Association and New England Labor Reform League, dedicated itself to advancing the interests of Lowell’s female work force at the state level. Read more
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Lowell National Historical Park
Article 3: The 1910 Convention
In 1910, the Massachusetts Woman Suffrage Association held their annual convention in the city of Lowell. Learn about how the city's guests and residents spent these two historic days demonstrating and discussing! Read more
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Lowell National Historical Park
Article 4: The 1910 Suffrage Convention: A Full Timeline
An in-depth breakdown of the topics and activities covered by suffragists in 1910 at Lowell's Massachusetts Woman Suffrage Association Convention. Read more
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Lowell National Historical Park
Article 5: The 1915 Massachusetts Referendum
In 1915 the state of Massachusetts held a referendum on the question of woman suffrage – with a majority vote, all women in the state would be able to vote in state elections. Read more