The Measure of Work: Sounds of Labor in Lowell Project

The Measure of Work: Sounds of Labor in Lowell

Image by Sarah Buchmeier

Music as History: Interpreting the Soundscape of Work Across Time
Lowell NHP has partnered with Mosaic Lowell to launch an exciting new project, The Measure of Work: Sounds of Labor in Lowell, a collection of original musical pieces that tell the story of labor across Lowell’s long history. These compositions will bring musical expression together with the soundscape of work from different eras and will reflect the diverse community that lives and lived here. The final recordings will be made publicly available through the National Park Service website and mobile app as well as listening stations installed in the Boott Cotton Mills Museum. We hope to have a limited pressing of vinyl records available for sale in the park gift shop.

How to Get Involved
Be part of the composition process! Join our cohort of composers for our composer workshop series and explore the soundscape of work through Lowell's many eras. Programs include special ranger-led talks, hands-on activities, and a discussion with the composers where you can share your ideas and experiences that will inspire the music of Lowell. No musical background necessary!

Composer Workshop Series Information

Saturday, October 19, 2-4pm
Agriculture & Early Industry

Saturday, November 2, 2-4pm
The Industrial Era

Saturday, November 16, 2-4pm
Globalization | Diversification & Preservation | Technology

All workshops meet at the Visitor Center located at 246 Market Street.



This project is funded by a grant from the National Park Foundation through generous support from the Mellon Foundation.