Lawrence History Center

Founded 1978, as Immigrant City Archives, by Eartha Dengler, located In the historic Essex Company Complex, which was created the city around the dam and canal system they developed to power some of the largest mills in the world.

The mission of the Lawrence History Center is to collect, preserve, share, and interpret the history and heritage of Lawrence and its people.

The vision of the Lawrence History Center is to be the most distinguished small-city archive in New England, and a model for how such centers can survive, thrive and add value in the information age. The Center will be known for galvanizing Lawrence around its own dynamic history and potential and for engaging all those it touches -- in Lawrence and beyond -- in building the shared immigration story that is truly the story of this country.

We have over 800 oral histories and thousands of images. Part of the collection is searchable online, and we participate in the world of social media. The year 2012 marks the most significant historic event to occur in Lawrence, the Centennial of the Strike of 1912, "Bread & Roses," which was covered internationally and ended in Congressional hearings attended by First Lady, Mrs. Taft.  We serve as a historic site, research archive and an active participant in the vibrant life of this gateway city, then and now.

Open Tuesday-Friday 9-4, Saturdays by appointment
To better prepare for your visit, we recommend calling ahead.

For research requests e-mail:
research@lawrencehistorycenter.org