2023 Mass History Conference

Lowell National Historical Park (LNHP) is working with local communities to co-create a new, permanent exhibition, “One City, Many Cultures.” At every stage of the development of the exhibit through a community roundtable process, LNHP has listened to and collaborated with various community stakeholders who are knowledgeable about the city’s culturally diverse population. Based on this community participation, Park staff decided that this new exhibit will tell the stories of diverse cultures and cultural changes that have found their place(s) in Lowell and give it its distinctive urban composition. During this session, community roundtable and Park representatives will discuss how a collaborative model for exhibit and program development can be equitable and inclusive as well as respect varied expertise. The conversation will also explore the challenges and opportunities of committing to a community-driven public history exhibition development process and how an organization can learn from and with a community.