Essex National Heritage Area
Lawrence History Center: Immigrant City Archives and Museum
Lawrence Visitors


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Lawrence, Massachusetts

6 Essex Street, Lawrence, MA 01840
Telephone Number: 978-686-9230
www.lawrencehistorycenter.org
Map


(The Industrial Trail)


The Immigrant City Archives (ICA) was established in 1978 to preserve the history of Lawrence and its people. It is the official repository for Lawrence city records. The organization's name underscores the unique vision of the Archives to celebrate Lawrence's ethnic diversity while chronicling the continuity that unifies the experiences of newcomers.


Lawrence played a central role in the Industrial Revolution in America. Lawrence was the site of the Great Textile Strike in 1912, also called the "Bread and Roses Strike," which helped shape the character of both the labor and women's movements. At its height Lawrence was regarded as the Woolen Manufacturing Capital of the World.


The ICA is located in the original Essex Company building built in 1845. The building, one of five structures located in a courtyard surrounded by a brick wall, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the North Canal Historic District. Documentation, exhibits and photographic research on labor and ethnic history are available for research by appointment. The collection has grown to include thousands of books, manuscripts, photographs, taped oral histories and memorabilia relating to Lawrence and its people. Nearly everyday, a staff experienced in genealogical research helps people trace their family history.



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