Friends of the Lawrence Heritage State Park

09/10/2026

Tonight, Thursday, September 10th, from 6:30-8:00 pm, the Wilmington Library is screening an updated version of the Middlesex Canal Association's "Journey Along the Middlesex Canal," which runs about 50 minutes. It's FREE and open to the public, but they advise preregistering.

https://wilmlibrary.libnet.info/event/17147736

On a related note, in July, a judge in Middlesex Superior Court ruled in favor of CRT Development Realty, which owns the Middlesex Canal dam in Billerica, allowing them to remove it. The court annulled prior denials by the Billerica Historic Districts Commission (BHDC) and ordered the commission to issue a certificate authorizing the removal project. Preservation groups like the Middlesex Canal Association strongly oppose the removal because draining the pond will destroy the historic summit pond linked to the 1793 canal system. It will be interesting to see if this ruling impacts the North and South canals in Lawrence, which are owned and operated by Patriot Hydro LLC., as their maintenance and upkeep have been an ongoing battle between the company and local, state, and federal agencies.

Join us for a screening and discussion with the filmmaker. . Event starts at September 10, 2026 6:30 PM EDT

09/06/2026

Enjoy this music-accompanied photo essay from Tuesday's Lawrence Heritage State Park's wonderful 40th anniversary celebration. We hope to see you during tomorrow's Labor Day Bread & Roses Heritage Festival at LHSP, where we'll be offering half off on the price of a Friends' membership. (You can also signup online.) Please help support our beloved Heritage park for another 40 years!

09/06/2026

Tuesday's 40th anniversary celebration was a day to remember and appreciate. I think Friends' Treasurer Susan Grabski's following words sums it up best:

"Congratulations to Rich, Becca, Kyle, and everyone at LHSP on a truly wonderful event today celebrating the 40th anniversary of Lawrence Heritage State Park. Such a remarkable milestone and a wonderful testament to the importance of LHSP to Lawrence and to the generations of people who have worked to preserve, interpret, and bring its history to life.

There was so much to celebrate. The amazing turnout, heartfelt speeches from those who have played—and continue to play—a role at the Park, the beautiful exhibit, Mary Girouard (and her famous skirt!), the former Mayors, former Governor Dukakis, and so much more. It was truly a special day for Lawrence.

A special thank you as well to Jim Beauchesne for his continued leadership as president of the Friends, and to Rich Padova for putting together such a wonderful program, and to both of them for the many ways they have championed and supported the Park over the years.

And, last but certainly not least, deep appreciation to the Park staff for all of the hard work, care, and attention that went into making today such a success.

Well done, everyone. Cheers to another 40 years!"

09/04/2026

Bread & Roses festival returns to Heritage State Park | News | eagletribune.com https://share.google/bRLC79ewb42aRTFgN

09/04/2026

Sharing for our friends at Bread & Roses Heritage Festival - Click the link for more information:

https://mailchi.mp/breadandrosesheritage/save-the-date-for-the-2025-bread-roses-festival-10143395?e=289d9fc3f1

09/02/2026

The year 2012 marks the centennial anniversary of the Great Lawrence Strike of 1912, popularly known as The Bread and Roses Strike. To commemorate this pivotal moment in labor history, many organizations have joined to form the Bread & Roses Centennial Committee. The committee is dedicated to coordi...

09/02/2026

Our thanks to Terry Date / The Eagle-Tribune for covering today's wonderful event celebrating the 40th anniversary of Lawrence Heritage State Park. Such a remarkable milestone and a wonderful testament to the importance of LHSP to Lawrence and to the generations of people who have worked to preserve, interpret, and bring its history to life.

LAWRENCE — Former Gov. Michael Dukakis, 92, sat in the front row – a seat of honor – at Lawrence Heritage State Park’s birthday party on Tuesday.

09/02/2026

Please join us tomorrow, September 2nd, from 12-1pm, for the LAST Bring-Your-Own-Lunch program of the summer, with DCR summer interpreter Rich Padova. Rich will discuss the history of Labor Day and present guests with one of his challenging quizzes. This is a great precursor to the upcoming Bread & Roses Festival on Labor Day, September 7th, which is being held this year at the Lawrence Heritage State Park Visitor Center. Light refreshments will be served.

08/29/2026

LAWRENCE — On Friday nights during the Feast of the Three Saints, some of the St. Alfio Society volunteers have over the years slipped away from the Italian festival on

08/27/2026

This is a reminder that in addition to the annual boat tours, the LHSP Visitor Center offers walking tours all year-round. Although DCR Summer Interpreter Rich Padova's summer season ends after Labor Day, Visitor Services Supervisor Becca Morris is always available to lead a walking tour. As September approaches and the weather cools, this is the ideal time to brush up on your Lawrence history or learn something new. The walking tours are subject to change, so it's best to call the Visitor Center ahead of time to check availability: 978-794-1655.