National Park Service removes historic films about mill workers in Lowell

Debate grows over how American history should be told after films documenting lives of mill workers were taken down

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:19am

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The National Park Service has removed two historical films that documented the lives of mill workers, including women and immigrants, who helped build the city of Lowell, Massachusetts during the Industrial Revolution. The films highlighted the harsh conditions in the factories but also Lowell's transformation into a diverse city. Historians and local lawmakers are pushing to have the films restored, arguing that telling the city's full history, "warts and all," is essential to preserving the truth about Lowell's development.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights a broader debate over how American history should be portrayed, especially when it comes to acknowledging the difficult realities faced by marginalized groups like immigrant and female workers. The removal of the films is part of a federal directive to review historical content to ensure it aligns with "accurate and shared national values," raising concerns that important historical narratives could be censored or altered.

The details

The two films that were removed from public viewing at the Lowell National Historical Park described the noisy, unhealthy and dangerous conditions that mill workers, including women and immigrants, faced in the factories. However, the films also highlighted how Lowell was transformed into a diverse city shaped by generations of newcomers. Historians and local lawmakers argue that removing these films risks leaving out key parts of Lowell's identity and history.

  • The films were removed from public viewing at the Lowell National Historical Park in 2026.
  • Lowell marked its 200th birthday on March 1, 2026.

The players

Robert Forrant

A history professor at UMass Lowell and Lowell resident who says removing the films risks leaving out key parts of the city's identity.

Tara Hong

A state representative whose district includes Lowell, who is pushing federal lawmakers to restore the films.

Ed Markey

A U.S. Senator from Massachusetts who has criticized the films being taken down and posted one of them to his YouTube page.

Elizabeth Warren

A U.S. Senator from Massachusetts who received a letter from Rep. Tara Hong regarding the removal of the films.

Lori Trahan

A U.S. Representative from Massachusetts who received a letter from Rep. Tara Hong regarding the removal of the films.

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What they’re saying

“Having those stories available to people when they come to visit the park or they go online and look at the material in the park is critically important.”

— Robert Forrant, History professor at UMass Lowell

“I don't see anything wrong in [the films]. [They] just showed the beautification of our city of Lowell. It's a story that really resonates with many of us here in the city of Lowell.”

— Tara Hong, State Representative

“If we don't learn from history, we are bound to repeat it, and that's why I've put the video up. I now have tens of thousands of views because people care about history.”

— Ed Markey, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The National Park Service says the films were flagged for review as part of a federal directive, but emphasized that being flagged does not mean the material will be changed or removed permanently. The agency said staff were asked to identify items that might warrant clarification, and that in most cases across the national park system, materials identified for review remain unchanged.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the ongoing debate over how to accurately and sensitively portray difficult chapters in American history, especially when it comes to the experiences of marginalized groups. Preserving these historical narratives, even with their "warts," is crucial for understanding the full story of how places like Lowell were built and evolved over time.