Discover the rich history and stories of Lowell Cemetery through guided walking tours that showcase its art, architecture, and notable residents.
Spring Tours
Save the Dates for the Spring Walking Tours at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, starting at the Knapp Ave. entrance. Lowell Cemetery Trustee Richard Howe, Jr., will lead 90-minute tours highlighting the lives of some of the fascinating people buried here.
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- Ewart Mausoleum
- James C. Ayer Lion
- Lawton Mausoleum
- Louisa Maria Wells Monument
- Moses G. Parker Mausoleum
- Receiving Tomb
- Rogers Mausoleum
- Sargent Mausoleum
- Shedd Mausoleum
- Simmons Tomb
- Talbot Chapel
- Theodore Edson Parker Mausoleum
- Wiggin Mausoleum
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions about walking tours at Lowell Cemetery.
The tours are guided walks that explore the art, architecture, and remarkable stories of those buried at Lowell Cemetery. Led by historian and Trustee Richard Howe Jr., the tours highlight the cemetery’s cultural significance and historic landscape.
Walking tours are offered one weekend each Spring and Fall. Each tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Tours start either at the Knapp Ave. or Lawrence St. entrances of Lowell Cemetery. Signs or volunteers are present to help guide visitors to the meeting location.
Richard P. Howe Jr., a Lowell Cemetery Trustee, created RichardHowe.com, a hyperlocal blog about Lowell, and founded Lowell Walks, a series of guided tours plus related heritage activities. He is the author of several books on aspects of Lowell, including a history about veterans’ organizations. Dick has served as the official tour guide of the Lowell Cemetery since 2012.
During the 90-minute walking tour, discover Lowell Cemetery’s remarkable monuments, sculptures, and burial sites while hearing the fascinating stories of those laid to rest here. From Civil War heroes and mill girls to social reformers, inventors, athletes, philanthropists, and industrial leaders, their lives and legacies are brought vividly to life.
Signs with QR codes are posted at a series of significant monuments. Scan the code and hear Lowell Cemetery Trustee Richard Howe Jr. discuss individuals, monuments, and Lowell history within a regional and national context, with some amazing connections to topics like the invention of the telephone number, a first-hand account of the death of Lincoln, a 20th century presidential campaign, and patent medicine.
Walking tours are free and open to the public with no registration required. Visitors are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early.
Yes, the tours are family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Comfortable walking shoes, water, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. The cemetery grounds include hills and uneven paths, so plan accordingly.
Yes, respectful photography of monuments, sculptures, and landscapes is permitted.
Free parking is typically available near the cemetery entrances. Visitors are encouraged to follow posted signage and avoid blocking pathways or burial sites.
Yes. Lowell Cemetery is open to the public, and visitors are welcome to walk and explore the grounds during operating hours.