Telling HerStory 2014: The Lowell Offering

The Book:

The Lowell Offering. Writings by New England Mill Women 1840-1845. Edited with Introduction and Commentary by Benita Eisler.

What's it about:

From the back cover: "From the farms of New England, these hopeful young women flocked to the boardinghouse mills of Lowell, Massachusetts, in the 1830s and 1840s. Lured by higher wages offered to female employees anywhere in America, they sought and found independence and opportunity in the country's first planned industrial community."

This book includes letters and narrative written by the women themselves.

Why you should read it:

Have Mill Girl ancestors? You need to read this to better understand their lives.


Additional resources:

• Modern History Sourcebook: Harriett Robinson: Lowell Mill Girls
• Lowell Mill Girls
• The Lowell Offering Index by Judith Ranta