The Lowell Heritage Partnership (LHP) is a coalition formed in 2000 to preserve and enhance Lowell's natural, built, and cultural heritage through community partnership. The LHP evolved from a discussion among grassroots activists begun at the historic Spalding House and was further developed in a public forum at Middlesex Community College. Recognizing the need for broad-based advocacy for quality of life issues that are rooted in Lowell's distinctive character and resources, leaders from several organizations and agencies pledged to collaborate in pursuit of common objectives.

The LHP founders believe that the protection, preservation, and enhancement of Lowell's historic, natural, and cultural resources have been and will continue to be the foundation for Lowell's successful economic revitalization. Lowell's unique history, extraordinary waterways and landscape, significant architecture, and multicultural population make the city a precious national and world-class location.

In the summer of 2000, the LHP and City co-sponsored a celebration recognizing Lowell's selection as one of twelve Distinctive Destinations in America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In fall 2000, the Parker Foundation of Boston awarded the LHP a $50,000 grant. The LHP conducted a neighborhood assessment of the current state of urban design, historic preservation, environmental protection, and cultural heritage activities. With this baseline of information, the LHP will be able to respond to the needs and desires of Lowell residents. A guide to Lowell¹s Special Places will be published in late 2002. In May 2002, the LHP co-sponsored Preservation Week in Lowell, with a workshop on preservation and the arts, the Doors Open Lowell tours, and a lecture by naturalist and author John Hanson Mitchell.

The LHP is a forum for community discussion, an advocate for quality of life issues, a vehicle for collaborating with partners throughout Lowell, and a source of both financial assistance and technical expertise. The LHP board of directors includes the ten founding members: Center City Committee, Coalition for a Better Acre, Human Services Corporation, Lowell Historic Board, Lowell Historical Society, Lowell: The Flowering City, Lowell National Historical Park, Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust, Middlesex Community College, and University of Massachusetts Lowell. Five additional seats on the board of directors will be filled on a rotating basis by non-founding partners. The LHP is open to all organization, agencies, and groups.

The newly elected officers are: Paul Marion, President, Peter Aucella, Vice-President, Jane Calvin, Treasurer, and Laura Daly, Clerk.