Church records at the Lawrence History Center in Lawrence, Massachusetts
If you have ancestors from Lawrence, Massachusetts, the Lawrence History Center is a must-visit destination. Nestled along the Merrimack River, this quaint city covers seven square miles in Essex County, bordering New Hampshire. It boasts a rich mosaic of diverse cultures. Originally part of Methuen and Andover, Lawrence was incorporated in 1847, at the height of the Industrial Revolution. Its prime riverside location made it a bustling hub for various mills. Many of these mills still dot the skyline today, offering a unique mix of industrial architecture and modern adaptations that echo a bygone era. As someone hailing from a small New England mill city, I found Lawrence utterly charming. I visited on a cold day in February of this year, 2025. Lawrence History Center research room The Lawrence History Center, established in 1978 as the Immigrant City Archives by Eartha Dengler, a German immigrant, is a treasure trove of history. Eartha's portrait proudly adorns the facility, wa...
