Open June-October, the free tour presents the history of papermaking from Revolutionary times and exhibits scale models of papermaking machinery. The visitors center in the state park offers a free 20 minute multi-media film which traces the history of the textile industry in the city. The visitors center features a multimedia exhibit of how the canal system was used to generate power to make paper. Park focuses on water power, industrialization and related technology. The park can offer educational tours which focus on these themes and provide pre-tour information for teachers who wish to bring students who are studying water power, industrialization or units such as From Farm to Factory .
Staff can provide worksheets to teachers and there is no charge for tours.
Both the state and national parks are located together. The history of the Industrial Revolution is brought to life in this outstanding group of exhibits on the social history of Massachusetts. Included are exhibits which support science and technology, such as demonstrations of water power, the canal system and the weaving looms which have been restored in the Boots Cotton Mills complex, a recreation of the 1920's textile weaving room with interactive exhibits and video programs. Educational programs include a tour of the Suffolk Mill and a 19th century turbine and operating pwer loom. One can take walking tours or travel the'canal by boat to explore this unique urban park.