Analog and Microfilm Format
While there are number of print clippings and full pages of the Lowell Sun to be found in the Center's archival collections, full print runs of the newspapers are not retained. The Lowell Sun is preserved on microfilm at the Center for Lowell History (Aug.1881-Oct.2000) and the Pollard Memorial Library (Aug. 1881- to Present). The Pollard has their print copies of the newspaper microfilmed so expect a several month delay following publication. It should be noted that the print editions of the newspaper are formatted differently than the electronic version. Both the Center for Lowell History and the Pollard Memorial Library have analog and digital microfilm stations with the capability of digitizing selections for patron use.
The Lowell Sun's Photography Collection (AKA the Morgue) circa 1971-1993 was acquired by the Lowell Historical Society and is part of the Center for Lowell History's holdings. For access email archives@uml.edu
Electronic Format
The Internet Archive has made digitized microfilm of early editions available via the Lowell Sun Newspaper Archive (1893-1924)
The Lowell Sun from its 1881 founding to 1977 is available in digital form via NewspaperArchive 1700s - 2024 | NewspaperArchive. If you have a City of Lowell Library card you can use it to log into the site free of charge from this webpage Electronic Resources 📚 Pollard Memorial Library (lowelllibrary.org) by scroll down to the Newspapers section. This site also gives access to the electronic version of the present day Sun that became available in 2001. The University Library also has access to current Lowell Sun editions: A-Z Databases (uml.edu)
If you are a Lowell resident or a UMass Lowell student, and do not have a Pollard Memorial Library card, you can acquire one by following this link: UML eCard 📚 Pollard Memorial Library (lowelllibrary.org).
Note: Nearly three decades of the Lowell Sun are not yet available electronically in any form. "The dark years" for the Lowell Sun are 1977-2000. The only way to access this resource is is by viewing microfilm on site.
