The Whistler House Museum of Art, birthplace of the artist James McNeill Whistler, was established as the permanent home of the Lowell Art Association, Inc. Founded in 1878, the Lowell Art Association, Inc. owns and operates the Museum as an historic site. Built in 1823, the Whistler House represents the richness of the history of Lowell. The Museum maintains its permanent art collection and organizes contemporary and historical fine arts exhibitions in the adjacent Parker Gallery. It also sponsors varied educational programs, such as the Youth Summer Art Program, and community-oriented culture programs. Artwork from the Museum’s permanent collection is on display in the galleries of the Whistler House Museum of Art. The focus of the collection is late nineteenth century American representational art, with special emphasis on the artists of New England. Among some of the artists represented art Frank Weston Benson, Thomas Bayley Lawson, William Morris Hunt, William M. Paxton, David D. Neal, Frederick Porter Vinton, William Preston Phelps, Cullen Yates, Aldro Hibbard, John Singer Sargent, and Arshile Gorky. The Museum is also proud to own a fine collection of James McNeill Whistler’s etchings, prints, and artifacts. The Historic House and adjacent Parker Gallery may also be rented for special events or functions.