LOWELL, Mass.–Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union is presenting the “George of Lowell” storefront display honoring the late Lowell photographer, George Poirier. Framed pictures, props and other artifacts line the shelves of the new display, located on the fourth floor of Mill No. 5 on Jackson Street in Lowell.
Throughout his career Poirier was known for capturing hundreds of thousands of photos of weddings, first communions, special events, and visits to the city by well-known people such as The Three Stooges, Jack Kerouac and President John F. Kennedy. Whether a family function or a glimpse into the day-to-day routine of a neighbor, Poirier was the go-to guy for photography in the city, the credit union said.
After his passing in 2015, Poirier’s equipment remained in his studio on University Avenue. Looking for a way to preserve the memorabilia, photographer and close friend of Poirier, Peg Shanahan, reached out to Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union with the hope that the financial institution would agree to secure the priceless artifacts.
With the help of The Poirier Family, hanahan and Mill No. 5 owner Jim Lichoulas, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union kicked off the project.
“We couldn’t be happier with how the storefront came out,” said Mark S. Cochran, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. “George was such a significant part of Lowell’s history and touched so many lives with his talent in photography. We are proud to honor him and keep his memory alive in the city,” he added.
The display will be a revolving tribute with the addition of new and interesting visual content on a regular basis. Community members are encouraged to stop by the storefront frequently to admire the artifacts that helped Mr. Poirier build his legacy.
Above right, the family of late Lowell photographer, George Poirier, famously known as “George of Lowell,” which has entrusted Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union with the preservation of artifacts that helped Mr. Poirier build his legacy. The cameras, photos, props, lighting and other equipment are now on display on the fourth floor of Mill No. 5 on Jackson Street in Lowell.