Exploring Massachusetts, From Coastal Shores To A Unique National Park

It's Labor Day weekend, and whether you're already out soaking up these last precious days of summer or still making your plans, we want to invite you to join us as we explore the region.

We start by taking the ferry to Martha's Vineyard to explore the island's natural history, and take a reflective look at its African American history and heritage.

Then, we head up to Lowell to visit a unique national park that's also a museum of the industrial age, and end with a walk along Cape Cod's outer beach.

David Foster, director of the Harvard Forest and author of "A Meeting of Land and Sea: Nature and the Future of Martha's Vineyard"

Johanne Joseph, tour leader for Martha's Vineyard African-American Heritage Trail

Elaine Weintraub, co-founder of Martha's Vineyard African-American Heritage Trail

Hariette Smith, Martha's Vineyard summer resident

Rep. Niki Tsongas, former congresswoman representing the 3rd district of Massachusetts

Peter Aucella, former assistant superintendent of Lowell National Historic Park

Robert Finch, author of "The Outer Beach: A Thousand Mile Walk On Cape Cod's Atlantic Shore"

Correction: An earlier version of this segment description listed Tsongas as a current congresswoman. We regret the error.