Textile History
Located in the 1814 textile mill recognized as the world’s first integrated factory, the museum explores the significance of textile manufacturing in the context of our country’s industrial development, social systems, and innovation.
The centerpiece of this gallery is a working facsimile of America’s original power loom developed by Francis Cabot Lowell and Paul Moody. This invention revolutionized the basis for future innovations in automation and manufacturing.
The textile history gallery also features a scale model diorama depicting the factory complex in 1825. Here you’ll see the original layout of the factory along the Charles River, the waterfall and canals powering the mill, and the worker’s housing within earshot of the factory bell.
In this gallery you will also find displays on water power and vintage artifacts interpreting the rise of textile manufacturing.
