Textile History

Located in an 1814 textile mill recognized as America's first factory, the museum vibrantly explains the significance of textile manufacturing in the context of our country's industrial development, social systems, and attitudes toward work.

The centerpiece of this gallery is 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.

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Textile History Objects

Diorama of 1825 mill complex

19th-century cotton picking machine

20th-century tube knitting
 machine


Interactive cotton separator


1964 Draper power loom