The Windham Textile Mill and History Museum

What: Windham Textile and History Museum
Where: 411 Main Street, Willimantic, CT 06226 (map)
When: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM and by appointment.
Admission: Adults: $5.00, Students and Seniors: $3.50
Age Group: All ages

The Textile Mill and History Museum in Windham is a great way to learn about nineteenth century working conditions in American mills.  Unbearable temperatures, long hours, low wages and cramped spaces were just a daily part of life at the American Thread Company’s back when the mill was still operational.

During the 1890’s, American Thread was producing 85,000 miles of thread a day. The company established mills in what became Willimantic and Milo, Maine, for the production of wooden spools. This was the Victorian era and the height of Willimantic ’s role in the industrial revolution.

From the Mill Museum’s website:

The Mill Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of the textile industry, the working people of the mills and explores their home life in unique ways.

Focusing on the time period of 1870 to 1920, the present two historic buildings which were built in 1877 and situated within the massive mill complex of the former Willimantic Linen Company, located in Willimantic, CT, are a lively place of enjoyment and learning.

The town of Windham is made up of four parts: North Windham, Windham Center, South Windham and Willimantic. As with many towns with abundant river water-power, mills were a very large part of the history of the town.The Museum is located in two buildings formerly owned by the Willimantic Thread Company (1854-1898). This company was bought by British owned American Thread Company (1898-1985).

Today, the mill is being used for business space and residential apartments.  The museum, located directly across the street, is where you’ll find recreations of the workers homes and working spaces, as well as some of the original equipment that was used in the factory.

The museum is open year round, and is an excellent destination for class trips, youth groups, or anyone interested in learning more about the history of the American worker.  You can find more on the web at www.millmuseum.org

Tags: All Ages, Class Trips, Historic Locations, History, Willimantic, Windham, Windham County

Category: Things To Do