Windham Textile & History Museum: A Mill Town Story

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Discover the history of textiles and the stories of mill workers at the Windham Textile & History Museum in Willimantic, Connecticut.

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Windham Textile & History Museum (the Mill Museum)

Explore the history of textiles and the lives of mill workers at the Windham Textile & History Museum, housed in the former headquarters of the American Thread Company in Willimantic, CT. Discover exhibits showcasing vintage machinery, clothing, and photographs that bring the past to life.

A brief summary to Windham Textile & History Museum (the Mill Museum)

411 Main St, Willimantic, Willimantic, Connecticut, 06226, US
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Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Sunday 10 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Windham Textile & History Museum (the Mill Museum).

Check the museum's website for information on special events, workshops, and temporary exhibitions.
Visit the Diana K. Perkins Gift Shop and Emporium for books, art, crafts, and historical memorabilia.
Explore the surrounding area of Willimantic to see the architecture of the former mill town.

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Getting There

Walking

The Windham Textile & History Museum is located at 411 Main Street in downtown Willimantic. From the Frog Bridge, head east on Main Street for two blocks. The museum is on the north side of the street. Limited parking is available in the museum's parking lot. Additional parking can be found on Union Street and in the Windham Mills parking lot across Main Street on weekends. There is accessible parking in the lot at 411 Main Street.
Public Transport

The CT Transit bus route 918 provides service to Willimantic from Hartford. From the bus stop on Main Street, walk a short distance to the museum. A single ride on the bus costs approximately $2-$5. Local routes within Windham/Willimantic are serviced by WRTD, with single rides available.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Willimantic. A ride from Hartford to Willimantic costs around $39. From anywhere in Willimantic, a short taxi or ride-share to the museum will likely cost between $5 and $15, depending on the distance and demand.

Discover more about Windham Textile & History Museum (the Mill Museum)

The Windham Textile & History Museum, also known as the Mill Museum, offers a glimpse into the textile industry's significant role in shaping Willimantic, Connecticut, also known as Thread City. Housed in the historic former headquarters of the American Thread Company, the museum preserves and interprets the history of textiles, the textile arts, and the experiences of the people who worked in the mills.The museum's main building was constructed in 1877 by the Willimantic Linen Company as a company store and library. The store occupied the first two floors, while the third floor housed a library and meeting room. The American Thread Company later converted the building into its main office. Today, the museum comprises two buildings: the former company store (Dunham Hall) and the Jonathan Dugan Building.Exhibits include the Brooke Shannon Antique Sewing Machine Room, a re-creation of a manager's office, and a replica of boarding houses from the 1880s. Visitors can explore artifacts such as vintage machinery, clothing, and photographs. The museum also hosts special events, workshops, and temporary exhibitions.