Windham Textile & History Museum (the Mill Museum) - Willimantic, Connecticut

Bob B.

A trove of information relevant to the thread and clothing industry around Willimantic. Allow 1-2 hours to browse. There is no elevator. The gift shop sells homey, country-style items. Yarn and books relevant to quilting are also found.

Lisa D.

Lovely little museum.
We loved visiting and learning more about the history of the mills in the area.
Museum guide was charming and helpful, and set up a great craft for my daughter.
Definitely worth a visit.
Absolutely beautiful locally made quilts on display

Elizabeth N.

Lovely museum about the history of the thread mill in Windham/Willimantic, CT. Additional rotating programs. Extensive research library. Unique gift shop. Friendly docents willing to make your visit special. Just a few minutes from the UCONN campus.

Corey W.

The museum was very interesting in its set up, different from others! There is exhibit space on the first floor that changes, the second floor is immersive, as you get to walk in the rooms that are set up to represent housing for the workers and the managers, an office and a laundry room. You are able to look at objects up close, instead of from a roped off doorway, which made it feel more real and relatable! There is an amazing doll house, many sewing machines and intersting furniture. The third floor is a library, and the building across the street has many examples of the industrial tools and machines. The staff were all very friendly, welcoming, helpful. Right now, adults cost $10 admission, this is not on the website. This museum is also participating in the free admission for CT kids program this summer. There is a small craft area for kids. Overall, a great museum with a more up close experience!

Jessica F.

I went for work, so I can't give too many details. It was very clean, well out together, bathrooms clean, and the staff were very friendly and helpful! I would definitely go again and on my own time! I will say that I wish the handicap access was a little more accessible.

Justin

I went for the Halloween event they were doing and was definitely not disappointed. While not super scary or creepy the stories they told were very interesting and historically accurate. The only negative thing I have to say was it seemed like it was over way too quickly, I guess that's the sign of a good event.

Kem C.

I took my three kids here and they loved it. While the physical address is on Union Street, the parking lot is on Main Street. The main Entrance is facing Main Street. Upon walking in, you are in the little shop. The counter is where you pay for admission. $7 adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for students aged 10 & older, and group rate is $4. Keep in mind that there is a minimum $20 for use of a credit card.

It is a small museum, but it certainly is worth going. There are displays in the lower level. At the time of our visit, the staff were pulling the displays down to get the Christmas theme up and they are expecting Santa to make his visits on the weekends starting in December. After paying, the staff member will provide you with a booklet for your self-guided tour.

The second floor showcases both the tenement housing and manager housing replicas, both of which you can enter and view the contents of the home (see my pictures). Each room has a detail card that you can read for further explanation. All of the items are antiques on display some of which have been donated by local families. Also on the second floor is the office and a collection of sewing machines through the industrial revolution years.

As you go up to the third floor, there are pictures and art lining the staircase walls. The third floor is a research center where there are books, maps, and pictures dating back to the early 1900's, which you can look through upon sign in.

In the building next door, is a replica of the machines found in a textile mill (see pictures).

Greg S. (.

I plan on visiting here-in the future
I heard wonderful facts about the place