Collections

Printing Shop and Weaving Shop

Daily letterpress demonstrations at the Printing Shop highlight the technological changes that transformed communications in New England. A variety of nineteenth- and twentieth-century presses are on view, some of which are used to create unique and original souvenirs sold in the Museum Store.

The adjacent Weaving Shop exhibits several barn-frame looms and a rare 1890s jacquard loom, important for its key role in the development of mass-produced, intricately-patterned textiles. Many other historic textiles are also on view, including blankets, coverlets, towels, tablecloths, and yardage used for curtains and clothing.

The Printing and Weaving Shops were built for the Museum in 1955, using salvaged building materials.