Each day during the summer season, the skilled interpreters at Slater Mill present demonstrations of the work that was done here and fascinating stories of our history. In addition to the items listed below there is a Special Presentation at 2:00 pm every day. Visitors may check at the Gift Shop to find out what the day’s presentation is.
See the wheel begin to power the machines upstairs and find out how it all happens, from river to machine.
Come and find out the true story behind Samuel Slater and the beginning of the American Industrial Revolution. Was he a genius with a photographic memory; the first industrial spy to make it big; or the first major proponent of commerce driven commercialism in this country?
How did cotton get from the plant to the factory? Find out how the US transformed its economy, and created problems for its political stability, in the early 19th century through the use of this plant. Gin cotton by hand and machine and hear how this process affected all aspects of American life.
What is flax? Follow the story of this plant that has been used for millennia to create beautiful clothing. From the field to fiber and on to thread you will see each step in the creation of linen.
Each day workers would shut down the gates and stop the flow of the river to the wheel. Come and discuss water power and the river as we finish supplying hydropower to the machines in the shop for the day.