Preserving Modern and Historic Textiles, and more
In late June, I attended the opening of the Maine MILL, “a museum dedicated to Maine’s rich history, innovation and community.” The term “MILL” stands for Maine Innovation, Learning, Labor. The organization has been located in Lewiston at another location for ten years, but recently moved into a newly-renovated brick building at 1 Beech Street in Lewiston.
The new museum is impressive. It houses:
- beautifully-designed exhibits exploring history and heritage;
- a collection of over 10,000 artifacts, many of which were found in the deserted mills of Lewiston and Auburn;
- 300 recorded interviews and oral histories about life and labor from the 1900’s on (with several posted on their website);
- modern and vintage locally-produced textiles;
- machinery involved in local production;
- personal items and tools owned by the mill workers; and
- photographs of mill work and social life.
Along with the above, the new museum offers:
- guided tours for individuals or groups;
- special programs for teachers and students;
- rotating exhibitions “reflecting the museum’s broader mission to connect art, history industry, and community through exhibitions rooted in the stories and materials of Maine;” and
- “Woven Conversations,” an ongoing series of talks that weaves together contemporary creative practice with the rich history of the mill. Each event invites artists, makers, and thinkers to explore how place, labor, memory, and material shape their work.”
Local residents and Maine people are continually adding to the museum’s collection by scouring their attics and homes, and as such, the collection continues to evolve. Check their website to read about workshops, events, talks and other interesting presentations.
