Collection + Exhibits
Object of the Month
Get a glimpse of the past with highlighted artifacts from the museum’s collection.
With more than 10,00 artifacts in our collection, there’s a lot to learn about. Come along with us as we unearth one item a month and take a deep dive into its use, significance, and any community stories connected to its history, meaning, or purpose.
From archival photographs to awards, manufacturing tools and inventions to locally made holiday ornaments from a once renown manufacturer—get a glimpse into the past, right now.
January 2026: Weaving Inspection Tools
These tools were meant for the inspection, mending, and hand picking of any imperfections in the weaves and textiles in the Lewiston mills. With regular use these tools developed a gorgeous patina and are a testament to the careful eye of the workers to ensure that only the finest textiles and products were shipped out for sale to consumers.
On the comb is visible the branding of E. Parkinson MFG Co. The Edward Parkinson Manufacturing Company was started in 1871 by the titular machinist from England. He began by making and repairing loom forks and sewing machines. In the years 1884 through 1906, the company had patents for a knitting machine, a bobbin winder, and a weft fork for looms. The company still exists today under the name of Parkinson Machinery, and its technology has been redefined to meet the needs of nonwoven, paper, and the plastic industries.
Did you miss a past Object of The Month?
We’ve gone through a treasure trove of items from our collection over the years. Scroll through and see what you may have missed.
January 2022: Piano Punching Machine
The creation of Jacquard cards to control the weave sequence on a textile loom was a multi-step process. A crucial piece of this process involved the use of the Piano Punching Machine, which is our object of the month. It encoded the fabric design into stacks of cards...
Help preserve Maine MILL artifacts
Antique and vintage items need a lot of maintenance to prolong their lifetime. Help us to preserve and care for these historical items and representations of our community’s history by donating today.