About
Experienced spinner and weaver Peggy Church leads a drop-in spinning bee at the Mill Museum on the fourth Saturday of each month. Bring a spindle or wheel or just hang out. No admission is charged for this event. Whether you’re an experienced spinner or a beginner, this gathering of the local fibers arts community is well worth the visit.
When and Where
The Spinning Bee is on the fourth Saturday of every month, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., upstairs in the Museum’s Dugan Hall at 157-B Union St., Willimantic, CT 06226
Dugan Hall is next to our main building. Park on Union Street (easiest, with accessible spaces reserved) or in the museum’s main parking lot at 411 Main Street.
History
In Colonial Connecticut, women held spinning bees for camaraderie, friendship, and encouragement. Novice spinners learned from experienced spinners, and experienced spinners shared lessons learned over a lifetime of work. During the American Revolution, spinning bees gave women an opportunity for political expression and participation. Patriot women organized spinning bees in support of the non-importation of English manufactured cloth, producing homespun in support of the patriot cause. The Mill Museum invites all spinners — women, men, and children; patriots and loyalists; novices and veterans. Spin or just watch, it’s up to you.