SPINNING & WEAVING AT THE MILL MUSEUM

Monthly Spinning Bee

Master weaver Peggy Church leads a drop-in spinning bee at the Mill Museum on the third Saturday of each month, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., usually in the Museum’s Dugan Hall, 157-B Union St., Willimantic. Bring a spindle or wheel or just hang out. No admission charged. Beginners are welcome. We are requesting that you be COVID vaccinated. Please let us know that you plan to come, and if you have questions, you can contact Peggy at peggychurch2@gmail.com. Spinning Bees are usually held on the fourth Saturday of the month, but the schedule changes for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check here or with Peggy for schedule changes. Park on Union St. or in the lot adjacent to the Museum at 411 Main St.

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.