Affiliate Spotlight

Jim Coleman shows school children one of the 23 known authentic bells from Paul Revere and Sons.

American Textile History Museum (ATHM)

Located in Lowell, Massachusetts, the American Textile History Museum tells America’s story through the art, history, and science of textiles.

After being closed for several years, ATHM reopens with an entirely new and interactive experience for people of all ages.  Gone are the days of static displays behind glass; now visitors will explore the fascinating world of textiles in a fun, hands-on environment where they will spin, weave, recycle and design their way through textile history and into the future.

“Most people have no idea how their lives are shaped by textiles – far beyond the clothing they wear,” said ATHM President and CEO Jim Coleman.  “We want them to have a great time exploring that in a very entertaining, interactive experience, touching and feeling and testing the fabrics and exhibits.  We can promise that after a visit to the American Textile History Museum, people will never look at textiles the same way again.”

Only recently becoming a Smithsonian Affiliate, the ATHM is already looking forward to coordinating loans from the National Museum of American History, National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian.

For more information about the American Textile History Museum, visit http://www.athm.org/