Museum school programs are designed for the grade levels indicated and can be modified to suit the needs of various levels as needed. Most of the programs last 2 ½ hours (with other options available). All programs include a guided tour of the Museum's core exhibit "Textiles in America." With any program you may also receive a tour of the special exhibit free of charge, by request.
Threads of Learning programs are available year-round during regular Museum hours. On-site programs include Fleece to Fabric, Junk to Jackets, Pacific Print Works, Mad About Plaid, Fiber Facts, and Technical Tools. Outreach programs include The Goat in the Rug, Threaded Together, FUN-damentals of Weaving, Stitch in Time: Coming to America, Mother (and Fathers) of Invention, and How Much, How Big, How High?
Reserve your time slot now for a field trip to the American Textile History Museum and enjoy one of our six Threads of Learning programs this spring. Available days and times fill fast so reserve now to assure your preferred day and time for a memorable program which coordinates with Massachusetts curriculum frameworks. Cost is $5.00 per student; one chaperone per group of 15 students admitted free. Traveling Textiles programs bring the Museum to your classroom are available at $100 dollars per class of 30 students. Phone 978-441-0400 x 244 or email reservations@athm.org for more information. Designed for students in grades K though 12.
Grades 3rd-10th
Recreate the Colonial New England process of converting raw wool into cloth using simple tools for picking, carding, spinning, and weaving. Create a poster using samples of wool used in each step of the process.
Grades 3rd-10th
Learn how recycling is used in the textile industry and create an ecological poster depicting the steps of the scientific process invented to convert plastic soda bottles into knitted fleece fabric.
Grades 4th-10th
Discover how the popular cotton cloth known as calico was first printed using wooden blocks and how the machine process evolved. Design and create a sample book of printed calico fabrics.
Grades 4th-8th
Discover the characteristics of natural plant and animal fibers including wool, silk, cotton, and flax. Examine each fiber, learn how it is processed into cloth, and collect the samples and fact cards in a fabric bag.
Grades 8th-12th
Problem-solve and experience the thrill of inventing textile machinery that transformed the United States during the early years of the Industrial Revolution. A world events timeline provides an international perspective.
