LOWELL, (June 2007) – Starting July 2, 2007, the sights and sounds of spinning and weaving will give way to a bevy of behind-the-scenes activity when the American Textile History Museum (ATHM) closes temporarily to the public to begin work on renovating its “Textiles in America” (TIA) core exhibition.
“This is another exciting step in our plan to bring the Museum up-to-date, make it more interactive, fun and lively,” said ATHM President and CEO James S. Coleman. “While we will continue to tell the story of the important early days of the textile industry, what took place in the 20th century and what is taking place now are revolutionary in their own way. There’s an exciting new American industrial revolution story out there, and we want to make a home for it in our Museum.”
Mr. Coleman credits the Museum’s “germ” team for germinating ideas and Museum Trustees who are engaged in textile education, with identifying new uses of textiles in areas such as the medical industry, the space program, the military, industry, and the development and use of electronic textiles. “We are excited about moving ahead with plans to renovate our core exhibit to expand its story into and beyond the 21st century. We estimate the actual construction to get underway in September, pending further progress in raising the $1.5 million needed for the project, and we plan to keep the public engaged in the process with regular informational updates posted on our website and video shorts that track work-in-progress, ‘germ” team brainstorming meetings, and objects intended for the core exhibit.”
“The renovation process begins with rotating the objects out of the core exhibit after an extensive run,” said Mr. Coleman. “ It’s all part of the Museum’s strategic plan to strengthen the Museum in order to build its future in Lowell, and provide new and exciting experiences for visitors.”
During the time the Museum’s exhibition galleries will be closed to the public for renovations, its Administrative offices, Collections department and the Osborne Library will remain open by appointment, and selected school and scout programs will be available. Visit the website www.athm.org for up-to-date information, including school and scout offerings and fees.
The American Textile History Museum tells America’s story through the art, history and science of textiles. It is home to the most significant textile history collection in North America, with an extraordinary library and one of the world’s largest and most important publicly held collections of tools, spinning wheels, hand looms and early production machines. The Museum's textile collections include more than 5 million pieces of textile prints, fabric samples, rolled textiles coverlets and costumes.
A $3.9 million Campaign for the American Textile History Museum is now in progress, with donations for the $1.5 million renovation to the “Textiles in America” core exhibition, and the $1.4 million general operating fund still needed to complete the Campaign. For information on how to donate or pledge, please contact Marisa Tescione in the development office at 978-441-0400, ext. 246, or visit www.athm.org.
