Upcoming Events
Educators Come Free - The month of October
Educators are invited to visit the Samuel Slater Experience museum in Webster with no admission charge during the
month of October.
The history museum opened last year to tell the story of Samuel
Slater and his impact on the American Industrial Revolution. It explores technological innovation, the economics of child labor, mill communities, education, immigration, and industrialization as colonial life moved from the farms to towns.
The museum uses multimedia technology with immersive video
and interactive exhibits to create a unique experience that is both educational and entertaining.
Teachers, curriculum developers and administrative staff are all welcome to tour the museum and speak with staff about school field trips, logistics, and transportation funding.
Regular museum open hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The museum will also be open on Monday, Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other touring times can be arranged. For more information, email admin@samuelslaterexperience.org or call 508-461-2955. Samuel Slater Experience is located at 31 Ray St., Webster.
Fabrication Art Exhibit (Sept. 23 - Oct. 9) and Presentation
Saturday, September 23 - 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Richard Moninski fabricates his artwork with acrylics on textiles to depict native New England images that reflect indigenous cultures and place names, as well as plants, animals, and objects.
The artist, a native of Webster who now lives in Wisconsin, will present a selection of his works at the Samuel Slater Experience museum on Saturday, September 23, at 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. The exhibit will remain on display until October 9. A meet-the-artist reception will be held on Friday, September 22.
Mr. Moninski combines his interest in the natural world, pre-colonial history, and patterned textiles to create unusual and dramatic images that “pay tribute to the region where I was born and raised, and to recognize some aspects of cultural continuity that make New England a special place.”
A graduate of Bartlett High School in Webster, Mr. Moninski received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from UMass Amherst, a Master of Fine Arts degree from SUNY Albany, and studied surface design at the Fashion Institute in New York City. His paintings and drawing have been exhibited nationally.
The artist presentations on September 23 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. are free, but registration is requested.
The Fabrication exhibit has been made possible by a generous grant from the Janet Malser Humanities Trust.
Discover the Nipmuc Lithic Trail Presentation
Come Saturday, October 14 or 21 - 11 a.m.
An event so nice, we’re hosting it twice! Join Experience Guide and longtime president of the Thompson Historical Society Joe Iamartino as he presents on Nipmuc lithic trails. Native Americans in the Nipmuc Territory surrounding Webster and northeast Connecticut left tangible artifacts, called lithic structures, that can be found today in fields and woods in the area. Mr. Iamartino will present evidence, photographic and from written history, of the purpose of these historic structures. This free event is part of The Last Green Valley’s Walktober program. Come to either presentation on Saturday, October 14 or 21, at 11 a.m. Register here for October 14 or here for October 21.
Trolley Talk Presentation
Thursday, October 26 - 6:30 p.m.
On Thursday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m., Webster-Dudley Historical Society members Curtis Cleaves and John Mrazik will tell the story of the rapid expansion and rapid decline of Webster’s trolley system in the early 20th century. Register here.
Introductory Weaving for Beginners - October 28, November 4, and 18 noon - 3:30 p.m.
Are you ready to learn how to use your rigid heddle loom? Or do you need a refresher about how to warp your loom? It’s time to get that loom warped with a new project!
In this workshop you will learn the basics of weaving on a rigid heddle loom. This is a three-day workshop. On the first day, everyone will warp their loom and start weaving a table runner. On the second day we will cut off the table runner project, plan a second project, and warp the looms again. On the third day you will design your own project and warp your loom before you leave. Some of the skills you will learn in this workshop include how to do a project planning sheet to calculate yarn requirements for a project, how to use your warping peg, how to use the direct warping method, and weaving tips and techniques that will lead to success. You will leave this workshop a weaver.
What you need: a rigid heddle loom and the warping tools that came with the loom (warping peg and reed hook), heddle for their loom (7.5 or 8 epi heddle is preferred, but bring what you have).
The course will be held on three Saturdays, October 28, November 4, and 18, from noon to 3:30 p.m. Fee for the three days is $150 which includes the yarn for the first weaving project. Looms are available for rent.
