Slater Mill
Slater Mill, located on the Blackstone River in Pawtucket, RI, is generally cited as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in America. It is modeled after a mill in England where Samuel Slater, the mill's founder, had been an employee. Moses Brown of the Providence, Rhode Island, Brown family was one of the major owners of the Mill.
Slater Mill was built in 1793. It served as the first commercially viable cotton-spinning mill in the United States. It was used to convert raw cotton into cloth. Slater brought this new technology from England where he had learned it from Jebediah Strutt. Slater's design was based on Richard Arkwright's cotton spinning system which included carding, drawing, and spinning machines.
Modern Times
Slater Mill remains today and serves as a living history museum. Many of the museum staff wear period clothing. The Mill has become a cultural center for Pawtucket.
Riversing
Slater Mill hosts and sponsors the Riversing festival. Riversing is a yearly event held on Rivers day featuring multiple concert stages. The event includes a children's stage, children's parade, and children's activities.
Pawtucket Arts Festival
Slater Mill hosts the family fun fest of the Pawtucket Arts Festival. Art exhibits for the festival are also displayed within the 2nd floor gallery.