History Camp Boston Monthly Outing—Old Schwamb Mill Tour

The Old Schwamb Mill in Arlington, MA is located on the oldest continuously operating mill site in the United States. Mills have been located on the main building site since the late 1600s. The great strength of the Charles Schwamb Mill’s picture frame factory is its authenticity – its 1860s shop floor encompasses multiple generations of machines, tools and work stations (1864-1969). Since 1970, the Mill has been a living history industrial museum where text panels and numerous examples of picture frames tell the story of a family with roots in the German Rhinelands. Their campus also includes an 1870s dry house and a ca.1830 barn. Amazingly enough they are still making the product – picture frames destined for museums, frame shops, architects and interior designer’s projects and individuals who want a handsome Schwamb frame to set off vintage family photos.

In addition, the Mill is host to art exhibits and musical performances throughout the year. Our visit will be in time to view the Fall Indoor/Outdoor sculpture exhibit made possible by the New England Sculpture Association (NESA) – featuring the really cool work of over 30 regional sculptors.

Tour will last for approximately one hour. 

History Camp is a project of the non-profit organization The Pursuit of History. We hope you’ll join us in the pursuit of history.