Events

The Red Mill Museum Village will host its third Hands-On History event in April, offering families a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience history firsthand. Through demonstrations and interactive activities, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the tools and tasks that shaped everyday life in the past while connecting visitors with skilled artisans who are actively preserving these practices.

There is particular excitement over the return of Baltimore, Maryland-based historical artisan Lauren Muney of Silhouettes By Hand, one of only 20 freehand-scissoring silhouette artists in the world. These types of portraits are iconic to early American history as silhouettes were the portraits of the common people before the invention of photography. Her free-hand silhouette portraits made only with paper and scissors will be offered to guests free of charge.

Other artisans will be members of our staff demonstrating blacksmithing, greenwood carving and candle making as well as a variety of other exceptional local artisans representing a wide range of historic trades and domestic arts including traditional leatherwork, historic sewing and costuming, spinning and weaving, lacemaking, rug hooking, traditional quilting and more.

Get ready for a Kentucky Derby celebration like no other! The Red Mill Museum Village is thrilled to announce its annual Kentucky Derby Party Fundraiser on Saturday May 2, 2026 from 4 PM - 9 PM. This rain or shine event promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable day, filled with delicious food, lively entertainment, exciting contests, and spectacular auction items - all to benefit the museum's educational and preservation programs.

Held inside the Pavilion at the Red Mill, a fully covered structure with retractable sides and a concrete floor, this Derby Party offers a fun, festive atmosphere to enjoy the race and all the Derby festivities.

More information coming soon!

The Red Mill Museum Village invites the community to a meaningful Flag Day Weekend celebration at our annual Salute to Service on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 11 AM-3 PM. Honoring veterans, active service members, and the families who support them, this year's event also recognizes 250 years of American service and resilience. The day's centerpiece is the Quilt of Valor Ceremony, held following the noon 21-Gun Salute and Echo Taps presented by Spruce Run VFW Post #5119, where handcrafted quilts will be awarded to local veterans in a moving tribute of gratitude and honor.

Textile traditions take center stage as part of the museum's participation in Handwork 2026, a nationwide celebration of American craft during the Semiquincentennial. Patriotic quilts displayed throughout the village-organized by the Courthouse Quilters Guild-join The Intimacy of Quilts exhibition in the Gallery, highlighting the artistry and stories woven into textile heritage. The weekend also marks the debut of the Peace Flag Project, inviting reflection on unity, hope, and the handmade as expressions of national identity.

The celebration continues with live music by the Swingtime Dolls from 1-3 PM, military and veteran organizations, children's activities, and special programming at the museum's historic log cabin, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Visitors can also explore Jack Stanley's Civil War artifact exhibition throughout the weekend and contribute to the museum's Digital Wall of Heroes. The event is held rain or shine with regular museum admission; free entry is offered to members, children under six, veterans, and active-duty military. Jack Stanley's exhibition remains on view Sunday, June 14, for a meaningful Father's Day weekend visit.

The Mill to Mill Textile Fellowship invites makers of all experience levels to gather in community and explore the rich traditions of textile craft. As part of Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, the Fellowship honors the diverse fiber arts that have shaped our nation's cultural heritage.

The Fellowship meets most Fridays from 1-3 PM, alternating between the Red Mill Museum Village and the Hunterdon Art Museum. Participants bring any hand-based textile work-crochet, knitting, weaving, spinning, embroidery, hand sewing, lacemaking, or other fiber arts-and work side by side in a supportive, skill-sharing environment.

Members exchange ideas, offer guidance, and celebrate the creativity that emerges when artisans come together. To find out when and where the next meeting will be held, please email Curator of Education Robbie-Lynn Mwangi at educator@theredmill.org