Exhibits
Core Exhibits
The Red Mill Museum has an outstanding collection of more than 40,000 agricultural, industrial and domestic artifacts, which are exhibited on both a permanent and rotating basis throughout the Village. Each object in our collection holds the story of who made it and reflects the chain of people who put it to use throughout its life, including the Red Mill Museum visitors who today keep these objects alive by carrying their tales on to friends and family. Many of these objects are displayed in our permanent exhibits that you see as you walk through the Village, interpreting the story of how this community developed from Colonial times through 1928 when the Mill was officially closed.
When visiting the four floors of the Red Mill, you will learn how and why the Mill was built, the failures and success of its owners, but most importantly how integral its activities were to the people who built, lived and worked in this community. Similar permanent displays in the Mulligan Quarry buildings offer visitors the opportunity to hear the stories of the Mulligan family business and the Irish immigrants who worked the stone.
Please note that the Red Mill Museum Village regularly updates its exhibits and events, so it’s best to visit our Current Exhibits page periodically for the most up-to-date information on current exhibits
Current Exhibits
Hats Off to The Red Mill Museum Village Textile Volunteers
Our current exhibit, which runs through September 10th, was the inspiration of Lynn Burtis, one of our longest working, dedicated textile volunteers, who thought it would be fun to research our collection of hats and display an assortment of 39 of the most meaningful and historic in the collection in honor of the textile committee and their hard work. This exhibit was curated and designed by our textile volunteers.
Past Exhibits
The Red Mill Museum Village is known for its historical exhibits and preservation of the local heritage. These exhibits have been based on historical knowledge and research as well as artifacts and documents that are part of our collections.
The Sound of the Time
A new exhibit highlighting the radio, one of the most important inventions of the 20th century, is featured at the Red Mill Museum Village. A collection of antique and vintage radios is on loan to the Museum from collector and radio enthusiast Michael Molnar. Mr. Molnar has been collecting for over 30 years and has generously co-curated this very special exhibit which traces the evolution of radio and shares stories of the cultural impact it had on society.
For enjoyment, visitors can listen to a radio from over 70 years ago, hearing the sounds of the time. Ever wonder how was radio different from today? Try to tune a radio from a hundred years ago and find out for yourself!
This exhibition was made possible thanks to funding generously provided by the Astle-Alpaugh Family Foundation.
A WWI Centennial Exhibition
A special exhibit opened at the Red Mill Museum Village to honor the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I. We have joined others in the state to commemorate the war by emphasizing effects on people’s lives at home in New Jersey through our exhibit and related programs.
Items from the Museum’s collection are featured, including a group of Liberty Loan posters on view for the first time. Visitors can view the U.S.A. Bonds poster that depicts a Boy Scout handing lady liberty a sword, along with other posters. They were donated by the late Helen Tomson of Clinton, whose father was Chester Tomson, owner of the Red Mill at the time of the war.
In order to raise finances, a War Loan organization was established under the US Treasury Department. Within 12 Federal Reserve Districts, The Central Liberty Loan Committee entrusted the work of selling liberty bonds in various localities to experienced and influential men in their respective communities in order to meet subscribed quotas. Chester Tomson, the Mill owner, was in charge of the community of Clinton.
