Tool Tales in the ArtifactLAB
From 12-3 on the second Saturday of each month from April-August
If you've ever wondered about a specialty tool from your grandfather's workshop, an interesting one you found at a yard sale or simply want to learn more about the tools in your collection, this event is for you. Our panel of knowledgeable CRAFTS of NJ (Collectors of Rare and Familiar Tool Society of NJ) volunteers will be in the ArtifactLAB helping to identify tools from the museum's collection but will also volunteer their time to carefully examine the items you bring in, helping you uncover the stories behind them.
Learn about the origins of our tools and/or yours, who crafted them, where they were made, and the ways they were used throughout history. With decades of combined experience, they will also offer insights into the broader history of craftsmanship and how these tools fit into the larger family of hand tools.
Whether you're curious about a rare item or simply passionate about the art of craftsmanship, Tool Tales promises an afternoon of learning, sharing, and discovering the fascinating world of tools!
Bring your own discoveries, share your family stories, and deepen your appreciation for the tools that shaped history.
Discovery Days
June 12 to August 30: Most Fridays through Sundays June 12 - August 30 (Weather permitting and with some exclusions)
Step into history this summer during Discovery Days at The Red Mill Museum Village when our historic site comes alive with interactive, hands-on experiences for all ages. Enjoy all this included with regular museum admission:
•Guided Tours of our 10-acre site and 18th- and 19th-century buildings
•Costumed Interpreters sharing the stories and skills of early American life
•Traditional Trades & Crafts Demonstrations: including blacksmithing, husk doll making & more
• Slow Stitch Sundays: Relaxed, drop-in gatherings that invite visitors to slow down, make something with their hands and share in the traditions of textile and fiber arts
• Story Mill: A magical space where families can create their own characters, invent their own stories and bring them to life through puppetry and play.
With a rotating schedule of engaging, family-friendly activities, every visit offers something new to discover.
This upcoming weekend (July 3-5) we will offer:
Friday: Ask a Curator, Textile Fellowship, Corn Husk Doll making
Sunday: Slow Stitch Sunday ; Embroidery
Follow our social media pages for the most up-to-date schedule and details.
Adult Field Trip - Founding Foodie
Thursday July 9, 6-9pm
Step into history after dark with Adult Field Trips-an immersive, adults-only evening series that brings the past to life through food, music and hands-on discovery. Each program features a unique historical theme, paired with a thoughtfully curated meal prepared by Thor Giese, known for his ambitious culinary project "Table for 92: Cooking Through the Periodic Table of Elements." Expect engaging tours, live demonstrations, and interactive experiences that go far beyond the typical museum visit.
July's program explores the life and legacy of Thomas Jefferson-founding father, accomplished violinist and a figure whose culinary influence is tied to a complex history. During his time in France, Jefferson brought with him an enslaved chef who trained in French cuisine and later helped introduce dishes like macaroni and cheese to the United States. This evening reflects both the cultural richness and historical realities of that story.
Guests will enjoy a menu centered on macaroni and cheese, complemented by other traditional side dishes and a Jefferson-approved dessert. The evening also features a tour of the Red Mill, a hands-on activity and a demonstration by luthier Ray Spitz-Becker, who will showcase the craftsmanship behind violin-making before performing alongside his wife in a live musical set.
With atmospheric tours, hands-on opportunities and a shared meal under the summer sky, Adult Field Trips offer a dynamic way to connect with history in a relaxed, social setting.
Admission includes tour, hands-on activity, demonstration, dinner, dessert and non-alcoholic drinks, BYOB welcome.
Mill to Mill Textile Fellowship Day
Saturday July 11, 12-4
Join the Red Mill Museum Village and the Hunterdon Art Museum for a free community day celebrating the art of fiber and textiles. Explore both traditional and contemporary crafts, including sewing, embroidery, needle felting, spinning, weaving, knitting, crochet, and more.
Enjoy demonstrations of a Fleece-to-Shawl team practice, Spinning Wheel Round Robin, rigid heddle weaving, inkle loom weaving, and tapestry weaving. Browse beautiful finished textile creations, with fiber and tools available for purchase.
Whether you're trying a craft for the first time or have years of experience, each featured fiber art will offer hands-on activities and opportunities to connect with fellow makers of all skill levels.
Free with museum admission which is free for current members.
Greenwood Spoon Carving with Vincent Pettit
Saturday July 18, 10am-4.30pm
Discover the heritage craft of greenwood spoon carving in this hands-on workshop led by seasoned wood carver Vincent Petit. Using traditional hand tools, participants will carve a functional wooden spoon from a freshly cut piece of green wood while learning techniques passed down for generations.
This class is designed for beginners and experienced makers alike. Instruction focuses on safe carving techniques, proper tool use, and the basic skills needed to continue carving at home. Students will also learn about the essential carving tools and how to sharpen and care for them.
The workshop takes place in the covered pavilion at the Red Mill Museum Village and runs from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break.
Must be 18+ to participate in this class.
Course Fee: $250 per student
Registration Fee: $50 for non-members (waived for Red Mill Museum members)
Materials: All tools and materials are provided.
Spinning Wheel Workshop
Saturday July 18, 11am-2pm and Saturday July 25, 11am-2pm
Discover the heritage craft of wool spinning in this hands-on beginner course. Meeting over two consecutive Saturdays for a total of six hours of instruction, students will learn how to transform roving and other prepared wool fibers into yarn using a spinning wheel.
Students will cover the fundamentals of wheel spinning, including drafting, treadling, winding on, and plying. They will also learn the differences between Scotch and Irish tension spinning wheels and how to use each system effectively, gaining the confidence to continue spinning at home. Instruction also includes an introduction to spinning wheel setup, basic maintenance, and caring for both fiber and equipment.
Students will learn on spinning wheels from the Red Mill Education Program. All materials and supplies are provided.
Ages: Adults 18+
Dates: Saturday, July 18 & Saturday, July 25
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM each day (6 hours total)
Course Fee: $350 per student
Registration Fee: $50 for non-members (waived for Red Mill Museum members)
Needlework School: Vintage Textiles to Contemporary Collage
Sunday July 19, 1.00 - 4.00pm
Transform vintage textiles into contemporary works of art in this beginner-friendly workshop with textile artist Susan Bleignier. Using a curated selection of antique and vintage doilies, lace, embroidered linens, quilt fragments, and other repurposed fabrics, participants will create a unique hand-stitched collage while learning simple embroidery and textile art technique.
Participants will explore hand-coloring fabrics, composition, layering, and stitching to create a small artwork that blends history, creativity, and personal expression. No sewing experience is required, and all materials are provided.
Hand stitching is relaxing, portable, and rewarding. Join us for an afternoon of creativity, conversation, and community while giving new life to beautiful textiles from the past.
Rocking the Quarry - Summer Concert Series
Saturday July 18
The historic Mulligan Quarry has a long history of ROCK . . . this summer, we'll continue that tradition with rock music instead of limestone! The Clinton Music Studios Majors Band will be warming up the crowd at 6 each night with the headliners starting at 7 all for just $10 at the door.
Bring your chairs, blankets and dancing shoes. Picnic baskets are welcome, however we ask that you purchase your drinks here at this fundraising event. All proceeds benefit the Red Mill Museum Village.
Mill to Mill Textile Fellowship
Fridays, ongoing
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
Friends of the Red Mill 2026 Schedule
The Friends of the Red Mill is a volunteer-driven organization that supports the Red Mill Museum Village. The group helps with a variety of tasks, from staffing the museum shop and assisting with special events to volunteering on numerous preservation and community projects. Their efforts help ensure that the historic Red Mill continues to be an accessible and engaging part of the local community.
In addition to their volunteer work, the Friends of the Red Mill host free monthly meetings open to the public. These gatherings feature guest speakers, presentations, light refreshments, and a chance to socialize with fellow history enthusiasts. It's a relaxed and welcoming way for anyone interested to learn more about the museum and the mill's history.
Mark your calendars for the 2026 meeting schedule, and feel free to drop by-no RSVP is required for most meetings. For more details or to inquire about specific events, you can email redmillfriends@gmail.com
2026 EVENTS CALENDAR
More events and information will be added, please check back frequently!
MAY 16: Shop and mill open, grounds closed for private event
MAY 17: Wheels for the Wheel
JUNE 6-7: UNCORK Summer Wine & Music Festival Weekend, ticketed event, regular museum prices/member perks do not apply
JUNE 11: Adult Field Trip
June 12: Poetry Reading
June13: Salute to Service
JUNE 14: Mill to Mill Peace Flag Project Exhibit Opening
JUNE 20: British Car Show
JUNE 27: Summer Concert with This Old Engine
JULY 18: Summer Concert with High in the Mid 80s
JULY 25: Shop and mill open, grounds closed for private event
JULY 31-AUG 2: Second Annual Soulstice Music and Arts Festival, ticketed event, regular museum prices/member perks do not apply
OCTOBER Fridays & Saturdays 2nd-24th: Haunted Red Mill
OCTOBER Saturdays: Happy Haunts
NOVEMBER 27th-29th, DECEMBER 5th-6th: Winter Village
DECEMBER 11th-13th, 18th-20th: Festival of Trees
