The Mississippi Mills textile museum.

Checking out the old industrial looms at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum. Photo by Greg Locke

This summer I got to visit the historic Mississippi Mills linen and textiles museum in the old mills in Almonte, Ontario, Canada. Thirty minutes north of the capital, Ottawa. The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum is located in the annex of the former Rosamond Woolen Company in Almonte, Ontario. Constructed in 1867, this National Historic Site of Canada now features a blend of the old and new, all related to the history of the Mississippi Valley (the Canadian Mississippi, not the USA one) and the textile industry.

I am lucky to have 3 Ashford looms, an Inkle Loom, a 16” Rigid Heddle and an 24” 8-shaft Table Loom. Each time I ordered a loom or any accessories I had never actually seen it in person, only photos.  I had never seen a live demonstration so I was pretty happy to see looms in person that I had only previously seen in pictures.

If you have the chance to visit this beautiful community don’t miss the Textile Museum and don’t skip the Gallery. The woven art on display is truly beautiful.