Broaden your Horizons
Willimantic is home to a number of great museums that highlight the unique history of not only Willimantic but also offer information and insight into some of the country's most important industries, like the railroad and textiles.
The Windham Textile and History Museum will bring you back to the time when Willimantic was the thread capital of the world. Did you know the Windham Mills at one time had the worlds biggest mill building. It was also the first to have electricity, which Thomas Edison installed himself! Stop by for a visit to colonial Willimantic.
The Jilson House Museum offers a more intimate look at what Willimantic was like during its early history. The home, built circa 1825, was the home of the mill's first manager, and was built from stone that was pulled out of the Willimantic River, which is across the street. There museum features a gift shop, as well as permanent and rotating collections.
The Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum highlights the railroad history of Eastern Connecticut. It features almost a mile of rail, and even original track switches.