Old Schwamb Mill
About
The Old Schwamb Mill is a living history museum in Arlington Heights, set on what is described as the oldest continuously operating mill site in the United States. Mills have stood on the main building site since the late 1600s. The mill’s 19th-century elliptical lathes, original belt-driven shaft-and-pulley machinery and original hand-turning process are still used to make custom oval and circular frames for customers around the world.
Charles Schwamb bought the two-and-a-half-story wood frame building in 1864, and the family later added west and east wings. The Schwambs ran it as a family business for 105 years and were still making picture frames there in 1969. Arlington resident and early preservationist Patricia Cunningham Fitzmaurice then led the effort to turn the working factory into a museum. The mill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
What to Know
- Admission is free, with a suggested donation.
- Group tours can be arranged by appointment.
- Visitors are welcome to take photos and video inside the mill.
- Donors can become Friends of the Mill, and the sponsor level includes NARM benefits.
- A monthly e-newsletter shares mill news and events.
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