Last updated: 7/10/2021
Waltham, Massachusetts
Street Address
154 Moody StreetWaltham, MA 02453
Mailing Address
154 Moody StWaltham, MA 02453

Museum Type(s)

Staff

Bob Perry
phone: 508-958-2659
Jillian Doherty
phone: 508-958-2659
Joseph Niedbala
phone: 508-958-2659
Description

A curated selection of informative videos, articles, and looks at topics and artifacts central to industrial history and our mission—plus some fun stuff as well!

Mission

To educate people about America's industrial history and to encourage and inspire future innovation. We do this by creating engaging experiences that highlight the many fascinating technical and business innovations that have taken place in this region and continue to change the world.

History

In 1980, members of the Waltham community, led by the passionate wisdom of industrial historian Michael Folsom, who would be the Museum's first Executive Director, incorporated the Charles River Museum of Industry. The organization officially opened its doors as a Museum in 1988.

n 2007, the institution was renamed The Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation. The term "innovation" not only relates to the process of creativity and ingenuity that allows for the perfection of machines over time, but also underlines a new mission for the Museum: to consider not just the past, but the present and the future. As the Museum evolves, so do its goals; as history unfolds, so does the Museum's relevance.

In 2018 the Museum unveiled an exhibit on the Boston Associates, America's First Industrial Dynasty. The Boston Associates, so named by 20th-century historian Vera Shlakman, were a group of Boston-based businessmen gathered and initially led by Francis Cabot Lowell. Together they founded the Boston Manufacturing Company on our site in 1813 and proceeded to develop the New England textile industry and supporting organizational, financial, and transportation infrastructure until the Civil War.

Services
Have a Special event? We have a Special Experience for your guest!!

Have a unique and exciting ambiance for your wedding at the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation. Our historic, 19th-century textile mill overlooking the scenic Charles River provides a unique, historic, picturesque backdrop to many of Greater Boston’s most memorable special event experiences.

If you’re looking for a unique space to hold a lecture, conference, or meeting, we have the package for you. Our historic, 19th-century textile mill overlooking the scenic Charles River provides a unique, historic, picturesque backdrop to many of Greater Boston’s most memorable special event experiences. The Museum’s Innovator Center’s “Lowell Room” can accommodate groups from 8-35. It has a ceiling mounted projector, drop down projection screen, and sound system included; all you need to provide is the A/V source. Our Conference & Meeting packages also include an additional one hour of museum viewing either before, during, or after your event — an entertaining and inspiring enhancement for pre-event coffee or breakfast service, lunch breaks, or post-event cocktails.

Our Conference & Meeting packages also include an additional one hour of museum viewing either before, during, or after your event — an entertaining and inspiring enhancement for pre-event coffee or breakfast service, lunch breaks, or post-event cocktails.

Special Event Rental
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Museum Trustee Association Spring Forum 2024

April 10 - 14, 2024

Atlanta, Georgia

Texas Association of Museums 2024 Lubock Annual Conference

April 14 - 17, 2024

Lubbock, Texas

2024 Colorado-Wyoming ANNUAL MEETING

May 1 - 4, 2024

Worland, Wyoming

West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

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