belknap mill

Transformed into offices... some functions are held there and city hall is located in one - did a nice job -still remember my parents working for a living in another town close by. Hard jobs that they did every day for 8 to 10 hours without complaining - brings back memories better left alone..... Still, it's pretty...

This was an interesting museum. It was small but had neat old machinery and it even had samples you could buy.

If you're hoping to find a full day of museum fun at the Belknap Mill, you'll probably be disappointed. But what you'll enjoy is an amazing glimpse into America's past. The historic mill ("New Hampshire's Meeting House") was built to copy a nearby Massachusetts mill that is generally credited with 'starting' the Industrial Revolution... this is now the oldest unaltered mill building in America and a treasure. The structure itself is striking and the exhibits are great, but you'll get more out of learning and seeing how different mill life was in those days - the autocratic boss, the meager wages of workers, the children who worked at jobs like "turning" the knitted socks inside out, and the dangerous work of climbing inside the massive machinery to fix problems (they were the only ones small enough to do it). The mill also holds regular shows, exhibits, etc. A wonderful place to spend a few hours - and you're right next to the Winnipesaukee River that once housed the mill.

Very interesting. No guided tour. Walked around on our own. Equipment room had charts and pictures with good explanations. Some recorded information available. Nice gift shop. Volunteers friendly.

If you are a fourth grade teacher in NH, this is the place to go for an excellent educational experience for your students. The Mill offers a well-organized and hands-on opportunity for the children. The program is manned by the most wonderful, patient and informative group of people. Every one of them had so much to share about this important part of our history. We will be going back next year with our new fourth graders! Thank you, Belknap Mill for bringing history alive for our children.

This is not only a historical site but also sometimes features local artists. Learn about the origin of the mill and what it produced - even get to knit your own socks on some of the original machines. Very conveniently located in the centre of town with free parking nearby.

I did not have much time in my schedule, so was pleased to find the Mill was a convenient stop in Laconia. There are actually several historic mill buildings in a cluster on the river with a parking lot adjacent. I went in and was surprised to find the volunteer attendant sitting busily at her desk with the museum exhibits all in the dark. We managed to get the lights on. I did not have a lot of time, so focused on the room with all the different sock machines. They are fascinating. Apparently they run them occasionally. That would be neat to watch. The big wheels out side were also very interesting. I figured it was a fifteen minute or less museum but I could have lingered an hour. Who knew? I did buy some Vermont socks which while expensive are very good. We will see if they are as tough as they claim. I passed on the " made in the museum" socks as looking uncomfortable but they would be nice to hang on the mantle at Christmas. The grounds are really beautiful. Worth the stop even if the museum is closed.

The Belknap Mill is a very unique setting for an event. It has a wonderful history, and displays it with ease. If you can afford it, an event here is a worthy option in the Lakes Region.

Located in the heart of downtown Laconia, the Belknap mill was once the employment centre of the town. Today the mill is a museum that demonstrates what the mill was in the past and even allows visitors to knit their own pair of socks on the original machinery! The nearby Winne-pesaukee River which powered the mill provides scenic views of the town.From time to time, the mill hosts local art exhibitions and similar activities.

The Saturday Holiday Bazaar just before Christmas is a great way to support local crafters and complete your holiday shopping list. Vendors offer a variety of reasonably priced gift items. Visit to see the historic knitting machines, seasonal displays of local artists and the gift shop offerings.

Interesting museum that does not charge and does not take much time. Pretty park with pleasant vews nearby.

Laconia used to be a capital of textile machinery. We stopped by on the way to foliage in the lakes area. Well worth the visit especially if you're into history or machinery. And it is free.

If you want to learn more about the area's history this is as good a place as any to start. Not great for really young kids.

The Belknap Mill Society has done an absolutely remarkable job of restoring this precious historical landmark.