CELEBRATING 55 YEARS
Education
Each monthly session will feature a different STEM or Colorado History topic where we explore in the classroom, in the museum and throughout the historic Museum Campus.
We do require that a supervising adult be present, but you may work together with other Homeschool families to coordinate supervision. Students of outlying ages/abilities may receive other age-appropriate activities. For further inquires, please speak with our Education Coordinator at education@wmmi.org.
From Farm to Factory: How Industrialization Transformed Work, Family, and Childhood
This lecture examines the period from 1700 to 1900, when England and the Americas underwent the transformative changes of the Industrial Revolution. Rich will outline the key economic, agricultural, and technological developments that fueled industrial growth. The talk will also explore the widespread use of child labor in factories, mills, and mines, focusing on working conditions, long hours, and the dangers children faced. It will conclude with a discussion of the laws and reforms enacted to address these harsh conditions.
Richard grew up in Rhode Island. In college he studied Engineering and spent his working life as a Mechanical Engineer.
He worked in various industries including Avionics, Nuclear, Electronics and Aviation.
Richard has always had a love for old machinery. As a young man he worked with his brother in a family-owned machine shop, All the machines were from the early 1900s, machines that few others wanted. From this he developed an interest in the Industrial Revolution and the people that fueled that revolution.
Upon retirement in 2017 he volunteered here at the museum where he works as a docent. A large portion of the visitors to the museum are 4th and 5th graders. To try and keep them interested he studied the role children played in the Mines, Factories and Mills.
Showed up for STEM event and left a fan. This museum is not like any other mining museum i had been to. I working blacksmith and stamp mill was a pleasant touch. Flourscent Blacklight Mineral room is also a winner. Its an affordable and educational experience that is worth the value.
