The non-traditional Samuel Slater Experience museum will celebrate its first anniversary in a traditional way, with balloons, raffles, photo stickers, food truck, fun, and free admission for kids 12 and under. The festive event for the public will be held on Saturday, March 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 31 Ray Street in Webster.   

Children get a first-hand look at old-time newspaper printing during a visit to Samuel Slater Experience.

Samuel Slater Experience opened one year ago to tell the story of Samuel Slater, the beginnings of the American Industrial Revolution, and Slater’s impact on mill towns such as Webster, Massachusetts.  Described as “Disney-like,” Samuel Slater Experience employs state-of-the- art 4-D digital technology with immersive video and interactive exhibits to recreate two time periods: the early 1800s and the early 1900s. It creatively blends historical settings with experiential multi-media sight, sound, scents and movement.  

In its first year, Samuel Slater Experience hosted hundreds of students on school field trips, many historical societies, special interest groups and organizations, as well as visitors from far beyond the local area.

“To be remembered you have to make an impression, and we’ve certainly accomplished that,” said founder Christopher Robert. “Visitors tell us this is the best museum they’ve ever been to, that it’s amazing, beyond spectacular.”

March 4 details:

Raffles: Raffles for gift cards from local businesses, including Bistro Eighty-Ates, Empire Wok, Big Belly Café, Lake Pizza, Delray Doc’s Fruit & Deli, N & J Donuts, Indian Ranch, Booklovers’ Gourmet, Divine Nails & Hair Spa, Burlap to Boards, and PT Pet Supply. Other prizes are Worcester Bravehearts tickets, gift baskets and Nichols College merchandise. Raffle tickets will be available March 2-5; participants do not have to be present to win.

Food Truck: Tony Island Hot Dog Company of Oxford will park onsite from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with their famous grilled hotdogs. If the weather is bad, diners will be invited to eat inside the museum, whether or not they have purchased tickets.

Photo stickers: A local photographer will take pictures of kids on the trolley and make stickers for them to take home.

Special prices: Reduced admission prices are $11 for adults, $5 for seniors (over 60), $7 for students 13-17, kids 12 and under free with paid adult admission. Kids 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at https://samuelslaterexperience.org. 

Where is the Samuel Slater Experience?

Samuel Slater Experience is located in the former National Guard Armory at 31 Ray Street, Webster, Massachusetts, and open to the public year-round. For more information, tickets, or group tours visit www.samuelslaterexperience.org. 

Year-round Daily Schedule: Fridays & Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday: Noon to 4 p.m. Last entry is at 3 p.m.