Reviews of American Precision Museum. (Museum) in Burlington (Vermont).

American Precision Museum

209 Reviews

149 Comments

Museum

Museum

196 Main St, Windsor, VT 05089, United States

Description

Information of American Precision Museum, Museum in Burlington (Vermont)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

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Open hours of American Precision Museum

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Reviews of American Precision Museum

G Hammer

Excellent exhibits, working equipment, wonderful staff to demonstrate and explain. Illustrates how past innovation built the future. Highly recommended! Though small in area, it is chock full of interesting displays. We spent 3 hours here.

Gene Golden

The miniature machines will blow you away! Even moreso when you find out that they were made by a 14yr old German lad 😳 The collection is diverse, and we learned that there are two more floors full of machines! (NOT accessible) 😭 My favorite was the reproducing lathe for gun stocks. It's amazing what they could produce back then.

Cole Smith

Very informative and interesting displays. If you want to see more than just the ground floor exhibit be sure to call ahead and book the behind the scenes tour.

EMMA LI

This is an amazing museum for kids and adults. Actually, before we entered the museum we didn't expect that it is so good. Museum staff are very helpful and knowledgeable.

Nick Jones

An excellent museum if you're interested in how things are made, and why they're made that way. Lots of good history on the invention of precision, and the history of the Connecticut River valley. Check out their YouTube channel for a preview of what you'll see on exhibit.

Brian VanDiepenbos

Good variety of old precision machines and tools. Well displayed. Many unique and of special historical significance. Not a huge collection but well worth the visit.

Kelly Pelletier

So interesting and amazing how they still have the machines from long ago.

Susie Frasca

Really well done museum. The exhibits are well thought out and the placards are easy to understand. They were also selling vintage books related to machining in the gift shop!

Talon Fogal

Hidden gem in the Windsor area. For anyone even remotely interested in history or tech, this is a must-see.

Mary Shane

I visited the museum this Friday after finding out about the museum. My son just started working in the field and felt the museum would be a great place for him. His great grandfather was also a machinist

Wil Michael

A great little slice of history! This is an amazing museum of the once bustling precision valley. So many great exhibits of both old guns and the machines that made them. There are interactive exhibits and even some machining demonstrations. Would recommend for all ages. The staff her is extremely knowledgeable and freindly. A great way to spend a day.

Pat Carver

Cool museum. Very neat working miniature machine tools.

Paul Reilly

Cool little place. Only a few miles from Hanover and Dartmouth this was a last minute excursion we took. Learned a lot about the history and operations of machining. Lots of cool things to see and do while you're here. And bring a lunch, there is a tiny little park right next door.

Jeanmarie P

Interesting peek into the past when machines were created to standardize production. A variety of machines with printed descriptions. A few interactive crafts. Would have liked to have someone to demonstrate. There was an intern there when we first got there but he left and no replacement came.

Tony Ryan

Great piece of history on display.

J Petrila

If you are interested in history and/or the tools used in the mfg of machines and goods this is a must visit. We did the self guided tour, but there is a guided tour as well as a behind the scenes tour which one needs to call ahead to schedule it. Fascinating to see as many of the machines are very rare to see in person.

Catherine Gaulin

What an amazing time we had with the family two weekends ago. Joe was so ressourcefull and interesting. We learned a lot from him. Thanks for the visit ! The family from Quebec !

Tiernan Murrell

I am OBSESSED with the American Precision Museum. I've wanted to go for over a year and finally made it. The collection of machinery blew me away, and the museum contextualizes the history of manufacturing in New England beautifully. Their staff is kind, passionate, and knowledgeable. My personal favorite part was seeing the Bridgeport Milling Machine, Serial #1. Worth the trip :)

Andrew Kay

My son and I loved it. We both learned a lot the old mechanics and new technology.

Christopher Lennon

That American Precision Museum is small, but really punches above its weight in terms of historical interest. The history of American mass production manufacturing is brought to life and personalized through its collection of machine tools. Who knew that Windsor Vermont was the silicon valley of its time? There are also demonstrations that show the work of the machine tools as well as demonstrations of modern CNC machining and 3D printing.

James Lawrence

Great place to visit. Very interesting history of precision machinery in the US.

Mary Ellen Wessels

Lovely little museum if you are interested in history and technology. Very nice worker!

Don Bowers

Great experience! Don't miss this historic museum!

Horace Sappleton

This place was awesome, I was really amazed with everything I saw. Enjoyed my visit.

Gate City Boat Repair

Great place. Nice displays. Spent a good amount of time with Clay super nice guy and very smart

Ryanne Schoonover

Absolutely wonderful experience. I had no idea that Civil War era history was here in Windsor. Fantastic museum.

will finch

We were driving by and didn’t know about it. A real gem. I entered the raffle for the Starrett micrometers and won them! There’s another drawing in December so get your tickets now!

Madeline Kotlas

This is my very favorite museum. Everyone there is so knowledgeable and kind. This is a very treasured site in American history, and it is where I like to go to clear my mind. It is beautiful outside by the water (which powered the factory). The exhibits inside are so well put together, attractive, and simply fascinating. Everyone, not just the engineers in the family, was very impressed. I love this museum so much that I held my wedding rehearsal dinner there. Most rehearsal dinners are not that memorable. This was- so many guests told us it was the best they'd ever attended (and most of our guests have been to dozens and dozens of weddings). Lisa was so kind, and even gave my husband and me little souvenirs. It was more special than I could have dreamed. Check out the gift shop too. It's pretty special.

CANDICE CASTRO

Very interesting machinery exhibits with easy-to-understand signs and short videos. Makes me appreciate American ingenuity.

Zach Feig

Really cool old stuff! Staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. The duplicating lathe is not to be missed!

Linda Cormier

Barbara and Paul were both so helpful and friendly. We actually spent 2 hours there. If you are interested in the workings of machines old and new this is a great place for you and youthful inventors.

Snshyn4

So much information. Loved the behind the scenes tour too!

Omar Little

If you have an engineering degree, and you're any good at it, this place is a bucket list stop. Way cool.

Kristopher Kuss

This was an eye opening visit. I had no idea about the history and impact of this place. Fascinating! There are some very nice examples of machinery and a lot to read. It's a great informational museum. The staff was very friendly.

Kevin Noble

It is not a terribly large place but the quality of the exhibits is amazing. There are live demos and hands on stuff for kids. The exhibit floor is not heated so the museum is only open regular hours in the warmer months.

Brad Piatt

Nice small museum. Well worth the trip.

Alex Hill

I took my class here 'virtually' on a field trip. It was so cool to share the birth of modern manufacturing with my students. Its a fascinating place for anyone interested in making things. They have scores of functional machines carefully crafted in miniature, as well as original period machines that still work. They also have a functional machine shop right in the middle of the museum. I didn't get to see the SWEET CNC run because it's too cold, but I'll have to come back again when it's warmer.

Nick Loy

Fun little museum if you are interested on how mechanic things were precision made 100 plus years ago. Worth visiting

Kelz

Very interesting to learn about manufacturing before mass production

Rich Acosta

I was visiting the area and the name of this place caught my eye - I was a bit unsure about what it really meant. The place is dedicated to the history of precision manufacturing in the US. From water powered milling tools all the way up to 3d printers, if you are a maker or just have a knack for building or seeing how things work, this place is definitely worth a visit. I would recommend about an hour to an hour and a half to take the time to read and absorb information about what you're seeing. Maybe two hours if you're going to spend time talking with folks.

54321danfox

I'm biased; I'm a volunteer there. The best small museum in Southern New England. Located in the Connecticut River Valley which is the birthplace of the American part 9f the Industrial Revolution. If you like machinery, Industrial history, or manufacturing history it's a can't-miss.

Anna Dodson

The organizers have truly created a fully collaborative and interactive museum. I came for a Women in Engineering event and was blown away by the sense of community created by the event and the enthusiasm of parents and their young girls for the projects that were available. It feels like not only a museum, but a community. Such an incredible space that has been entirely transformed into a bright museum with a complete collection of amazing manufacturing tools and the accompanying history of American manufacturing. Would absolutely recommend!

Heather Gorawski

Wonderful museum in quaint Windsor, Vt. They have been making loads of headway on kids STEM programs, providing access to everything from first-of-their-kind machines to robots for kids to learn on. Cold in the winter but worth it! Great videos to gear up for the tour.

kitty chataun

Lovely museum always rotating its displays. Staff is a bit old fashioned/technology challenged but sweet, friendly and helpful. Fascinating lathes and similar equipment from the dawn of the industrial age. Windsor was at the heart of the invention of "assembly line" or precision duplication manufacturing.

Nathan Rollins

We actually made a 2-hour Drive specifically to visit this Museum. It was very much worth it for us. We're both Engineers myself practicing and my 13 year old son in an apprenticeship of sorts! So the exhibits and theme of the museum was very relevant for us. Is extremely well laid out with lots of examples of period Equipment and machinery. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. There exists a STEM workshop for the children that is well stocked with lots of fun things to do and has a lot of potential. If we were local we would spend more time there with the younger kids. It's a great example of American Heritage in manufacturing and well worth the visit if you're interested in that.

Lorraine T Hobbs

I won a raffle that I bought from the Autumn Festival last weekend...

Lynn

One of the absolute BEST local attractions, and a well organized and documented collection. Not just a display of guns and heavy precision tools! This doll collector & tech nerd was wowed by displays of working miniature precision tools and the miniature steam plant. Seeing full sized tools in action was cool, and being given a doll sized mini challis machined from a plug of brass was an added benefit!

Flynn Roberts

It was my first time going, but the people I went with both were there multiple times over the years. If you have any interest in machinery if any kind, you will love this place. It was really fun and awesome learning about the various machines and how they were used. Every so often they have interns from VT Tech come in and provide some demonstrations of how some of the machines work. You may even get a souvenir or two from their demos!

G Aquino

A small but interesting museum housed in a 19th century factory that made precision parts (the first in the country) for industrial equipment and later Civil War-era weapons, hence the museum's name. When I first heard of the museum, though, what came to mind were watches and timekeeping devices - there are none here. The precision parts were manufactured using the sturdy and well-preserved machines on display at the museum. It was nice that they allow visitors to get their hands on some of these machines to see how they work. There is also a cool exhibition with miniaturized versions of the machines, painstakingly built by its designers for many years. The staff are all very knowledgeable and friendly. We were here for 1.5 hours.

Kelly Mulloy

All sorts of machines and displays. Good write ups. Demonstrations earlier in the day on some of the machines. Various projects for people or kids to attempt. Might not hold the attention of small children for long periods of time. Nice view of the river from side garden area. Overall a pretty cool place!

Adriano Baglioni

Very cool historical museum. It describes the growth of industry in the Connecticut river valley in Vermont. Great old equipment, incredibly cool. Very interesting to STEM geeks and history buffs (I am both so woot!). The only problem is that the building is not heated. If you go in late October (as I did), it will be COLD in the building. It is closed in the winter. Go when the weather is pleasant.

Melissa Almeida

Seriously beautiful piece of history. Wonderful and knowledgeable staff.

Joanne DeCarli

Very interesting! The short intro video, the demos by students, the vintage machines with belts that used to connect to water power, the models, and modern machines.... All there! And the history of it all, how the development of interchangeable parts opened the door to the Industrial Revolution. It all happened here! Loved it!

Steve Kelley

Awesome place, just wish that it was bigger. Experience may vary based on the person running the display area. I am a machinist so I know more than the people that work there. Very interesting. I would definitely go again.

Denise Movelle

We loved it. Learned a lot and was fascinated with the 3D printing. Got a few gifts for greatgreat-nephew. Would love to bring them sometime. Both the greeter and Paul were full of information and easy to talk with.

Christopher Palmer

If you are looking for a museum about the economic history of the area, and like precision tools this museum is for you. It is well maintained and has a large number of working miniature equipment on display in addition to the historic equipment. As a bonus, there is even a waterfall next to the building. Also don't forget while you are in the area to visit the historic covered bridge spanning the Conectut river less than a mile away.

eddie sanders

A real blast on the past for anybody interested in early Industrial revolution how how so many great minds it's a complicated thing so simpyet things so simple they could be mass produced boost and let us to be the power we are today Industrial revolution how how so many great minds it's a complicated thing so simpyet things so simple they could be mass produced boost and let us to be the power we are today

Kevin: Healy

A great place to visit an amazing look back into America's manufacturing history.

Trevor Lewis

For anyone interested in machinery, or who has a sense of curiosity or wonder about how things are made or the origins of almost every created item we now take for granted, or an interest in history, this place is an absolute gem. It's strange how few people know that this place was literally the cradle of modern technology.

Chris Jardine

Hidden gem definitely worth a visit

Craig Fritz

Most things are made by machine and this place is about making the machines that make the things, and how that all got started. The history of work may not be glamorous but it's how real lives were lived and families fed, how our nation gained a competitive edge, and to a large extent even how wars were won.

Dosmastr

If You like machines you will love this place. Lot of historical artifacts from the early Industrial Revolution as well as some newer items like a Norden bombsight from World War II. You could probably do the whole thing in about an hour and a half or you could consume everything that would probably take you about twice as long. Free souvenirs included with the price of admission

Howard Horn II

If you are into engineering, technology or history this places is a must see. I have not been there for years but it was amazing to see the ingenuity of days before electricity. I really should go back with my sons now that they are older and can understand it.

Michael Almeida

Really fun place for adults and kids alike. The museum has so much history and the staff has a ton of knowledge about the artifacts. They also have Bridgeport serial #1

Jason Frazer

I would recommend visiting the American Percision Museum. It's a great Museum with some fantastic history to share.

Robert Chave

If you are interested in history of technology, the American Precision Museum is a little jewel. Windsor Vermont is the place were some of the world's first high volume, truly interchangeable, machined parts were manufactured. Machinery to do this was invented, developed and manufactured here, and sold both nationally and internationally, notably to Britain. In the middle of the 19th Century Vermont and New England led the world in mechanical innovation. Initially the tools were powered by a water wheel, and the light was that which came in through the windows. The phrase "Yankee ingenuity" refers to the kind of innovation in mechanical design, metal working and industrial arts which emerged here. The American Precision Museum was founded by a curator for the Smithsonian, in one of the factories where the repeatability and accuracy in the production of machined parts, in order to permit full inter-changeability of high-volume mechanical assemblies, was first achieved. Full interchangeability of components was unknown before this. The advantage was so profound that manufacturing was changed from a craft to a science. And volume production would be forever different. The examples which have found a home here are rather amazing. Among them are the fifty miniature machine tools models which were the life work of the tool maker John Aschauer. I first viewed these as a child of perhaps eight years old, when they were at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. Somehow they have found a home here, along with serial number one of the Bridgeport milling machine, and other significant examples of the formidable machine tool industry, when American machine tools were broadly preferred for their accuracy and their durability.

Shaina Stamper

Small, but very cute, and informative. Would definitely recommend!

Tom Gabriele

It's just a lot of boring tools. As in, tools that bore. As in, tools that bore holes in wood. This museum is basically a historical machine shop. Civil War tools were widely produced in the area, and the Precision Museum houses several old drill presses, lathes, mills, as well as several other large pieces of machinery made specifically for manufacturing weapons. Interesting for the engineer or history buff. May not be the best attraction for families with younger kids or those not interested in tools, guns, history, etc. Free on Sundays.

Primo Psycho

Great place to get your inner geek going. I spent an enjoyable 2+ hours admiring power transfer pulleys, multi-jig lathes, and end mills galore. Plus, a gift shop!

Roger Bowen Weld

The best resource on the history of machine tools in American history.

Lindsay Jones

We had so much fun broadcasting a virtual field trip from here! Such a fun place to learn about amazing machines, both old and new.

Randall Walters

I had the chance to visit many years ago, probably close to 23, and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the progression of machining through the years. Looking forward to seeing it and the area again.

Neil Mongeau

Very cool place. Lots of history with live demos.

Mill Brook Railroad

The American Precision Museum shows the importance of Vermont in manufacturing history. Located in the building where interchangeable parts was first implemented commercially, the APM gives visitors insight into early American manufacturing and includes interactive displays and live demonstrations of machine tools.

Aengus Andrew

It was interesting but nothing there was terribly exciting, I had a good time but the rest of my family group was not very impressed.

Ron Grosinger

This is the birthplace of the American industrial revolution. Major advancement in manufacturing. This was like the Silicon Valley of its time. Vermont invented the process of "Repeatable interchangeable parts". This was a significant help in the Civil War.

Feng Feng

Not much to see. Very small.

Kathy Baird

Amazing history and passionate docent. The invention of precision equipment that could make interchangeable parts changed the world. Yankee ingenuity at its best.

James V Carlton Jr

We loved this place and came away with a better understanding of the impact this little village had on mass production and making the USA the powerhouse of the industrial revolution in the 19th and 20th century. Don't miss it!

Ayla Bosley

I went there today with the River Valley Technical Center and I had a blast

Stephanie Martin

Very interteresting museum, and a great hands-on area for the kids. The whole family enjoyed our visit!

Caitlin Scanlon

Had an excellent time. Looks small but once you get to talking with a docent, you could spend hours. Beautiful location as well.

Timothy Brown

A nice small museum. A good collection of antique machinery and the history surrounding the industrial revolution in America.

alan ostrovski

Very nice people. Friendly staff and interesting history especially for mechanically inclined people. Sunday's are optional donation days as well.

Robert LaFlam

As a tool and die maker it was enjoyable to see the old machines and the Hand machines. I've also run CNC machines so I know the modern Technologies but the old machines, that's where it's at.

Nathan Fields

It's a must see if visiting the Windsor area.And if u like the civil war its a great place to learn how much it helped the north in the 1860's with gun production

Sue MacTavish

What a wonderful little museum . A real gem! My husband an engineer loved it . Good side trip off I 91.

Ken K

Worked there back in the days as a summer job when still in school, loved it....if you love machinery then you definitely have to visit...you won't be disappointed!!

Bernie du Breuil

One of the first factories in the US. Interesting displays of early and a few modern machines.

Brandon Ulatowski

What a gem. If you have any interest at all in machinery, this place is for you. As a machine tool engineer, I found this place fascinating and educational.

Floris Sluiter

Small but very interesting, my six year old now knows how gears are made ;-) friendly staff!

Paul Link

Fascinating display of machine tools from Windsor in its heyday, also a good display of rifles from the mid 1800s. Someone was demonstrating when I was ther

Susan Bocchini

Loved the Precision made working minatures

A McDurmon

Great museum for learning more about the history of machines, the industrial revolution, and the Civil War.

DA VEH

Good but some old guy was kinda bugging us when we were trying to watch the videos. I think he worked there but not sure.

Mackenzie Clancy

I'm a machinest my opinion is probably bias. Lots of history of manufacturing and some small animated models

A.David Wunsch

I love this place. They are very liberal about letting you photograph the machines. Pat, at the front desk, is very smart and friendly.

deadeyeski

Amazing place. Cool old machines. Fun models of machine shop.will visit again

Mark

Good collection. Small museum but some amazing machines

Barrington Powell

Loved it..Great History and a very clean facility

Steve Lipofsky

This is a true hidden Jewel. History, machinery , and just a very fun place to visit.

T R. M.

Fascinating place w so much history. Definitely should be seen and appreciated.

David Boyd

Really unique and interesting museum.

Laura Carbonneau

Nice displays. Great staff. Decent parking and interactive displays.

Simplice Mambangui

Great place to visit and learn... historical site that hold a lot...

Sarah Knapp

Fascinating small museum with a guide who demonstrates some of the machines.

jim m

Excellent

Ryan Hassett

Great little museum with a friendly staff.

Gregory

Great little museum. Well worth the stop

Rad Bill

Interesting place. Salinger's home town

John Mahoney

A museum that is actively preserving the history of America and it's precision history.

Gary Watts

Excellent exhibits. Very educational.

Anne Leake

We loved seeing how all machines worked.

Maureen Curley

Very interesting and interactive museum.

Tammie Morrison

Great history. Beautifully preserved items.

Dan McNee

Awesome place to learn how we got to where we are now.

Rachel Hyde

Fascinating displays in a historic setting

Riccardo Panella

This place is closed till May 26th, I don’t know how it is but I know that google is wrong!!!

James Forest

Very interesting! Family fun

Christopher Bensch

Absorbing history and very well done.

David Howland

From Enfield it's more like 24 miles

Paul Shropshire

This place is great....

Kris McCabe

Amazing part of American. History.

Terri Sittig

A nice piece of American History.

Joshua Rosen

This is a very interesting museam.

Steve Smith

Very interesting! Well done!

Brooke Davis

Well kept, very clean

Richard Walker

Inspiring. Worth the detour to visit

David McMillan

Historical machine tools and demonstrations

David Seyer

Interesting, but not great.

P Nadell

The birthplace of American manufacturing.

jamie carlisle

Very cool spot

Dan McGuire

Loved it.

John Mayo-Smith

The machines that make the machines!

Have one

Liked it

Jared Krajewski

How neat is that!

Stan Blair

Excellent

Peter Mans

Cool displays

Douglas Beagle

Great

Katie Olsen

Fun history lesson

S M

Lots of history

Hoon Jung

(Translation) A small museum where you can learn about the development history of machine tools (Original) 공작기계의 발전사를 알수 있는 작은 박물관

Alexander Yong

Jesse Runnion-Bareford

Krispin scanlon-hill

Amanda Saunders

Bob Trancho

Barry Nark

Cyndi Magrath

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