American Precision Museum

196 Main St, West Windsor, VT 05089, USA

Address:	196 Main St, West Windsor, VT 05089, USA
Phone:	+1 802-674-5781
Site:	americanprecision.org
Rating:	4.1
Working:	10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 25

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 worlds 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.

Tom Gabriele

Its 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.

Ash 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!

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 dont forget while you are in the area to visit the historic covered bridge spanning the Conectut river less than a mile away.

andrew kairis

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

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.

Aaron Gonthier

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.

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.

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.

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. Dont miss it!

Robert LaFlam

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

Ken Kuban

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 wont be disappointed!!

Nathan Fields

Its 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 1860s with gun production

alan ostrovski

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

Gate City Boat Repair

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

Floris Sluiter

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

Steve Lipofsky

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

Sarah Knapp

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

A Private User

Interesting old stuff, but it doesnt change regularly I dont think?