Mississippi Valley Textile Museum

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum (MVTM) is located in the annex of the former Rosamond Woolen Company in Almonte, Ontario; the site of what was once the largest woolen textile mill in Canada. The Rosamond Woolen Company began operations in 1870 under the stewardship of Bennett Rosamond, and counted the heads of the Bank of Montreal, Canadian National Rail, and the Hudson’s Bay Company among its supporters. Constructed in 1867 this former annex and warehouse now features a blend of the old and new, all related to the history of the Mississippi Valley and the textile industry.

The museum and building tell the story of how Almonte and Lanark County became known as the “Little Manchester” of Canada, and spotlights the many industrialists and workers who helped build this once-thriving industry in Canada. Open year-round, our staff and volunteers hope that visitors come and learn about the workers who were the backbone of the industry, and see for themselves what weaving textiles entails thanks to weekly weaving demonstrations. The museum also hosts rotating contemporary textile art exhibits to spotlight the continued impact textiles have on society.