New Curiosity Kit Alert: The Sheep Magnet!

This special kit has a unique backstory rooted in our town’s industrial past. It was originally born at the historic Wile Carding Mill as a small, handcrafted token for young visitors exploring our heritage. Now, we are bringing a version of that beloved keepsake to you so you can take a piece of the Wile Mill’s story home.

Before the mill was built, farm families had to card all their sheep’s wool by hand—a tedious chore that could take days for a single fleece. Powered by a waterwheel on Sandy Brook, the Wile Carding Mill completely changed local farming by carding a full week’s worth of wool in just one hour! Established in 1860, it ran for over a century and the machines were operated largely by local women who kept Bridgewater’s early textile economy moving.

Inside each kit you will find 100% Local Sheep Wool, generously donated to the Wile Carding Mill by our community’s local farmers. Touch and feel clean, unprocessed wool to see exactly what it feels like straight from the farm. This wool has been carded—meaning it was cleaned, separated, and straightened just like the mill machines did historically to prepare it for spinning. Bring a piece of local heritage home and discover the textures of our past.

Give your sheep a name and stick it to your fridge, and remember Curiosity Kits are always FREE

Drop by the DesBrisay Museum to pick up your Curiosity Kit. While you are here, don’t forget to check out our current interactive exhibit, Powered by Water: Stories of the Wile Carding Mill, running through September 19!

What is a Curiosity Kit? Our monthly activity kit program at the DesBrisay Museum, designed to encourage and feed your curiosity – Curiosity Kits! Suitable for age 5 to 95+, this free program introduces new ways of exploring our history, community and nature through art, observation and experience. Activities are inspired by our museum programming, environment, local history and culture.

Dive in two ways:
Grab a Kit: We have awesome craft kits available during any museum visit. A new kit launches every month for you to take and make at home.

Join the Workshop: Drop in every 3rd Saturday of the month between for a live, hands-on craft demonstration. No registration is needed.