Vacation Week: Take Flight!

Join us for a high-flying adventure where history meets modern technology! This hands-on program is designed specifically for young innovators ready to master the skies.

Program Details

• Who: Children Ages 9 and Up

• When: April 24, 2026

• Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Where: Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation

• Activities:

  • Drone Piloting: Learn the basics of flight and take the controls of a drone.

  • Aero-Design: Use engineering principles to design, make, and fly your own custom paper airplanes.

  • Innovation Challenges: Discover how historical industrial breakthroughs paved the way for modern aviation.

Plan Your Visit

• Location: 154 Moody Street, Waltham, MA.

• Parking: Free street parking and nearby paid lots/garages are available.

• Accessibility: The museum features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, and restrooms.

• Admission: General museum admission is $5.00 for children and teens (ages 6-17).

  Charles River Museum +1

Don't just watch history—make it fly!

The 2026 Official Rube Goldberg Machine Contestⓒ  Regional Qualifier Event

Watch the contestants throughout the day! Included with Museum Admission

Sign up to participate in the Rube Goldberg Machine Contest

SOLD OUT! Mill Talk: Failing Forward: The Critical Role of Failure in Creating Successful Rube Goldberg Machines

presented by Zach Umperovitch, the world’s leading authority on all things Rube Goldberg

REGISTRATION FOR THIS THIS MILL TALK HAS SOLD OUT

This Mill Talk explores how failure functions not as a setback, but as an essential tool in the design and construction of successful Rube Goldberg Machines. Drawing on experience from Zach’s own contraptions, the presentation examines the iterative process behind complex chain-reaction systems, highlighting how misfires, breakdowns, and unexpected outcomes inform engineering decisions, improve reliability, and foster creative problem-solving. Through real-world examples, the talk will illuminate how embracing trial and error leads to more robust designs, sharper critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of mechanical systems, offering insights relevant to engineers, educators, and anyone interested in the creative process behind purposeful complexity.

Speaker Bio: Zach Umperovitch is the world’s leading authority on all things Rube Goldberg - the intricate and whimsical devices that perform simple tasks in the most complex and entertaining ways. With a passion for chain reactions, Zach has turned his expertise into a career, helping create extraordinary machines for major brands like Google, Red Bull, Disney, and Sonic.

Sign up to participate in the Rube Goldberg Machine Contest!

Mill Talk: From Electronic Waste to Opportunity - How Refurbished Technology Can Close the Digital Divide

a conversation with Dylan Zajac Founder and Executive Director of Computers 4 People,

FREE to the Public
REGISTRATION REQUIRED

In this conversation, Dylan Zajac will explore where old electronics really end up, the environmental and social costs of e-waste, and how Computers 4 People is building a scalable model to turn discarded technology into opportunity.

The discussion will cover digital equity, sustainability, and what it takes to create systems that work at a national scale, followed by audience Q&A.

Mill talk: Chelsea Clock Company: 146 Years of Boston Clockmaking

presented by Patrick Mont, Curatorial Fellow at the Willard House & Clock Museum

This event has SOLD OUT

The clockmaking tradition carried out by Chelsea Clock Company traces it’s roots back to the founding of the Harvard Clock Company in 1880 by Joseph Eastman. This talk will trace the evolution of the Boston style marine clock from it’s humble beginnings as a gauge clock through to the modern day manufacturing of these storied clocks.

Chelsea survives today as the last American clock company still in operation and one of a few manufacturing mechanical clock movements in world today.

With many important ties to Waltham, this talk is sure to appeal to the interest of local clock & watch enthusiasts alike.

Speaker Bio:
Patrick Mont is an avid student of the Boston school of clockmaking. He is a Chelsea factory-trained clockmaker where he served as Director of Repair & Restoration. Presently, he is a Curatorial Fellow at the Willard House & Clock Museum in Grafton, Mass, where is he studies Massachusetts horology in the earlier era of hand-crafted clocks. He serves on the board of the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute, is President of the Massachusetts Watchmakers-Clockmakers Association and was a recipient of the David Gow Memorial Scholarship for Clockmaking.

Collaboratory Public Workshop: Laser Engraving

FREE to the public
REGISTRATION REQUIRED

All workshops start at 1:00 pm and last around 90 minutes. These are all Level 1 workshops, so you do NOT need any prior experience with the topic.

Ever wonder how they get images and text on keychains, jewelry, and other objects? This workshop introduces participants to using the laser cutters and laser engravers at the Charles River Collaboratory.  Under the guidance of experienced youth leaders, attendees learn safety protocols, laser settings (power and speed), and basic design techniques to create engraving projects.  You will learn to use the dual-fiber and blue laser in the Collaboratory.  Future sessions will show you how to create your own designs and use the more powerful cutting lasers.

This session should last around 90 minutes

Mill Talk: Forging History: The Creation of Saugus Iron Works NHS

presented by Gretchen Pineo

FREE to the public
REGISTRATION REQUIRED

The Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, located in Saugus, Massachusetts, is a mid-twentieth century reconstruction of a seventeenth-century ironworks. Built by private investors in the public interest, the site is at turns an outdoor museum teaching the public about the origins of the iron and steel industries and an object lesson in the ingenuity of the early settlers of Massachusetts as a way of conveying American beliefs about the pioneer spirit and independence onto a new generation. This talk explores the history of the site, beginning with its establishment in the mid-seventeenth century, through its stewardship by the National Park Service in the late twentieth century.

Speaker Bio:

Gretchen Pineo is a Senior Architectural Historian at the Public Archaeology Laboratory in Pawtucket, RI and an adjunct instructor at the Boston Architectural College. She received her M.A. in Preservation Studies from Boston University and holds a professional certificate in Museum Studies from Tufts University. She joined PAL in 2014 after interning with the National Park Service (NPS) Northeast Region History Program, where she was introduced to Saugus Iron Works NHS and became intrigued by its history. Ms. Pineo works throughout New England and the mid-Atlantic for a variety of government and private clients, documenting disparate resources including state and national parks, historic towns and villages, and military installations. She has also developed public interpretive displays in Massachusetts and Rhode Island covering disparate topics including industrial village development and Cold War-era scientific and military research.

Links:

https://www.palinc.com/

Collaboratory Public Workshop: How to Work With AI

FREE to the public
REGISTRATION REQUIRED

All workshops start at 1:00 pm and last around 90 minutes. These are all Level 1 workshops, so you do NOT need any prior experience with the topic.

Ever wonder what all the hype is about with AI? This workshop will be led by Charles River Collaboratory instructors with youth leaders as co-instructors.  This workshop will focus on the basics of AI, and you will learn to train a “machine learning” model for object recognition to understand how AI models are trained by using Google’s “Teachable Machine.”  During this workshop, you will be introduced to what an AI prompt is, provided with examples, and try some of your own prompts.  

This session should last around 90-120 minutes

MassDestruction Resurgence V: Robot Combat!

Sparks will fly, bots will die, and a new champion of MassDestruction will be crowned!

NOTE: This is a family friendly spectator event suitable for all ages, but there will be loud noises and crowds.

If you’re new to robot fighting and want to learn how to get involved, please message MassDestruction’s friendly Facebook page and we can get you pointed in the right direction!

Rules: 

• NERC Ruleset plus some additional rules that will be on the buildersdb page

Collaboratory Public Workshop: Embroidery

FREE to the public
REGISTRATION REQUIRED

All workshops start at 1:00 pm and last around 90 minutes. These are all Level 1 workshops, so you do NOT need any prior experience with the topic.

Ever wonder how to embroider your initials onto cloth?  In this youth-led workshop, participants explore the intersection of textile art and modern technology using the Collaboratory’s embroidery machines.  In this workshop, you will learn how to use an embroidery machine and be introduced to open-source embroidery software such as Inkscape (and, if there is time, Inkstitch).  These software tools let you design your own embroidery patterns.  This workshop is expected to last 90 minutes but may run up to 2 hours.  Our goal for this workshop is for everyone to leave with something embroidered (your initials).

This session should last around 90-120 minutes

SIP IT, FLIP IT, SNIP IT Family Friendly Fun!

Program included with admission

Join us in celebrating the winter season. Start with a complimentary cup of hot chocolate in this family drop-in workshop. Explore Optical Illusions with a simple Flip Book, and learn about the wonder of Snow as we Origami fold and cut our own intricate Snowflake designs.  

Collaboratory Public Workshop: Basics of 3D Printing

FREE to the public
REGISTRATION REQUIRED

All workshops start at 1:00 pm and last around 90 minutes. These are all Level 1 workshops, so you do NOT need any prior experience with the topic.

Ever wonder what 3D printing is and how a 3D printer works? Led by the Charles River Collaboratory youth leaders, this session demystifies “additive manufacturing” by giving participants direct access to the Collaboratory’s 3D printer bank.  You will learn how to search for files, what “slicer” software is and how to use it, and understand the basic settings of a slicer to print a file.   You will also learn about the type of materials that are used in 3D printers and how to transfer your file from a computer to a 3D printer. 

This session should last around 90 minutes

Mill Talk: Inside a Waltham Pocket Watch: How It Works and Why

A Talk and Demonstration with Chris Carey, Watertown Watch and Clock
FREE to the Public
REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Step inside the intricate world of fine watchmaking with Waltham’s own Chris Carey, watchmaker and owner of Watertown Watch and Clock. In this live demonstration, Chris will carefully disassemble a Waltham Model 1908 pocket watch, revealing the artistry, engineering, and precision that made Waltham a world leader in timekeeping.

As he takes the watch apart piece by piece, Chris will explain how each component functions, what makes it essential, and how Waltham’s innovations compared with those of earlier and later American, Swiss, and English timepieces. Through detailed visuals and hands-on examples, attendees will gain a rare, close-up look at the mechanical heart of a Waltham watch—and a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and ingenuity that powered the city’s historic watch industry.

Chris Carey was taught watch repair as a boy by his grandfather, Pat Caruso, a watchmaker at Waltham Watch Company. In 1993 he opened his own clock and watch repair shop, Watertown Watch and Clock, and now operates the shop with his wife, Christine, in Waltham, Massachusetts. Chris has served as the Secretary of The American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI), he is the Chairman of the Board of the Massachusetts Watchmakers-Clockmakers Association, and is Past President of NAWCC New England Chapter 8.

Beware: Chris' family is sick of hearing him talk about watches and clocks, so he is happy to have found a new audience with whom he can share is passion.

Industry and Innovation Tour: Time Along the Charles NEW!!

FREE! Space is limited to 12
REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Space is limited and registration is required, so secure your spot today for FREE before it’s sold out! The meeting location to be sent to those who register.

Your Tour Guide:
Nicholas Adams is a lifelong resident of Waltham. After earning his Eagle Scout rank, Nicholas began working at the Charles River Museum in the summer of 2024 as an Education and Multimedia Production intern and has been there since. Nicholas studies Electrical and Computer Engineering at MassBay Community College and loves to share Waltham’s history with others.

We Are Waltham

About this event:

6 new tellers from Waltham will share experiences from their lives to help expand our boundaries through empathy, shared laughter, tears etc. All tellers are coached by show creator and there is usually a raffle during half time for fun.​

​​​Tickets have already started selling at a fast clip so get yours now!

RAFFLE: The fun raffle for the Fall show is probably going to be a relief map of Waltham from back in the day that shows an area of the city that features prominently in one of the stories. Plus some tote bags with the show logo.

• Announcement:

  Next year, these big shows may go on a hiatus as smaller shows and, possibly, workshops expand outreach into the community.

Industry and Innovation Tour: Time Along the Charles NEW!!

FREE! Space is limited to 20
REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Space is limited and registration is required, so secure your spot today for FREE before it’s sold out! The meeting location to be sent to those who register.

Your Tour Guide:
Nicholas Adams is a lifelong resident of Waltham. After earning his Eagle Scout rank, Nicholas began working at the Charles River Museum in the summer of 2024 as an Education and Multimedia Production intern and has been there since. Nicholas studies Electrical and Computer Engineering at MassBay Community College and loves to share Waltham’s history with others.

Come and join us to celebrate the opening of this new and important exhibit on the history of Waltham's labor movement and the first industrial strike in US history.

Light refreshments will be served and there will be brief comments made by Charles River Museum intern and exhibit curator and writer Maya Colman

Upcycling at the Mill: Hand Sewing Workshop

(ages 12+ and adults) 
$18 Materials and Instruction fee
Space is limited

Give new life to old textiles in this hands-on workshop at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation!

With 11.5 million tons of fabric wasted annually, upcycling offers a creative way to reduce waste while learning hand sewing, embroidery, and darning techniques. Held in the historic mill where America’s textile industry began, this class connects past and present by transforming worn clothing into something new.

Bring your own fabric items and reimagine them with sustainability and creativity in mind! 

NextGenSTEM Fest is a different STEM festival

To learn all about the Fest and the planned activities and workshops, visit:

With funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) the NextGen STEMFest celebrates the 75th year that the NSF has played in incubating and supporting innovation and discovery that has changed and improved the lives of so many in the United States. At the NextGen STEMFest come let your curiosity wander with interactive learning activities and experiences from some of the worlds top STEM companies and University research labs. You will see and learn about regenerative medicine, new biotechnologies, hear from young people about their college STEM experiences, learn about physical computing, and more.

You can sign up to learn how to use a laser, how to 3D print nearly anything, screen printing at Massachusetts’ only youth-led innovation maker-space, the Charles River Collaboratory located at the Charles River Museum of Industry of Innovation.

While you are at NextGen STEMFest you can also visit the Charles River Museum of Industry which will be free to visitors for the day and at the same time just a few hundred yards away is will be the famous Watch City Steampunk festival.

Upcycling at the Mill: Hand Sewing Workshop

(ages 12+ and adults) 
$18 Materials and Instruction fee
Space is limited

Give new life to old textiles in this hands-on workshop at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation!

With 11.5 million tons of fabric wasted annually, upcycling offers a creative way to reduce waste while learning hand sewing, embroidery, and darning techniques. Held in the historic mill where America’s textile industry began, this class connects past and present by transforming worn clothing into something new.

Bring your own fabric items and reimagine them with sustainability and creativity in mind! 

Upcycling at the Mill: Hand Sewing Workshop

(ages 12+ and adults) 
$18 Materials and Instruction fee
Space is limited

Give new life to old textiles in this hands-on workshop at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation!

With 11.5 million tons of fabric wasted annually, upcycling offers a creative way to reduce waste while learning hand sewing, embroidery, and darning techniques. Held in the historic mill where America’s textile industry began, this class connects past and present by transforming worn clothing into something new.

Bring your own fabric items and reimagine them with sustainability and creativity in mind! 

Upcycling at the Mill: Hand Sewing Workshop

(ages 12+ and adults) 
$18 Materials and Instruction fee
Space is limited

Give new life to old textiles in this hands-on workshop at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation!

With 11.5 million tons of fabric wasted annually, upcycling offers a creative way to reduce waste while learning hand sewing, embroidery, and darning techniques. Held in the historic mill where America’s textile industry began, this class connects past and present by transforming worn clothing into something new.

Bring your own fabric items and reimagine them with sustainability and creativity in mind! 

A Christmas Carol, presented by J.T. Turner

Witness the classic tale of A Christmas Carol brought beautifully to life as actor J.T. Turner portrays author Charles Dickens and every single character from the story in this acclaimed one-man show. Charles Dickens performed his A Christmas Carol publicly every year, and this version brings all the drama, comedy and redemption as Dickens originally wrote it. J.T. has performed his one-man version of this holiday classic across North America for over 25 years.

J.T.’s original play “Within These Walls” was featured at the Smithsonian Museum of American History and awarded an Essex National Heritage Pioneer in Partneships Award. His Mill Talk: The Charles Dickens Lectures” was commissioned by The Lowell Institute & Charles River Museum of Industry, and he has served as an on-camera historical consultant on The Travel Channel. He has been awarded multiple Pinnacle Awards fromThe Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration.J.T. had served as a visiting artist at the Longy School of Music, Boston University, and University of Massachusetts/Lowell, among others. He is NEFA/NEST grant eligible, and an approved provider of educational programs for MassHousing & Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging.

He is also a professional circus ringmaster, fight choreographer, certified instructor of qigong, tai chi, & meditation, and acting, accent, & public speaking coach. www.jtturner.org FB: The Actors Company