Join us to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Old Schwamb Mill, the realization of visionary founder Patricia Fitzmaurice's dream, as well as the accomplishments of other women preservationists at the opening reception for the new exhibit She Did It: Women Saving History.

In 2020, the Old Schwamb Mill celebrates 50 years of preservation at the historic mill that was saved from demolition in 1970. A new exhibition titled She Did It: Women Saving History opening on January 25 honors Patricia C. Fitzmaurice, a foresighted community leader and historic preservation advocate, who rallied friends and funds to purchase and save the 19th century mill.

Her dream was to convert the oval picture frame factory into a living history museum, where frames are still made today using original tools and traditional woodworking practices. She envisioned a community art center as a place where working artists could rent studios and art and craft classes would be offered for all ages.

Pat did it all. She networked with friends and fellow Arlington residents to raise funds establishing the Schwamb Mill Preservation Trust; she reached out to artists and others to rent space in the mill to help pay the mortgage and utility bills; she gave guided tours and even learned how to make oval wooden frames herself, so she could give demonstrations on the historic machines she had saved.