Eli Whitney Museum

Apprenticeship encourages many passions, and builds the discipline needed to excel. Meet a few graduates of our apprenticeship program, and explore the diverse careers they have made.

Essential Experiments are lessons you are much more likely to find in a workshop or a studio than in a classroom. They prepare young minds for a deep understanding of ideas encountered in the classroom and in the world.

1. Learn to experiment with materials.
2. Learn to read models.
3. Learn to listen to tools.
4. Learn to find help.
5. Learn to respect natural measurements.
6. Learn to improvise.
7. Learn to test.
8. Learn to choose important details.
9. Learn your own style.
10. Learn what you are ready to learn.

Whitney Learners.
In his 1973 documentary, the Ascent of Man, Jacob Bronowski observed that the industrial revolution began in the hands of practical men, men educated, not in classrooms, but in the building of England’s mills, canals and bridges. These independent mechanics were not obedient to tradition…

The work of the museum is made possible by many hands. In addition to a small group of senior staff, our team includes dozens of apprentices, visiting teachers, artists, and other experts.

Check here for updates from the Board of Directors.

Since 1988, the Museum and its apprentices have been designing and building unique projects, classes, experiments, toys, and tricks.