Upcoming Events: March
Lou Jones and the panAFRICAproject
The Old Schwamb Mill is proud to host the panAFRICAproject, a compelling photography exhibition by Boston-based photographer Lou Jones. On view from March 21 through May 16, the exhibition opens with a public reception at 2:00 PM on March 21 and concludes with a closing talk and event at 2:00 PM on May 16.
More than a decade in the making, panAFRICAproject is a country-by-country visual documentary that challenges long-standing stereotypes and reframes how Africa is understood in the Western imagination. Rather than focusing on narratives of conflict and poverty, Jones turns his lens toward the vibrancy, innovation, and everyday realities of contemporary African life, highlighting industry, education, healthcare, sports, music, and infrastructure across the continent. The project has grown into an expansive visual archive and educational platform, exhibited in schools, galleries, museums, and public spaces. With a long-term goal of documenting all 54 African countries, the project continues to evolve as a celebration of culture, progress, and daily life.
Hosting panAFRICAproject at the Old Schwamb Mill places these global stories within a site deeply rooted in craft, labor, and community history. As a living industrial museum, the mill provides a unique setting where photography, history, and contemporary dialogue intersect. The exhibition also serves as a community gathering point, welcoming visitors of all ages—including two groups of student photographers scheduled to visit during the run of the show.
A powerful photography exhibition reimagining how Africa is seen, and bringing global stories into a historic local space.
Previous Events
Families First Saturdays at the Old Schwamb Mill: The Midnight Writer with Sabrina Bhattacharjya
The Old Schwamb Mill invites families to a special children’s program on Friday, March 7, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, designed for children ages 5–10.
Local author Sabrina Bhattacharjya will read from her book “The Midnight Writer,” followed by a kid-friendly discussion and Q&A about storytelling, history, and her experience as a young writer. As an active high school student involved in several local history organizations, Sabrina brings a relatable and inspiring perspective for young audiences.
After the reading, children will enjoy hands-on activities including coloring pages, colonial-era games, and music. The program also encourages children to think about their own stories and family histories, with families invited to take a “family portrait” using one of the mill’s historic round and oval frames. Light snacks and refreshments will be available.
Space is limited. Advance registration is required — please sign up using the QR code on the flyer or the link below to sign up.
The Road Where It Happened: Reexamining Menotomy on April 19, 1775
An Informal Historical Talk at Old Schwamb Mill
Not everything that unfolded in Menotomy on April 19, 1775 looked like the scenes etched into popular memory. Beyond Paul Revere’s ride and marching columns of redcoats, the day was marked by ambushes, seized wagons, rebels hiding in cornfields, and fierce fighting along what became known as the “Foot of the Rocks.”
On Saturday, March 7 at 2:00 PM, the Old Schwamb Mill invites the public to The Road Where It Happened: Version 2.0, an informal illustrated talk by local historian Doreen Stevens. The program explores the lesser-known stories, myths, and meanings surrounding some of the deadliest fighting of the first day of the American Revolution.
Stevens will focus on the experiences of local residents and militia members, including Benjamin Locke of Foot of the Rocks, who led the Menotomy Minutemen up and down “The Road Where It Happened.” By examining eyewitness accounts and later interpretations, the talk invites audiences to reconsider how history is remembered, retold, and rooted in place.
Held at the historic mill site itself, this program offers a unique opportunity to connect Arlington’s Revolutionary past with the landscape where it unfolded.
Old Schwamb Mill 