Inspiring Manufacturing Careers at the American Precision Museum

If you were to ask most Americans about the origins of the manufacturing industry, one of the most common answers that would come to mind probably would be Henry Ford's assembly line. But the true story of American innovation begins much earlier, rooted in a revolutionary idea born in Windsor, Vermont. The American Precision Museum stands as a testament to this foundational moment, honoring the innovators who pioneered the concept of interchangeable parts—a critical step that made mass production, and later even Ford's innovations, possible. At SME's recent Manufacturing Technology Series EAST event, this story came to life as Greg Jones, Director of Strategic Programs and Partnerships at SME, and Jerry Rex, Director of Corporate Development at the American Precision Museum (APM), discussed how the museum is using this rich history to inspire the next generation to build the future of manufacturing.

A Building with a Purpose: The Birth of a Revolution

According to the APM, in 1846, three entrepreneurs—Samuel Robbins, Nicanor Kendall, and Richard Lawrence—decided to bid on a government contract to produce 10,000 rifles, which was a bold step considering they had no factory and no workforce with which to produce them. However, within a short time, they constructed a four-story building, brought in staff, invented new machines and adapted old ones, and soon perfected new techniques for producing interchangeable parts.

"It's a great story," Rex said. "The stipulation was the parts had to be interchangeable and repeatedly interchangeable." This seemingly simple requirement was, in fact, a massive challenge. At the time, components were "hand-fitted and hand-carved," as Rex put it, making mass production impossible. To fulfill the order, the Robinson Lawrence Company Armory was built along Mill Brook. The building was specifically designed to house water-powered machinery, with belt-pulley line shafts driving the equipment. This necessity led to the invention of new processes and systems for creating the necessary interchangeable parts, a concept that would change the world forever.

“I mean, at that point in history, a lot of things weren't affordable to the average person in any country, let alone the United States. We hear often that necessity is the mother of invention. Well, these gentlemen had this order, and they had to come up with something,” said Rex. “This was absolutely life and world-changing. The American System of Manufacturing was developed out of the necessity to deliver this order, and that probably hasn't happened again, but on time and under budget,” he joked.

“And then the world got to see it,” said Jones.

From Vermont to the World Stage: The Crystal Palace Exhibition

Five years later, as the American System began to catch on, U.S. contractors and manufacturers, including Robinson and Lawrence, traveled from the armory to London for the Crystal Palace Exhibition, the first World’s Fair, where they showed off their methods to a skeptical audience. As Jones pointed out, they did not trust “that this was a technology and a process that could actually happen.”

"They took components from six of these firearms, rifles if you will,” said Rex, “and spread them out on the table and challenged anyone: ‘Take any of these components, and you can put them together and assemble them,’" Rex explained. To the amazement of the international audience, the parts were indeed interchangeable. This demonstration not only secured many more orders for firearms, "these guys became exporters of machine tools as well," Rex said, highlighting the dawn of a new industry.

From Armory to Museum: Preserving a Legacy

The journey from a bustling armory to a celebrated museum was a long one. The original factory complex once consisted of five buildings, but time took its toll, and after various uses over the years, the remaining structure was facing demolition. In 1966, Ed Madison, a curator for the Smithsonian, saved the building. He bought it, had it placed on the National Register of Historic Buildings, and began transforming it into the museum it is today.

These days, the museum honors not only the machines but the people who made the industry what it is. It features a Hall of Fame with legendary names like Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin, along with titans of the machine tool industry like Kearney, Swasey, DeVlieg, and LeBlond. The museum also maintains a manufacturing ledger, where families can honor their loved ones who have contributed to the field.

"It's a really unique opportunity to recognize people that have made a difference in the industry," Rex said.

Inspiring the Next Generation: STEM + M

The museum’s mission extends far beyond preserving history. It is actively working to build the future of the manufacturing workforce. "A part of our mission is not only to preserve and honor the history and educate people, but the other really important piece is to inspire the next generation of makers and manufacturers," Rex explained.

The museum focuses on a new educational approach: STEM + M. This expands on the traditional science, technology, engineering, and math curriculum by adding manufacturing. The APM has delivered over 6,000 STEM + M kits, primarily to underserved communities and fourth through sixth graders, with plans to expand. These kits provide a hands-on experience, allowing young people to engage with fundamental manufacturing concepts.

“It's really important to explore and expose young people, at an early age so they are aware and that the educators and their parents are aware of the real opportunities career-wise that exist in manufacturing. Then when we can tie in some of the milestones of the stories of these innovators and the way it really rocked the world in positive ways, it helps to inspire. Seeing those opportunities and experiencing them hands-on with the STEM kits — that’s powerful,” said Rex.

A Modern Museum: From Pulley Systems to 3D Printers

In addition to the kits, the museum encourages school visits, offering students the chance to see the history and technology up close. Jones reiterated the value of seeing the exhibits in person, which include some important manufacturing artifacts. “One of the things that people can still see on the first floor is something really special: the Bridgeport Serial Number One. We all know this very special company and the machine that really made the world go around in U.S. manufacturing—a Bridgeport vertical knee mill—and we've got serial number one at the museum,” said Jones.

“It's amazing. There are people that come there just to have their picture taken with serial number one, but the unique thing is, a few years ago, Rudy Bano, the founder-inventor, if you will, of that machine, his family donated his own un-serialized machine that's sitting next to serial number one. And then we have a set of jo blocks, or gage blocks—some that were donated by Henry Ford to Thomas Edison,” said Rex. “It’s a lot of cool stuff to see.”

While visitors can still see the original pulley systems and historical machines, the APM is also embracing the technologies of today. The museum is continuously evolving to bridge the gap between its historical roots and modern manufacturing.

In addition to the Bridgeport and other historical tools, the museum houses more modern equipment. “In the center of the first floor we've got a Haas cell with a FANUC robot, and then in the learning center is a universal robot that students can use—and 3D printing of course because that's what this generation is more acclimated to in their STEM schools,” said Jones.

Floor 2 the Future: A Campaign for Growth

The museum’s blend of old and new shows that the principles of precision and innovation that began in the 19th century are still at the core of advanced manufacturing today. The APM is currently undertaking a major campaign called Floor 2 the Future to expand its educational and exhibit space. The project will transform the museum’s second floor into a multi-purpose area with a maker space, a conference area, and room for competitions and events.

"We've also rearranged and moved some of the things that were stored, documents and such, to make room for about 1,000 square feet of multi-purpose space for not only maker space and to be able to host events for young people, competitions and such, but to also have meeting and conference space for our corporate members and people in the community," Rex explained. This expansion is a testament to the museum’s dedication to being a dynamic and relevant resource for the community and the industry.

The conversation between Jones and Rex underscored a crucial point: people, especially young people, may not realize, "If it's not born, hatched, or grown, it's made or manufactured," as Rex said. The American Precision Museum serves as a vital bridge, connecting a storied past to a vibrant future. By showcasing both the foundational history of the industry and its modern-day innovations, the museum inspires a new generation to see manufacturing not as a relic of the past, but as a dynamic, creative, and essential career path.

To learn more, watch the full interview below and visit https://americanprecision.org/.