HISTORY

The Whitin Empire began with a simple blacksmith's forge in 1772 and grew into a textile machine manufacturer that dominated the industry in the United States and the world. At one point the Mill employed 5,600 people, more than half the population of the Northbridge community. The Whitin family, paternalistic and generous, gave its name to Whitinsville (the village that was formerly South Northbridge) and built many of the buildings still standing today, including the Town Hall, school and library.

The Mill itself is an icon of the region and a monument to the Industrial Revolution.

Alternatives first moved into the Mill in 1977, operating a sheltered workshop. It has since been renovated into what Executive Director Dennis H. Rice calls “a new paradigm” in the integration of people with disabilities into the community through the creation of an inclusive community treasure. The renovated Whitin Mill Complex consists of Alternatives' administrative headquarters, the GB & Lexi Singh Performance Center (which serves as both a performance and conference center), a restaurant space, the Riverside Community Plaza, the Aldrich Heritage Art Gallery, as well as artisan space and affordable apartments for individuals served. Alternatives has been welcoming the public to the Whitin Mill Complex since the completion of the renovation in 2007.