At the Robert C Williams American Museum of Papermaking, you will learn all about paper, from its pre-history right up to the modern, high-tech manufacturing processes of today. The museum makes an ideal field trip for classes in science, social studies, history and art!
Our Forerunners to Paper exhibit features writing
surfaces used before paper was invented. The artifacts on display
include bark batak books from Sumatra, tapa cloth from the South
Pacific, palm-leaf books from Southeast Asia, and scrolls of papyrus
from ancient Egypt.
As early as 200 BC, the Chinese began making paper from recycled fishing nets and plants. Learn how the earliest paper was made and how it was used. Follow the spread of papermaking throughout Asia, across Africa, and eventually to Europe and the US. Learn why and how recycled clothing was made into paper. Artifacts from the American Colonies include handmade newspapers, colorful ream wrappers, and the first run of currency paper for the Continental Congress.
A special part of the museum highlights the life of Dard Hunter, the historian and collector of many of the artifacts now on display in the museum. The exhibit includes handmade books for which he wrote the text, made the paper, hand-carved the type font, and included samples of paper from around the world.
The museum also covers the history of machine-made paper, from the first paper machine in 1798, to the large computerized machines used to make paper in mills today. Step into the control room of a modern mill and watch a video on papermaking. Explore some of the many uses of paper today and learn more about recycling. A changing exhibition gallery and a gift shop are also an enjoyable part of your museum visit.
HOURS: Monday through Friday 9 AM to 5 PM.
ADMISSION: No charge for general admission; a small charge for guided group tours by appointment.
DIRECTIONS: Exit I-75/85 at 10th St east. The museum is in the Institute of Paper Science and Technology on the right at the corner of W Peachtree St.