When it was a new business, Hanford Mills in upstate New York was a true industrial venture, with its sawmill, woodworking shop feed mill, grist mill and even a hardware store. Originally a mill site (1846) it actually came to the Hanford family in 1860.
Now, more than 150 years later, the site is Hanford Mills Museum near Windham. Using the waters of a nearby stream, the mill site provided the village with electricity. Eventually steam power and then gasoline engines were used to drive the mill as well as generate electricity.
This wonderful facility operated as a mill until 1967, opening within a year as a museum. Since it was one of the last surviving 19th century mills, it has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the New York Register of Historic Places.
With a direct mission of preserving and presenting the mill site, Hanford Mills Museum staff leads the way in showing how power generation affected United States history. Visitors get a close look at how technological improvements affected the community and its people.
With a complex story to tell about industry, people and community, Hanford Mills Museum is a great way to explore the past and understand the future. Educational programs are a strong part of the museum mission as well. School and youth programs find the Hanford Mills Museum a great place to learn about the early days of industry and agriculture.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information about Hanford Mills Museum is available by calling (800) 295-4992.
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