Programs

  • Watkins Mill Preservation and Education

    Watkins Mill Association proactively supports the preservation and living history of Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site. Watkins Mill is the last textile mill in the United States with its original machinery still intact. The Association promoted the Mill to be recognized by the United States Department of Interior as a National Historical Landmark, the National Register of Historic Places, a Clay County Historic Landmark, and a National Mechanical Engineering Landmark. We are emerging from COVID-19's effects, which clearly presented challenges. Watkins Mill was one of four State Parks completely closed in 2020. Volunteers, the basis for successful operations, were deprived of the work they love, as Park and Historic Site access and events were necessarily cancelled. The Association met these challenges head-on, approaching 2022 as a year of new beginnings; Financially, we fought a good fight, earning funds from three major Foundations; Working with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, we completed Phase I of major Historic Site Restorations with funds earmarked for that purpose; We obtained funding for Phase II of the major Historic Site Restorations. Partnering with Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the project's Memorandum of Understanding and Scope of Work were drafted, so bids and work can commence; We are pleased Volunteers are returning, doubling their numbers over last year. They are bringing Historic Site Tours and Living History activities back to life. Volunteer participation allowed us to successfully host the Heirloom Garden celebration, Spring on the Farm, and Get Outdoors 6K Run.; Visitors are responding to increased activity. Their numbers have increased 57% over last year. Watkins Mill Association is proceeding with determination to restore Watkins Mill as the region's premier historic attraction. In partnership with Missouri State Parks, the Association cultivates an 1870s non-traditional community venue which encourages historic, educational, cultural, and recreational programs. Visiting the Historic Site is like stepping into the 19th Century. Many of the buildings that Waltus Watkins built over half a century - including the family home and three-story woolen mill - are preserved to provide Visitors a sense of 1870s life. College professors and K-12 teachers often include Watkins Mill in curricula for its historical importance featuring entrepreneurs in frontier life, the Industrial Revolution and Civil War.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $38.2K