Water Mill Museum
(368 years young)
Opening Reception

The building known as the Water Mill Museum has survived over 350 years of wars, hurricanes, triumphs, moves and makeovers.

The hamlet of Water Mill itself was named for our dynamic engineering marvel, which helped life happen for early settlers.

This month the east end’s oldest commercial building opens May 17th for its 46th year as an actual museum.

To celebrate, on Friday, May 18th from 5 to 7 pm, the public is invited to experience the fascinating interior and water-powered workings of the mill with special historical readings from the quintessential book, WATER MILL-CELEBRATING COMMUNITY.

Refreshments will be served; books will be signed by book Editor, Marlene E. Haresign. Museum board members and volunteers welcome all ages to this event at 41 Old Mill Road, in Water Mill. Free admission.

2012 Raffle Quilt

for larger view

In the Gallery

The Wednesday Group
Plein Aire Artists of the South Fork

May 17 ~ June 11

...from the 2011 Show

The Water Mill

a brief history

In colonial America, mills powered by water or wind were the most advanced form of power. They were used to grind grain, saw wood, full cloth, tan hides, weave fabric and make paper. Water mills or windmills appeared in every colonial settlement.

The story of this water mill begins in 1640 when a group of English colonists came to Southampton.

The mill was built in 1644 and has been used for many purposes throughout its history.

In 1968 a project to restore the mill as a museum began and this historic grist mill was grinding grain once again for the 1976 bicentennial.

Today the Mill and Museum is owned and operated by the Water Mill Museum Inc., a non-profit organization.

For more history of this water mill...

Upcoming Events

Children's Hands On Milling
Mondays at 11:30 am

In the Gallery

May 17 - June 11

Plein Aire Artists of the East End

Reception
June 2 ~ 4pm to 6pm

Members' Art Show

Call for Artists

Download Prospectus

Download Invitation

Download Membership Form

Mission Statement

The mission of the Water Mill Museum is to preserve its historic water-powered grist mill, the other buildings at its site, its museum collection and inform the public about the history of the mill, the hamlet of Water Mill and the hamlet’s cultural and natural heritage.

The museum’s collection will contain items that best depict the many past uses of the water mill building, the agricultural base of the hamlet’s first 300 years and the commercial, cultural and social development of the hamlet of Water Mill from 1644 to the present.