Hanford Mills Museum in East Meredith offers a rare glimpse into 19th-century technology and rural life. Students get a fascinating look at the water-powered sawmill and gristmill in action while learning about how the machines operate, renewable energy, and resource management. The programs offered by the museum connect historical industrial practices to modern sustainability concepts, offering a unique perspective on STEM in action. All of the museum’s educational programs include a one-hour guided tour of the Mill complex, with demonstrations of woodworking machinery. Among a variety of educational programs, you will find “Waterpower and the Mill Environment,” where students will learn about trees and their uses while participating in activities that help them discover the wonders of water and steam power. Or consider “Exploring the Industrial Age,” a science and history-based course with simple machine experiments and the use of primary source documents.
