Hanford Mills Museum, a rare example of a working water-powered mill and a site on both the National and New York State Registers of Historic Places, has opened its doors for the 2025 season with a full slate of public programming in June.
The month begins with a hands-on historic window restoration workshop on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Led by preservation specialist Kurt Riegel of Riegel Restoration and Consulting, the session will introduce traditional techniques including window removal, glazing, painting and glass replacement. Registration will be open to museum members first.
On Saturday, June 14, the museum will host two programs: a guided bird walk from 8 to 9:30 a.m. with experienced birders Suzanne Gaynor and Kathryn Davino of the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society, and the return of its Free Family Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Designed for all ages, the event includes nature-themed activities, mill tours and machine demonstrations. This year, for the first time, visitors will explore the aquatic ecosystem of the museum’s pond and nearby Kortright Creek—netting and identifying macroinvertebrates.
The museum will close the month with a free Summer Celebration Concert on Friday, June 20, at 6:30 p.m. The Cooperstown-based Small Town Big Band, a 15-piece ensemble, will perform music inspired by the Big Band era. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the evening on the museum grounds.
Hanford Mills is located at 51 County Highway 12 in East Meredith, 10 miles from Oneonta and 15 miles from Delhi. For details about events and registration, visit hanfordmills.org
