Huntington’s beloved eighteenth-century landmark, the Van Wyck-Lefferts Tide Mill Sanctuary, is ushering in a new chapter with a simpler, more streamlined name: Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve. This change reflects the organization’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding both the historic mill and its vibrant wildlife sanctuary.
Built in 1794, the Lefferts Tide Mill stands as a testament to American ingenuity. Harnessing the power of the tides, this state-of-the-art machine once thrived, grinding an impressive 4,000 bushels of wheat, 500 bushels of corn, and 300 bushels of feed annually by the 1860s. While surpassed by the efficiency of steam-powered mills in the late 1800s, Lefferts Tide Mill remains an invaluable piece of American history.
Since taking ownership of the mill in 2019, the Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve has embarked on a mission to ensure this historic treasure endures. Through grants and public donations, they’ve completed crucial repairs, including stabilizing the dam, shoring up the mill’s wooden gears, and installing a new roof. Currently, the focus is on fortifying the mill’s foundation with a new timber bulkhead, replacing its predecessor that has faithfully served since 1983.
The Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve doesn’t just safeguard history; it champions the environment too. The mill pond has flourished into a haven for native and migratory waterfowl, contributing significantly to the region’s biodiversity.
Public tours, offered in partnership with the Huntington Historical Society, give visitors a chance to step back in time and explore this remarkable mill. Mark your calendars for these upcoming tour dates:
- June 10
- June 21
- July 8
- July 19
- August 2
- August 19
- September 9
- September 16
- October 4
- October 18
Continue reading below for additional important information…
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Additional Information + VIDEO about the Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve
As the Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve looks towards the future, it continues its ambitious restoration projects, buoyed by foundation grants and public donations. A $300,000 endeavor to stabilize the dam and undertake structural repairs has breathed new life into the mill, ensuring its continued existence for generations to come.
The preserve, encompassing the mill pond, serves as a sanctuary for native and migratory waterfowl, a vital bastion of biodiversity within the community.
For those eager to support this noble cause or simply seeking to learn more, Claudia Fortunato-Napolitano, Executive Director, welcomes inquiries at cfortunato@huntingtontidemill.org.
In an age of rapid change, the Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve stands as a beacon of continuity, a living testament to the enduring spirit of preservation and reverence for the past.
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