Join members of the Chase’s Mill community to “put the Mill to bed” for the winter. The changing seasons at Chase’s Mill means preparing the equipment, building and grounds for freezing temperatures and fewer activities. This year, it also means getting ready for a major construction project. Thanks to a generous grant from the Hunt Foundation, we will be having a well drilled on the property during the fall. A well will allow a supply of clean water for drinking and water power education. Currently, our water supply is drawn from Warren Brook. Part of the project will involve taking down the power lines and digging up the parking area, which means it is especially important to get these end-of-season tasks completed so the construction project can begin.

We’ll be cleaning the shop and power tools, packing up books, papers, gift shop items and electronic equipment, and generally enjoying each other’s company and the fall weather in Mill Hollow. We hope to see you!

Contact us here for any questions or more information. No registration is required.

Tuesdays, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, october 10, 5:30-7:00pm

With: Juliana Stevens

Group Fee: Free

Group Size: No limit / Adults and children 8+ accompanied by an adult

Remarkable Women - not your ordinary book group. Come celebrate ‘herstory’ and explore the lives of women who have made a difference in the world. Everyone is invited to bring a book to share with others. We will meet monthly at Chase’s Mill during the warm-weather months and at the Shedd-Porter Library during the cold ones. All are welcome.

The Remarkable Women Book Group is on hiatus for the winter. Meetings will resume in Spring 2024.

With: Bob Brown

Tour Fee: Free. Donations to support Chase's Mill activities and events gratefully accepted.

Chase's Mill is open for drop-in visitors. See the water power turbines, tour the workshop and Community Room with the working models of mills built by Heman Chase, and hear about the history of Mill Hollow.

With: Andy Davis

Class Fee: By donation / registration required

Class size: 49 / All ages

Andy Davis will present a program of original songs written in his traditional and participatory style. Come prepared to both listen and to join in on the choruses. Each song is drawn from local history, personal experience and heartfelt memory. Andy accompanies his songs on accordion and piano. Andy lived in the "wee house" overlooking Lake Warren from 1977-1979. He played piano for the contra dances in East Alstead and Acworth from the late 1970s into the 1980s. His program will also draw on stories from his time in Mill Hollow and South Acworth.

With: Bob Brown

Tour Fee: By donation / Registration required

Tour size: 6 / 12+ with accompanying adult

Learn all about the major water-powered components of Chase’s Mill from Bob as he takes you through the Mill for an in-depth tour. After a brief introduction to using running water as a power source through models and discussion, the tour will include the Gristmill & Sawmill Models, some water powered machines, the penstock, the two turbines, and a water pressure demonstration. And he will answer all your questions as well!

Tuesdays, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, october 10, 5:30-7:00pm

With: Juliana Stevens

Group Fee: Free

Group Size: No limit / Adults and children 8+ accompanied by an adult

Remarkable Women - not your ordinary book group. Come celebrate ‘herstory’ and explore the lives of women who have made a difference in the world. Everyone is invited to bring a book to share with others. We will meet monthly at Chase’s Mill during the warm-weather months and at the Shedd-Porter Library during the cold ones. All are welcome.

The Remarkable Women Book Group will meet at the Mill on September 12 and October 10. The group will continue to meet at the Shedd-Porter Library after October, on a date/time to be determined by those who attend the October meeting.

With: Chase's Mill Woodworking Shop Mentors

Open Shop Time at Chase's Mill is offered free of charge to the public. During these regularly scheduled times, the woodworking shop, tools, and equipment are available to be used for personal projects by those who have fulfilled the safety requirements* and reviewed/signed the 2023 Individual Safety Policy, Woodworking Shop Release, and Emergency Contact form.

A Woodworking Shop Mentor will be on hand to help you locate the tools you need, but this is not an instructional class. You are responsible for acquiring wood and other materials needed for your project.

Children over 9 years of age are welcome to use the space and the hand tools (not power tools) but must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Teens between 16-18 years old may use power tools with parent/guardian permission and supervision.

*Safety requirements - attend one session of Safely Using Hand and Power Tools or have completed a woodworking class at Chase's Mill since 2021.

Contact Jill Hall jhall@millhollowheritageassociation.org with questions.

Wednesdays, July 12, 19, 26, and August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 7:00-9:00pm

With: Laura Andrews, Ellen Chase, Kevin Warzecha

final class in AN eight-class program

Click here to learn more and register for the full program.

With: Chase's Mill Woodworking Shop Mentors

Open Shop Time at Chase's Mill is offered free of charge to the public. During these regularly scheduled times, the woodworking shop, tools, and equipment are available to be used for personal projects by those who have fulfilled the safety requirements* and reviewed/signed the 2023 Individual Safety Policy, Woodworking Shop Release, and Emergency Contact form.

A Woodworking Shop Mentor will be on hand to help you locate the tools you need, but this is not an instructional class. You are responsible for acquiring wood and other materials needed for your project.

Children over 9 years of age are welcome to use the space and the hand tools (not power tools) but must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Teens between 16-18 years old may use power tools with parent/guardian permission and supervision.

*Safety requirements - attend one session of Safely Using Hand and Power Tools or have completed a woodworking class at Chase's Mill since 2021.

Contact Jill Hall jhall@millhollowheritageassociation.org with questions.

With: Peter Rhoades, Peter Renzelman, Jeff Putnam

Walk Fee: By donation/ registration required

Walk Size: 15 / Adults

Peter Rhoades will lead a walk though a forest that he has been tending for many years. He started active management of this woodlot in 1974, with the goal of always favoring the highest quality trees for future growth. White pine, hardwood, and hemlock forest types are all represented. We will be walking on a woods road. The walk is 3000 feet to the view at the top of a hill. The total distance is a little over a mile. Some of it is moderately steep. We will meet at 9:00 am. The location is 223 Thayer Brook Road. There is plenty of parking up the drive.

Peter Rhoades lives with his wife, Debbie, on land first purchased by his great grandfather in 1902. After obtaining Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Forest Management from the University of New Hampshire, he has spent nearly 50 years managing private woodlands and town forests in this region, as well as accumulating and managing woodlots of his own (and producing maple syrup).

Peter Renzelman was born and raised in Alstead. He developed an interest in forestry from an early age. He studied forestry at UNH Durham and has spent 50 years managing small privately owned woodlots in NH. Logging was the principal part of his business, and that meshed closely with working with property owners helping them to manage the forest for future timber growth.

Jeff Putnam received an Associates Degree in Forest Technology from the Thompson School of Applied Sciences at UNH. He has worked in the forest products industry for more than 40 years as a forest technician, logger and safety trainer. Jeff is currently employed as an assistant shop manager at Long View Forest Contracting Inc. of Hartland and Westminster VT.

With: Patience Stoddard, Ann Acheson

Class Fee: $50

Class Size: 4-12 / Adults

"Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come into the
world to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine.”

Within this quote from Mary Oliver's poem lives the inspiration to gather for this retreat. Throughout this day, we will be exploring our Spirit's connection to nature through the trees and forest. There will be time for contemplation, sharing, and reflection through art and writing. Please bring your own lunch and a snack to share.

Ann Acheson has a keen interest in process, presence, wellness and Spirit. As a healing arts practitioner for twenty-five years, she has been continually inspired by her clients' courage to meet themselves and by the inherent wisdom of life that flows through each of us. She is currently stewarding the land where she and her husband live, and stewarding Chase's Mill by serving on the Board of Trustees.

With: Chase's Mill Woodworking Shop Mentors

Open Shop Time at Chase's Mill is offered free of charge to the public. During these regularly scheduled times, the woodworking shop, tools, and equipment are available to be used for personal projects by those who have fulfilled the safety requirements* and reviewed/signed the 2023 Individual Safety Policy, Woodworking Shop Release, and Emergency Contact form.

A Woodworking Shop Mentor will be on hand to help you locate the tools you need, but this is not an instructional class. You are responsible for acquiring wood and other materials needed for your project.

Children over 9 years of age are welcome to use the space and the hand tools (not power tools) but must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Teens between 16-18 years old may use power tools with parent/guardian permission and supervision.

*Safety requirements - attend one session of Safely Using Hand and Power Tools or have completed a woodworking class at Chase's Mill since 2021.

Contact Jill Hall jhall@millhollowheritageassociation.org with questions.

Wednesdays, July 12, 19, 26, and August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 7:00-9:00pm

With: Laura Andrews, Ellen Chase, Kevin Warzecha

seventh class in aN eight-class program

Click here to learn more and register for the full program.

With: Chase's Mill Woodworking Shop Mentors

Open Shop Time at Chase's Mill is offered free of charge to the public. During these regularly scheduled times, the woodworking shop, tools, and equipment are available to be used for personal projects by those who have fulfilled the safety requirements* and reviewed/signed the 2023 Individual Safety Policy, Woodworking Shop Release, and Emergency Contact form.

A Woodworking Shop Mentor will be on hand to help you locate the tools you need, but this is not an instructional class. You are responsible for acquiring wood and other materials needed for your project.

Children over 9 years of age are welcome to use the space and the hand tools (not power tools) but must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Teens between 16-18 years old may use power tools with parent/guardian permission and supervision.

*Safety requirements - attend one session of Safely Using Hand and Power Tools or have completed a woodworking class at Chase's Mill since 2021.

Contact Jill Hall jhall@millhollowheritageassociation.org with questions.

With: Bob Brown

Tour Fee: By donation / Registration required

Tour size: 6 / 12+ with accompanying adult

Learn all about the major water-powered components of Chase’s Mill from Bob as he takes you through the Mill for an in-depth tour. After a brief introduction to using running water as a power source through models and discussion, the tour will include the Gristmill & Sawmill Models, some water powered machines, the penstock, the two turbines, and a water pressure demonstration. And he will answer all your questions as well!

With: Peter Rhoades, Peter Renzelman, Jeff Putnam

Walk Fee: By donation/ registration required

Walk Size: 15 / Adults

Peter Renzelman will lead a half mile walk on a piece of property he has managed since 1978. It is a classic example of farm land abandoned in the early 1900's that naturally reverted to a thick stand of white pine. That stand was first thinned in 1958. Subsequent thinning removed most of the pine as the forest has now become a young hardwood forest. The terrain is gentle to moderate with careful attention to footing required. The site is on Bennett Road off of Pratt Road. We will meet at 9:00 am. Park on the right side of Bennett Road about 1000 feet up.

Peter Rhoades lives with his wife, Debbie, on land first purchased by his great grandfather in 1902. After obtaining Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Forest Management from the University of New Hampshire, he has spent nearly 50 years managing private woodlands and town forests in this region, as well as accumulating and managing woodlots of his own (and producing maple syrup).

Peter Renzelman was born and raised in Alstead. He developed an interest in forestry from an early age. He studied forestry at UNH Durham and has spent 50 years managing small privately owned woodlots in NH. Logging was the principal part of his business, and that meshed closely with working with property owners helping them to manage the forest for future timber growth.

Jeff Putnam received an Associates Degree in Forest Technology from the Thompson School of Applied Sciences at UNH. He has worked in the forest products industry for more than 40 years as a forest technician, logger and safety trainer. Jeff is currently employed as an assistant shop manager at Long View Forest Contracting Inc. of Hartland and Westminster VT.

With: Peter Rhoades, Peter Renzelman, Jeff Putnam

Class Fee: By donation/ registration required

Class Size: 50 / all ages

These three local experts, between them, have 140 years of experience with the local forests of this region. With the deep knowledge they hold, they will discuss the past and future of forest management and related issues and concerns. They will cover topics including climate change, common insect and disease problems, and carbon storage, the evolution of logging equipment and techniques, and the processes a landowner should go through in working with a forester/logger to manage a woodlot.

Peter Rhoades lives with his wife, Debbie, on land first purchased by his great grandfather in 1902. After obtaining Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Forest Management from the University of New Hampshire, he has spent nearly 50 years managing private woodlands and town forests in this region, as well as accumulating and managing woodlots of his own (and producing maple syrup).

Peter Renzelman was born and raised in Alstead. He developed an interest in forestry from an early age. He studied forestry at UNH Durham and has spent 50 years managing small privately owned woodlots in NH. Logging was the principal part of his business, and that meshed closely with working with property owners helping them to manage the forest for future timber growth.

Jeff Putnam received an Associates Degree in Forest Technology from the Thompson School of Applied Sciences at UNH. He has worked in the forest products industry for more than 40 years as a forest technician, logger and safety trainer. Jeff is currently employed as an assistant shop manager at Long View Forest Contracting Inc. of Hartland and Westminster VT.

With: Chase's Mill Woodworking Shop Mentors

Open Shop Time at Chase's Mill is offered free of charge to the public. During these regularly scheduled times, the woodworking shop, tools, and equipment are available to be used for personal projects by those who have fulfilled the safety requirements* and reviewed/signed the 2023 Individual Safety Policy, Woodworking Shop Release, and Emergency Contact form.

A Woodworking Shop Mentor will be on hand to help you locate the tools you need, but this is not an instructional class. You are responsible for acquiring wood and other materials needed for your project.

Children over 9 years of age are welcome to use the space and the hand tools (not power tools) but must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Teens between 16-18 years old may use power tools with parent/guardian permission and supervision.

*Safety requirements - attend one session of Safely Using Hand and Power Tools or have completed a woodworking class at Chase's Mill since 2021.

Contact Jill Hall jhall@millhollowheritageassociation.org with questions.

Wednesdays, July 12, 19, 26, and August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 7:00-9:00pm

With: Laura Andrews, Ellen Chase, Kevin Warzecha

sixth class in aN eight-class program

Click here to learn more and register for the full program.

With: Chase's Mill Woodworking Shop Mentors

Open Shop Time at Chase's Mill is offered free of charge to the public. During these regularly scheduled times, the woodworking shop, tools, and equipment are available to be used for personal projects by those who have fulfilled the safety requirements* and reviewed/signed the 2023 Individual Safety Policy, Woodworking Shop Release, and Emergency Contact form.

A Woodworking Shop Mentor will be on hand to help you locate the tools you need, but this is not an instructional class. You are responsible for acquiring wood and other materials needed for your project.

Children over 9 years of age are welcome to use the space and the hand tools (not power tools) but must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Teens between 16-18 years old may use power tools with parent/guardian permission and supervision.

*Safety requirements - attend one session of Safely Using Hand and Power Tools or have completed a woodworking class at Chase's Mill since 2021.

Contact Jill Hall jhall@millhollowheritageassociation.org with questions.

With: Jeff Schadler

Walk Fee: By donation/ registration required

Walk size: 15 / 8+ with accompanying adult

Jeff stewards a piece of land in East Alstead that includes a ridge line to marshes, high-elevation wetlands, and an active beaver population--an area encompassing roughly an entire watershed that feeds Lake Warren. Jeff will guide us on a nearly 2-hour, moderately strenuous trek across this land on groomed paths and a tractor road. Meet on Peachblow Road at 9:00 a.m. This program is co-sponsored by the Lake Warren Preservation Association.

With: Kate Buckman

Class Fee: Free / registration required

Class size: 50 / all ages

Kate will talk about her role as the NH River Steward for the Connecticut River Conservancy and lead a discussion about the inherent connectivity of watersheds and how community participation in caring for local waters can have broader positive impacts. Bring your questions and enthusiasm for clean, healthy rivers!

This program is co-sponsored by the Lake Warren Preservation Association.

With: Chase's Mill Woodworking Shop Mentors

Open Shop Time at Chase's Mill is offered free of charge to the public. During these regularly scheduled times, the woodworking shop, tools, and equipment are available to be used for personal projects by those who have fulfilled the safety requirements* and reviewed/signed the 2023 Individual Safety Policy, Woodworking Shop Release, and Emergency Contact form.

A Woodworking Shop Mentor will be on hand to help you locate the tools you need, but this is not an instructional class. You are responsible for acquiring wood and other materials needed for your project.

Children over 9 years of age are welcome to use the space and the hand tools (not power tools) but must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Teens between 16-18 years old may use power tools with parent/guardian permission and supervision.

*Safety requirements - attend one session of Safely Using Hand and Power Tools or have completed a woodworking class at Chase's Mill since 2021.

Contact Jill Hall jhall@millhollowheritageassociation.org with questions.

Wednesdays, July 12, 19, 26, and August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 7:00-9:00pm

With: Laura Andrews, Ellen Chase, Kevin Warzecha

fifth class in aN eight-class program

Click here to learn more and register for the full program.

Tuesdays, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, 5:30-7:00pm

With: Juliana Stevens

Group Fee: Free

Group Size: No limit / Adults and children 8+ accompanied by an adult

Remarkable Women - not your ordinary book group. Come celebrate ‘herstory’ and explore the lives of women who have made a difference in the world. Everyone is invited to bring a book to share with others. We will meet monthly at Chase’s Mill during the warm-weather months and at the Shedd-Porter Library during the cold ones. All are welcome.

With: Kathy Torrey, with live music by Randy Miller

Class Fee: By donation/registration required

Class Size: 12-30 / All ages

In the mid-twentieth century Chase's Mill hosted English Country Dances taught by Mary Chase Burroughs, as well as square dances. Kathy Torrey and Randy Miller will revive this tradition, sharing traditional tunes and teaching time-tested dances and singing games to all ages. All are invited to come and join the fun.

Randy Miller has played fiddle and piano locally and nationally for more than 50 years. The NH State Council on the Arts called him "A New Hampshire treasure" for his work as a musician artist, publisher, teacher, preservationist, and historian. You can often catch him performing at the Hungry Diner in Walpole.

With: Chase's Mill Woodworking Shop Mentors

Open Shop Time at Chase's Mill is offered free of charge to the public. During these regularly scheduled times, the woodworking shop, tools, and equipment are available to be used for personal projects by those who have fulfilled the safety requirements* and reviewed/signed the 2023 Individual Safety Policy, Woodworking Shop Release, and Emergency Contact form.

A Woodworking Shop Mentor will be on hand to help you locate the tools you need, but this is not an instructional class. You are responsible for acquiring wood and other materials needed for your project.

Children over 9 years of age are welcome to use the space and the hand tools (not power tools) but must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Teens between 16-18 years old may use power tools with parent/guardian permission and supervision.

*Safety requirements - attend one session of Safely Using Hand and Power Tools or have completed a woodworking class at Chase's Mill since 2021.

Contact Jill Hall jhall@millhollowheritageassociation.org with questions.

With: Lark Leonard

Tour Fee: $25 plus $2 materials

Class size: 8-12 / 8+ with accompanying adult

The custom of straw plaiting is many centuries old and is an expression of profound gratitude for the fullness of harvest. Lark looks forward to sharing this tradition to those returning to take her class again and to newcomers interested in learning this art form. In this class, we will make a symmetrical ornament in 3-straw plait and begin to discover the 5-straw plait. Hopefully, each student will carry off 2 completed ornaments. Please bring an open heart and joyful hands!

With: Melanie Griffin and Deborah Mahar

Class Fee: Free / registration required

Class size: 50 / all ages

Meet two “Third Actors” who have found new energy and meaning working with other elders to protect our democracy and our planet. Third Act, founded by world-renowned climate author and activist Bill McKibben, is just getting started in New Hampshire! Join us for an interactive conversation and a discussion of Third Act’s plans to stop the flow of money to fossil fuel projects, engage citizens more deeply in local and national energy decisions, and protect and expand voting and democracy.

With: Chase's Mill Woodworking Shop Mentors

Open Shop Time at Chase's Mill is offered free of charge to the public. During these regularly scheduled times, the woodworking shop, tools, and equipment are available to be used for personal projects by those who have fulfilled the safety requirements* and reviewed/signed the 2023 Individual Safety Policy, Woodworking Shop Release, and Emergency Contact form.

A Woodworking Shop Mentor will be on hand to help you locate the tools you need, but this is not an instructional class. You are responsible for acquiring wood and other materials needed for your project.

Children over 9 years of age are welcome to use the space and the hand tools (not power tools) but must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Teens between 16-18 years old may use power tools with parent/guardian permission and supervision.

*Safety requirements - attend one session of Safely Using Hand and Power Tools or have completed a woodworking class at Chase's Mill since 2021.

Contact Jill Hall jhall@millhollowheritageassociation.org with questions.