Tour Size: For groups larger than 8, or alternate dates, please fill out this form: Request Water Power Tour

Appropriate for children 6+ with accompanying adult

Mill Hollow has a rich historical story. With Chase's Mill restored water works, you can now come and learn about the history of water power and the part the Mill played in supporting its community through the innovation of energy reflected in industry and how peopled lived. From working models to turning turbines, the Mill takes you back in time.

Tour Size: For groups larger than 8, or alternate dates, please fill out this form: Request Water Power Tour

Appropriate for children 6+ with accompanying adult

Mill Hollow has a rich historical story. With Chase's Mill restored water works, you can now come and learn about the history of water power and the part the Mill played in supporting its community through the innovation of energy reflected in industry and how peopled lived. From working models to turning turbines, the Mill takes you back in time.

Tour Size: For groups larger than 8, or alternate dates, please fill out this form: Request Water Power Tour

Appropriate for children 6+ with accompanying adult

Mill Hollow has a rich historical story. With Chase's Mill restored water works, you can now come and learn about the history of water power and the part the Mill played in supporting its community through the innovation of energy reflected in industry and how peopled lived. From working models to turning turbines, the Mill takes you back in time.

Tour Size: For groups larger than 8, or alternate dates, please fill out this form: Request Water Power Tour

Appropriate for children 6+ with accompanying adult

Mill Hollow has a rich historical story. With Chase's Mill restored water works, you can now come and learn about the history of water power and the part the Mill played in supporting its community through the innovation of energy reflected in industry and how peopled lived. From working models to turning turbines, the Mill takes you back in time.

Tour Size: For groups larger than 8, or alternate dates, please fill out this form: Request Water Power Tour

Appropriate for children 6+ with accompanying adult

Mill Hollow has a rich historical story. With Chase's Mill restored water works, you can now come and learn about the history of water power and the part the Mill played in supporting its community through the innovation of energy reflected in industry and how peopled lived. From working models to turning turbines, the Mill takes you back in time.

Tour Size: For groups larger than 8, or alternate dates, please fill out this form: Request Water Power Tour

Appropriate for children 6+ with accompanying adult

Mill Hollow has a rich historical story. With Chase's Mill restored water works, you can now come and learn about the history of water power and the part the Mill played in supporting its community through the innovation of energy reflected in industry and how peopled lived. From working models to turning turbines, the Mill takes you back in time.

Tour Size: For groups larger than 8, or alternate dates, please fill out this form: Request Water Power Tour

Appropriate for children 6+ with accompanying adult

Mill Hollow has a rich historical story. With Chase's Mill restored water works, you can now come and learn about the history of water power and the part the Mill played in supporting its community through the innovation of energy reflected in industry and how peopled lived. From working models to turning turbines, the Mill takes you back in time.

Tour Size: For groups larger than 8, or alternate dates, please fill out this form: Request Water Power Tour

Appropriate for children 6+ with accompanying adult

Mill Hollow has a rich historical story. With Chase's Mill restored water works, you can now come and learn about the history of water power and the part the Mill played in supporting its community through the innovation of energy reflected in industry and how peopled lived. From working models to turning turbines, the Mill takes you back in time.

With: Ann Acheson

Tour Fee: none

Tour Size: 10 / Appropriate for children 8+ with accompanying adult

Join us for a tour of Adam's Grist Mill in Bellows Falls. It was built in 1831 as a grain mill and feed store powered by water drawn from the canal. In 1875 the gristmill passed to the Adams family who owned it until operations ceased in 1961. Much of the mill's machinery is still intact, including both its hydraulic machinery and later electric power systems. We will meet in the parking lot across from the Shedd-Porter Library in Alstead at 12:30pm and carpool over to Bellows Falls for a 1:00 tour.

With: Patience Stoddard, Ann Acheson

Class Fee: $75

Class Size: 6-12 / Adults only

In this time together we will reflect upon the core values that have shaped the path of our lives. Through writing, sharing, art, and ritual, we will engage with what is challenging us and open to what is beckoning us onward. Please bring a lunch, some food to share and a touchstone for the altar.

Patience Stoddard lives in Alstead with her husband, Jim Gruber. She is a retired Unitarian Universalist minister, pastoral therapist, and chaplain. She enjoys creating opportunities for people to share their stories, inspire and support one another. She is pictured here with son Dan Gruber.

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: Duane Case, Woodworking Shop Steward

Chase's Mill is very excited to provide open shop time for the community. There is no charge for using the shop or tools; participants supply their own raw materials.

If you have attended a wood shop class or a Woodworking Shop Orientation session at Chase's Mill, you may drop in to use our tools and equipment during open shop time - Thursdays 6pm-8pm and Sundays 9am-noon from June 16 through September 1, except July 4 & July 7 (there will be no open shop time during the July 4th long weekend).

While Chase’s Mill maintains hand and power tools from the 19th century for education and demonstration, we also have everything you would hope to find in a 21st century woodworking shop.

New this year - the Lumber Bank. Need one more piece of wood? Want to make something small? Shop our by-donation Lumber Bank and get going right away.

Before using a power tool, Duane Case, our Woodworking Shop Steward, will give you a brief safety orientation to that machine. Duane is available during each open shop time to provide guidance, help with tools, and maintain our safety policies. Feeling shy about working on a self-directed project or rusty about your skills? Come in and make a simple project like a cutting board or a plant stand to get warmed up.

Youth ages 9+ are welcome to use hand tools during open shop time with an accompanying adult, and, after either completing a woodworking class at Chase's Mill or attending a one-hour Woodworking Shop Orientation, offered in 2024 on Saturday, June 15, Sunday, July 14, and Saturday, August 3.  

Contact Jill Hall jhall@chasesmill.org with questions.

With: Allan Kauders

Hike Fee: By donation/ registration encouraged

Hike Size: 10 max / Appropriate for children 8+ with accompanying adult

Alstead and Acworth were hotbeds of mining in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Evidence of this includes mines, mine pits, and sometimes, old equipment. As we hike to the Yuhas mines, we will also explore two cellar holes, and an abandoned farmhouse that are present along the wooded class VI road. There are two nice views of the Acworth hills as well. This hike is 3.5 miles. It is moderately challenging. Hiking boots and tick spray are recommended. We'll meet and park at 449 Cobb Hill Road, Alstead.

Allan Kauders loves the outdoors and is an avid hiker. His curiosity about his surroundings has led him to learn of the history of the mines and cellar holes that are part of the landscape in which he lives. He is also a steward of Chase's Mill by serving as a Board Member.

With: Laura Andrews

Class Fee: $40 adult/$45 adult/child

Class Size: 6 min, 8 max / Appropriate for children 8+ with accompanying adult

Materials for this workshop are provided by the Dan Curll Community Programs Fund.

Build a cherry shaker oval box. Shaker box and furniture making has been a part of New England's woodworking culture since the late 1700s. Learn how to make a small oval Shaker box using early methods still used today. Steps include cutting and bending the band, fastening it with brass tacks, cutting and shaping the tops and bottoms, putting it all together and instructions on applying a finish. This box can be used for storing any small treasures.

With: Duane Case, Woodworking Shop Steward

Chase's Mill is very excited to provide open shop time for the community. There is no charge for using the shop or tools; participants supply their own raw materials.

If you have attended a wood shop class or a Woodworking Shop Orientation session at Chase's Mill, you may drop in to use our tools and equipment during open shop time - Thursdays 6pm-8pm and Sundays 9am-noon from June 16 through September 1, except July 4 & July 7 (there will be no open shop time during the July 4th long weekend).

While Chase’s Mill maintains hand and power tools from the 19th century for education and demonstration, we also have everything you would hope to find in a 21st century woodworking shop.

New this year - the Lumber Bank. Need one more piece of wood? Want to make something small? Shop our by-donation Lumber Bank and get going right away.

Before using a power tool, Duane Case, our Woodworking Shop Steward, will give you a brief safety orientation to that machine. Duane is available during each open shop time to provide guidance, help with tools, and maintain our safety policies. Feeling shy about working on a self-directed project or rusty about your skills? Come in and make a simple project like a cutting board or a plant stand to get warmed up.

Youth ages 9+ are welcome to use hand tools during open shop time with an accompanying adult, and, after either completing a woodworking class at Chase's Mill or attending a one-hour Woodworking Shop Orientation, offered in 2024 on Saturday, June 15, Sunday, July 14, and Saturday, August 3.  

Contact Jill Hall jhall@chasesmill.org with questions.

Tuesdays, August 6, 13, 20, 27, 1-3 pm

With: Grant Taylor

fourth class in a four-class program

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

With: Juliana Stevens

Class Fee: $25.00 for adults; Families: $30 per adult/child pair

Materials Fee: $5

Class Size: min 4, max 20 / Appropriate for children 8+ with accompanying adult

In this class we will design and make necklaces and bracelets with assorted beads and memory wire. Come join the fun! No experience necessary.

With: Duane Case, Woodworking Shop Steward

Chase's Mill is very excited to provide open shop time for the community. There is no charge for using the shop or tools; participants supply their own raw materials.

If you have attended a wood shop class or a Woodworking Shop Orientation session at Chase's Mill, you may drop in to use our tools and equipment during open shop time - Thursdays 6pm-8pm and Sundays 9am-noon from June 16 through September 1, except July 4 & July 7 (there will be no open shop time during the July 4th long weekend).

While Chase’s Mill maintains hand and power tools from the 19th century for education and demonstration, we also have everything you would hope to find in a 21st century woodworking shop.

New this year - the Lumber Bank. Need one more piece of wood? Want to make something small? Shop our by-donation Lumber Bank and get going right away.

Before using a power tool, Duane Case, our Woodworking Shop Steward, will give you a brief safety orientation to that machine. Duane is available during each open shop time to provide guidance, help with tools, and maintain our safety policies. Feeling shy about working on a self-directed project or rusty about your skills? Come in and make a simple project like a cutting board or a plant stand to get warmed up.

Youth ages 9+ are welcome to use hand tools during open shop time with an accompanying adult, and, after either completing a woodworking class at Chase's Mill or attending a one-hour Woodworking Shop Orientation, offered in 2024 on Saturday, June 15, Sunday, July 14, and Saturday, August 3.  

Contact Jill Hall jhall@chasesmill.org with questions.

By donation

Family friendly

Rich harmony, both a cappella and accompanied from a variety of folk
traditions, this concert will offer songs of life, love, and hope in many
styles and languages.

Two couples who met through music, 2 x 2 is Valerie Kosednar, Mark
Grieco, and Betsy and Lee Rybeck Lynd, veteran singers and performers
in their own right. This magical merging of voices will make you smile!

With: Duane Case, Woodworking Shop Steward

Chase's Mill is very excited to provide open shop time for the community. There is no charge for using the shop or tools; participants supply their own raw materials.

If you have attended a wood shop class or a Woodworking Shop Orientation session at Chase's Mill, you may drop in to use our tools and equipment during open shop time - Thursdays 6pm-8pm and Sundays 9am-noon from June 16 through September 1, except July 4 & July 7 (there will be no open shop time during the July 4th long weekend).

While Chase’s Mill maintains hand and power tools from the 19th century for education and demonstration, we also have everything you would hope to find in a 21st century woodworking shop.

New this year - the Lumber Bank. Need one more piece of wood? Want to make something small? Shop our by-donation Lumber Bank and get going right away.

Before using a power tool, Duane Case, our Woodworking Shop Steward, will give you a brief safety orientation to that machine. Duane is available during each open shop time to provide guidance, help with tools, and maintain our safety policies. Feeling shy about working on a self-directed project or rusty about your skills? Come in and make a simple project like a cutting board or a plant stand to get warmed up.

Youth ages 9+ are welcome to use hand tools during open shop time with an accompanying adult, and, after either completing a woodworking class at Chase's Mill or attending a one-hour Woodworking Shop Orientation, offered in 2024 on Saturday, June 15, Sunday, July 14, and Saturday, August 3.  

Contact Jill Hall jhall@chasesmill.org with questions.

Tuesdays, August 6, 13, 20, 27, 1-3 pm

With: Grant Taylor

third class in a four-class program

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

With: Duane Case, Woodworking Shop Steward

Chase's Mill is very excited to provide open shop time for the community. There is no charge for using the shop or tools; participants supply their own raw materials.

If you have attended a wood shop class or a Woodworking Shop Orientation session at Chase's Mill, you may drop in to use our tools and equipment during open shop time - Thursdays 6pm-8pm and Sundays 9am-noon from June 16 through September 1, except July 4 & July 7 (there will be no open shop time during the July 4th long weekend).

While Chase’s Mill maintains hand and power tools from the 19th century for education and demonstration, we also have everything you would hope to find in a 21st century woodworking shop.

New this year - the Lumber Bank. Need one more piece of wood? Want to make something small? Shop our by-donation Lumber Bank and get going right away.

Before using a power tool, Duane Case, our Woodworking Shop Steward, will give you a brief safety orientation to that machine. Duane is available during each open shop time to provide guidance, help with tools, and maintain our safety policies. Feeling shy about working on a self-directed project or rusty about your skills? Come in and make a simple project like a cutting board or a plant stand to get warmed up.

Youth ages 9+ are welcome to use hand tools during open shop time with an accompanying adult, and, after either completing a woodworking class at Chase's Mill or attending a one-hour Woodworking Shop Orientation, offered in 2024 on Saturday, June 15, Sunday, July 14, and Saturday, August 3.  

Contact Jill Hall jhall@chasesmill.org with questions.

With: Juliana Stevens and Bob Brown

Class Fee: $30 adult/$35 adult + child

Class Size: 10 max / Appropriate for children 8+ with accompanying adult

Create your own marble run using hand tools with wood provided by the Mill. Demonstrate how they work and then bring home your creation. No experience necessary.

With: Duane Case, Woodworking Shop Steward

Chase's Mill is very excited to provide open shop time for the community. There is no charge for using the shop or tools; participants supply their own raw materials.

If you have attended a wood shop class or a Woodworking Shop Orientation session at Chase's Mill, you may drop in to use our tools and equipment during open shop time - Thursdays 6pm-8pm and Sundays 9am-noon from June 16 through September 1, except July 4 & July 7 (there will be no open shop time during the July 4th long weekend).

While Chase’s Mill maintains hand and power tools from the 19th century for education and demonstration, we also have everything you would hope to find in a 21st century woodworking shop.

New this year - the Lumber Bank. Need one more piece of wood? Want to make something small? Shop our by-donation Lumber Bank and get going right away.

Before using a power tool, Duane Case, our Woodworking Shop Steward, will give you a brief safety orientation to that machine. Duane is available during each open shop time to provide guidance, help with tools, and maintain our safety policies. Feeling shy about working on a self-directed project or rusty about your skills? Come in and make a simple project like a cutting board or a plant stand to get warmed up.

Youth ages 9+ are welcome to use hand tools during open shop time with an accompanying adult, and, after either completing a woodworking class at Chase's Mill or attending a one-hour Woodworking Shop Orientation, offered in 2024 on Saturday, June 15, Sunday, July 14, and Saturday, August 3.  

Contact Jill Hall jhall@chasesmill.org with questions.

With: Kristy Rhoades

Class Fee: $20 for adults; Families: $20 per adult/$5 per child

Materials Fee: $20

Class Size: 12 max / Appropriate for children 8+ with accompanying adult

Flower pounding, also known as Tatakizome, is a captivating and ancient Japanese technique that involves hammering fresh flowers and other botanicals to create intricate patterns on fabric or paper. The process is surprisingly simple, loads of fun, and yields stunning results. Learn the basics of flower selection, preparation and technique, and bring home your own masterpiece! Materials will be provided, however you are encouraged to bring along some fresh blooms of your own. No experience necessary.

Kristy Rhoades only recently picked up this craft, but it spoke to her so deeply she has found herself trying the process with every flower she finds. As an accomplished seamstress, she has found ways to incorporate her flowered results into everything from cards to curtains to foraging bags.

Tuesdays, August 6, 13, 20, 27, 1-3 pm

With: Grant Taylor

second class in a four-class program

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

With: Kristy Rhoades

Class Fee: $20 for adults; Families: $20 per adult/$5 per child

Materials Fee: $20

Class Size: 12 max / Appropriate for children 8+ with accompanying adult

Flower pounding, also known as Tatakizome, is a captivating and ancient Japanese technique that involves hammering fresh flowers and other botanicals to create intricate patterns on fabric or paper. The process is surprisingly simple, loads of fun, and yields stunning results. Learn the basics of flower selection, preparation and technique, and bring home your own masterpiece! Materials will be provided, however you are encouraged to bring along some fresh blooms of your own. No experience necessary.

Kristy Rhoades only recently picked up this craft, but it spoke to her so deeply she has found herself trying the process with every flower she finds. As an accomplished seamstress, she has found ways to incorporate her flowered results into everything from cards to curtains to foraging bags.

With: Duane Case, Woodworking Shop Steward

Chase's Mill is very excited to provide open shop time for the community. There is no charge for using the shop or tools; participants supply their own raw materials.

If you have attended a wood shop class or a Woodworking Shop Orientation session at Chase's Mill, you may drop in to use our tools and equipment during open shop time - Thursdays 6pm-8pm and Sundays 9am-noon from June 16 through September 1, except July 4 & July 7 (there will be no open shop time during the July 4th long weekend).

While Chase’s Mill maintains hand and power tools from the 19th century for education and demonstration, we also have everything you would hope to find in a 21st century woodworking shop.

New this year - the Lumber Bank. Need one more piece of wood? Want to make something small? Shop our by-donation Lumber Bank and get going right away.

Before using a power tool, Duane Case, our Woodworking Shop Steward, will give you a brief safety orientation to that machine. Duane is available during each open shop time to provide guidance, help with tools, and maintain our safety policies. Feeling shy about working on a self-directed project or rusty about your skills? Come in and make a simple project like a cutting board or a plant stand to get warmed up.

Youth ages 9+ are welcome to use hand tools during open shop time with an accompanying adult, and, after either completing a woodworking class at Chase's Mill or attending a one-hour Woodworking Shop Orientation, offered in 2024 on Saturday, June 15, Sunday, July 14, and Saturday, August 3.  

Contact Jill Hall jhall@chasesmill.org with questions.

With: Jason Breen

Class Fee: $40

Class Size: 8 / Ages 16 and older

Using power and hand sharpening devices, we move on from garden tools in the first tool sharpening class, to learn how to safely sharpen your scissors, knives or chisels. Bring some dull tools to class and return home with sharp ones.

Jason Breen is a Brattleboro-based custom furniture maker and member of the Guild of Vermont Furniture Makers. He studied instrument building and history at Marlboro College, which he paid for by building timber frames and cabinets. Traditional tools have inspired his work ever since he inherited his ancestors’ hand planes.

With: Bob Brown

Fee: by donation

Size: 50 / Ages 12+

As the ice melted at the end of the last ice age a lake was created in the Connecticut River valley that extended from Middletown, Connecticut to the Canadian border, well over 200 miles, and as much as 20 miles wide in places. This talk will cover the story of how this lake formed, some of the things we’ve learned from the evidence it left behind, and how we have exploited its remains for economic benefit and scientific understanding.

Bob Brown is a retired science educator and administrator, having taught at Fall Mountain Regional High School for many years. Now an Alstead resident, he summered in Mill Hollow throughout his childhood and worked closely with Heman Chase at the mill and surveying. Bob oversaw the rehabilitation of Chase’s Mill and its water power.