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Peirce Mill was built in the 1820's, and operated commercially until 1897. The United States Government acquired the mill as part of Rock Creek Park in 1892. From 1904 to 1934, the structure was leased to various individuals and organizations as a teahouse. The National Park Service acquired stewardship of the site in 1933 and restored it as a working mill in 1936. Peirce Mill became famous as the only 19th century gristmill
operating full time in the NPS system. The site operated off and on
until April 1993 when it was determined that the wooden waterwheel and
attached mechanical components were too deteriorated to run safely.
As a result, Peirce Mill ceased operating. In 1993, it was estimated
that $250,000 would be required to rehabilitate and reconstruct the
waterwheel and mechanical components necessary to operate the mill.
Currently the Friends of Peirce Mill are working with us to raise the
needed funds and supply volunteer help to preserve the mill. For more
information about the Friends of Peirce Mill and their efforts please
visit their web site at http://www.peircemill-friends.org.
Until then, Peirce Barn remains open to the public as a museum and ranger
contact station. Peirce Mill is on the National Register of Historic
Places. Please direct any comments or questions to: Superintendent
Individual/Family Visits:Peirce Mill is closed for repairs until further notice. You are invited to visit Peirce Barn as an alternative which is located directly across the parking lot from the Mill. Rangers offer talks about Peirce Mill and Rock Creek Park history. Videos on milling and the park are shown upon request. The Barn is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4:00PM. Call 202-895-6070 for more information.
Group Mill programs:Peirce Barn invites groups to visit the site. Programs can be adjusted to accommodate mill related topics specific to a group's interest or course of study. Groups may make reservations for Wednesday through Sunday 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Themes covered include milling, local history, simple machinery,
food (grains) and nutrition, aspects of the American Industrial Revolution,
the career of Oliver Evans, and Rock Creek Park history. Activities include films, interpretive talks, corn-shelling
demonstrations, hand grinding demonstrations, and storytimes.
For teachers, Peirce Barn offers cirriculum base educational programs in both history and environmental subjects. See: www.nps.gov/rocr/naturecenter/education.htm for details All programs are free. Group leaders must call in advance to make a reservation (202) 895-6070.
Admission is free.
More about Peirce Mill History. For a listing of monthly programs click here. E-mail your comments or questions to: ROCR_superintendent@nps.gov
http://www.nps.gov/rocr/piercemill/index.html |
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