Union Mills Homestead Opposes MPRP

Union Mills Homestead Opposes MPRP

The Union Mills Homestead Foundation opposes the proposed high voltage electrical transmission line project known as the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP). The Homestead Foundation’s Board of Governors voted to oppose MPRP at a September 10, 2024 board meeting. The non-profit Homestead Foundation operates the Union Mills Homestead and Grist Mill, a historic site north of Westminster, in Carroll County. The proposed high voltage power lines through Carroll County would

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Quilt Raffle

Quilt Raffle

A special quilt is being raffled this year, made by Laurie Sieminski and donated to the Union Mills Homestead! The quilt is named “Autumn Stars” and measures 88 inches by 88 inches. Raffle tickets are $5 each or you can purchase 5 tickets for $20. Raffle tickets will be available in our gift shop and at our events this year. The drawing will be held at our Christkindlmarkt in November.

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Music on the Millrace

Music on the Millrace

“Music on the Millrace” is a new Sunday concert series at the Union Mills Homestead, offered this year at the historic site north of Westminster, MD. The idea was to create a relaxed, inviting event to encourage our members and friends to come out to enjoy the authentic beauty of the site, separate from our other major events. This is a great opportunity to enjoy an afternoon on the beautiful

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Strategic Plan for the Union Mills Homestead

Strategic Plan for the Union Mills Homestead

The Homestead Foundation has adopted a new strategic plan (linked below), outlining our vision to better engage with the public to tell our site’s history through authentic stories of family, homelife, hard work, and innovation. These stories bring insights to how our community, region, and nation have changed and grown, illustrating the entrepreneurial spirit of American families. A key conclusion from our planning process is that the Homestead Foundation needs

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Flume Project Wins Award

Flume Project Wins Award

(Image above: Elizabeth Hughes (center right), Director of the Maryland Historical Trust, with the award recognizing the Flume Restoration at the Shriver Grist Mill. With Hughes are Kyle Dalton (left), Commissioner Kenny Kiler (second from right), and members of our State Delegation.) The Maryland Historical Trust recognized the Flume Restoration Project at the Union Mills Homestead with a Preservation Project Excellence Award for Preservation Partnerships at an award ceremony on

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Union Mills Homestead Names New Executive Director

Union Mills Homestead Names New Executive Director

The Union Mills Homestead Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce that Kyle P. Dalton has been named executive director of the Union Mills Homestead. Dalton starts work in his new position on March 27, 2023. Dalton has served as Membership and Development Coordinator at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine since April 2019 and served as Public Programs Administrator at Historic London Town and Gardens before that. He has

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Storm Damage Forces Civil War Event Cancellation

Storm Damage Forces Civil War Event Cancellation

A severe storm blew through Maryland on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, causing significant damage at the Union Mills Homestead. The thunderstorm, packing violent straight-line winds, blew through the Maryland area Tuesday late afternoon/early evening causing power outages and tree damage throughout the area. At the Union Mills Homestead, numerous trees were downed and other trees were severely damaged. Assessments are underway to determine how many trees will needed to be

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Remembering George M. Shriver, III

Remembering George M. Shriver, III

(Photo above: George M. Shriver, III volunteering at the 1981 Flower & Plant Market at the Union Mills Homestead.) The Union Mills Homestead community was saddened to hear of the passing of George M. Shriver, III, who died July 24, 2021 at his home in Reisterstown, Maryland at age 88. A long-time member of the Union Mills Homestead’s Board of Governors, Shriver left a legacy of lifetime support for the

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Union Mills Homestead’s Executive Director Retires

Union Mills Homestead’s Executive Director Retires

Jane S. Sewell, the long-time Executive Director of the Union Mills Homestead Foundation, Inc., retires effective February 1, 2021. Jane Sewell became the Executive Director of the organization in 2000, responsible for operation and interpretation of the Union Mills Homestead for over 20 years. 20-Year Tenure Marked by Numerous Successes A retired educator, Jane took over as Executive Director after the retirement of her predecessor, Esther Shriver. Jane successfully managed

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Microbrewery Festival Also A COVID Loss

Microbrewery Festival Also A COVID Loss

The Maryland Microbrewery Festival, held each September at the Union Mills Homestead, will not be held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mark your calendars now for next year’s event, which will be on Saturday, September 25, 2021. Highly Anticipated Each Year The Maryland Microbrewery Festival is one of the most anticipated events each year in Carroll County.  The event, which celebrates and promotes the best of Maryland craft

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COVID-19 Forces Corn Roast Cancellation

COVID-19 Forces Corn Roast Cancellation

The Union Mills Homestead Foundation and the Silver Run-Union Mills Lions Club were preparing this year for the 50th Annual Corn Roast Festival, which was scheduled to be held on Saturday, August 1, 2020. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic intervened. After long discussions about what to do, the two organizations agreed cancellation was the best course of action for everyone involved. The decision turned out to be the right one, as

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Union Mills Homestead Re-opened

The Union Mills Homestead is now reopened after our COVID-19 closure.  The site is open to tour Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. We are pleased to welcome you back to the Union Mills Homestead! We are following the CDC and other applicable requirements concerning COVID-19. We require face coverings and social distancing for all guests and staff. Hand sanitizers are available onsite. We appreciate your assistance in ensuring the health and

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