and the Mill Hollow Heritage Association
Since 1767 there has been a water-powered mill at the mouth of Lake Warren in Alstead, NH. Over the years these mills provided lumber for building, grain for food, and economic opportunity through manufacturing. Today, Chase’s Mill is one of only nine operable water-powered mills left in New Hampshire.
Under the stewardship of the nonprofit Mill Hollow Heritage Association, Chase’s Mill serves as a workshop for hands-on learning and a community gathering space. Our water-powered mill embodies the history of small-town industry, celebrating New England’s vibrant past while inspiring the future of sustainable power and rural technology.
Registration for 2024 programs is open!
We have activities to appeal to everyone this season, from guided hikes and illustrated talks, to hands-on activities for all ages.
Click here to explore what's new.
Two proud participants from 2023's Woodworking for Everyone workshop.
scholarships available
Tuition scholarships are available for all classes and workshops at Chase's Mill. Click here to learn more and apply.
Photo by Jonathan Botkin
Open Shop hours will resume in late Spring 2024
Open Shop hours
Chase's Mill is very excited to provide open shop hours 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 with us or have attended a Safely Using Hand and Power Tools session, you may drop in to use our tools during open shop time.
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.
A shop steward or woodworking mentor 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, with an accompanying adult and after either completing a woodworking class at Chase's Mill or attending a session of Safely Using Power and Hand Tools.
Contact Jill Hall jhall@millhollowheritageassociation.org with questions.
N.H. Preservation Alliance 2022 Preservation Achievement Award Winner:
Mill Hollow Heritage Association
The N.H. Preservation Alliance is pleased to announce our 2022 Preservation Achievement Award winner, the Mill Hollow Heritage Association, for the revitalization and rehabilitation of Chase’s Mill in Alstead. Click here to read more.
With support from:
Bay and Paul Foundations
Catalyst Fund
The Kingsbury Fund
Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) Northeast Heritage Economy Program
Quaker City Unity Friends Meeting
Samuel B. Hunt Foundation
Timken Foundation of Canton, Ohio
In 2009, the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance named Chase’s Mill to its “Seven to Save List.” The Preservation Alliance’s endangered properties list aims to draw attention and resources to irreplaceable New Hampshire landmarks. Listing provides a range of technical and financial support and helps attract roll-up-your-sleeves help for local advocates and their preservation projects. In October 2019, the Preservation Alliance filmed several Seven to Save champions, including MHHA board members Bob Brown and Helen Frink, about their projects, all at various stages of completion. Check it out!
