The Nantucket Historical Association is beginning the next phase of restoration work on Nantucket’s iconic Old Mill, built in 1746. The NHA purchased the mill in 1897. In 1992, it was designated as a historic mechanical engineering landmark and is believed to be the oldest working windmill in the United States.
The Old Mill is the only one of at least five still standing on the ridge above the town; it was built to withstand strong winds needed for the wind power to grind corn. In the mill is a complex mechanism of wooden gears and mill stones.
Since its acquisition, the property has undergone several major restorations: the current project, which began in late 2024, required additional research and materials testing once the structure was opened for thorough inspection. Those findings have led to a broader view of the project and an understanding that a more intensive restoration will be required.
“Historic machines such as this are often upgraded with modern technology because it can be difficult to source original parts and find the necessary materials. We do not want to take that approach. We think it’s critically important to preserve what makes this mill unique… We are grateful for our partnership with millwright, Amy Boyce from Husk Preservation, and for her knowledge, guidance, and efforts to ensure we can restore the mill using the best methods and appropriate materials. We are also thankful to the Community Preservation Committee and their leadership support of the project as we determine each phase, source materials, identify craftspeople to work with us, and engineer an appropriate approach for this structure,” said Niles Parker, NHA Gosnell Executive Director.
Much of the work on the mill to-date has not been visible to the public, such as archival research, laser scanning to obtain highly accurate dimensions, materials testing, ground-penetrating radar, and installing monitoring systems to track wind, weather, and humidity, moisture levels in the wood, as well as temperature, and humidity inside the mill. Ground and water level sensors determine how the stone foundation has shifted.
Work on the Mill will soon become more evident to the public. Security fencing will be installed around the perimeter. A boom will give contractors access to the entire exterior without scaffolding. Once the mill’s top cap is removed, Boyce will conduct an official preservation and reconstruction work survey.
This project will be a multi-year effort and promises to reveal interesting information about the mill and its history.