Historical Presentation: The Tide Mills of the York River - Documentary Screening & Q&A

The oldest tide mill in colonial America was located on a tributary of the York River. The York River in Maine holds a rich history of early American tidal energy, featuring prominent sites like Maine's earliest recorded tide mill from 1634 located on a tributary of the York River. These operations harnessed the rise and fall of coastal tides to grind grain and saw lumber. 1634 Mill Site: Believed to be where Beech Ridge Road crosses Old Mill Creek. It operated until roughly 1650 before facing abandonment due to harsh winters, mechanical issues, and sinking foundations. 1652 Mill Site: Built farther down Old Mill Creek closer to the main river channel, this replacement set of mills ran successfully for centuries until shortly after 1890. Remnants of its historic dam and gate structures can still be observed. This program will begin with a screening of the documentary The Tide Mills of York River (58 minutes) produced by Kittery resident Jim White and with a Q&A to follow with Tide Mill Institute president Deane Rykerson, film producer Jim White, and professor and historian Dr Emerson "Tad" Baker. This program is part of a series in collaboration with York River Wild and Scenic 1st annual Celebrate York River Month.