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News from the Mill at Anselma
November 2025
Newsletter from the Mill at Anselma
November 27, 2025
The Mill's mission is to preserve and interpret the heritage and technology of the Mill at Anselma through community engagement, demonstration, and education.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Photo credit: David Herkner
Weekend Mill Tours
Step into history and join us at The Mill at Anselma every Saturday from 10 am to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to immerse yourself in the colonial-era milling process. And if you're craving some outdoor adventure, our nature trail awaits you daily, offering serene walks amidst nature's beauty from dawn to dusk.
Check our website, Facebook, and Instagram pages for upcoming events.
🎅 Santa at the Mill
Saturday, December 13, 2025
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Celebrate the season with us at our annual Santa at the Mill event! Families are invited to enjoy a festive day filled with holiday cheer as the Mill is decorated for the holidays and filled with activities for all ages. Guests can enjoy seasonal treats, children’s activities, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere of our historic site.
Throughout the day, visitors can watch the Mill in full operation and explore the original workings of our 18th-century grist mill. Tours of both the Mill and the miller’s residence will run on the hour. A baking demonstration will take place at the beehive oven, and from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Lenape Brass Band will perform festive music.
Regular admission applies for property access, tours, and demonstrations: $5 for children and seniors and $10 for adults. Visits with Santa are free. We look forward to welcoming you for a joyful holiday experience at the Mill!
Milling Demo Days Update
Please note that our Milling Demo Days have been canceled while essential repairs are completed at the Mill. Demonstrations are expected to resume in Spring. Thank you for your understanding as we ensure the Mill remains safe and operational for future events.
Please consider donating to the mill to help cover high repair costs.
OCTOBER & NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
2025 Year-End Appeal
Image Credit: Brandywine Valley
As we close out another meaningful year at The Mill at Anselma, we are proud to share the progress made possible through the generosity and involvement of our community. This year’s accomplishments reflect the hard work, dedication, and shared passion of everyone who supports our historic site.
Our third annual Cider Fest, bi-monthly lecture series, as well as the partnership event with the Exton Chamber of Commerce, welcomed hundreds of new visitors and helped strengthen our presence in the community. We also made significant strides in preparing our buildings and grounds for the upcoming America250 celebration. Major projects included the completion of the Visitor’s Center Roofing Project, the installation of new interpretive signs, and extensive tree work to ensure the continued safety and preservation of the property.
This year, we also dedicated our beautiful garden in honor of the volunteers who give so much of their time and talent. Their service not only strengthens The Mill, but also supports many other important causes in our region. Recognizing them in this special way was one of the highlights of our year.
None of this would have been possible without the commitment of our supporters. Whether you volunteer your time, make a donation, maintain a membership, visit our events, or simply advocate for our mission, your involvement truly makes a difference. Thank you for helping us make 2025 such a successful and inspiring year.
If you have not yet contributed to our 2025 Annual Appeal, we invite you to make your donation today. Your gift directly supports the preservation, programming, and educational mission of The Mill at Anselma.
Enhancing Accessibility and Safety at The Mill at Anselma
Visitor Center with Newly Updated Floodlights
We are delighted to share some important updates that help us better serve our community and visitors.
The Mill at Anselma is committed to preserving history while remaining accessible and safe for everyone. To this end, we have completed two key projects around the property:
Improved Accessible Access
We have updated the handicapped-accessible ramp leading into the Mill building. This improvement provides a smoother, safer experience for all guests, ensuring everyone can access the heart of our historic operations.
Updated Handrail on the Ramp to the Second Floor of the Mill
Enhanced Evening Visibility
New floodlights have been installed outside the visitor center. This upgrade significantly enhances visibility and security, making the area safer for visitors attending our evening programs and events, especially during the shorter days of winter.
While these might seem like small updates, they are necessary improvements to ensure the safety and accessibility of our historic site for everyone who walks through our doors.
These essential updates were made possible through the generosity of our supporters. As we look ahead, the ongoing preservation and improvement of this vital historical landmark rely entirely on public support.
If you value the accessibility and preservation of the Mill for future generations, please consider contributing to our mission today.
HISTORICAL REMARK
A Pennsylvania Thanksgiving: Local Harvests and Historic Gratitude
As the scent of warm spices begins to fill the air across the state, the team at The Mill at Anselma wishes you a bountiful and peaceful Thanksgiving.
This season of reflection offers a wonderful opportunity to look back at how this uniquely American holiday has woven itself into the fabric of Pennsylvania's history, often with fascinating and surprising threads that connect directly to our agricultural roots.
The Original Pennsylvania "Thanksgiving"
While many think of the pilgrims, Pennsylvanians observed their own traditions for centuries. The Pennsylvania Dutch, many of whose descendants settled in Chester County, often viewed the official national Thanksgiving as a "Yankee" tradition.
Instead, they celebrated "De Ern Karrich," or "Harvest Home." This was a purely local, church-centered festival where farmers brought the best of their harvest corn, pumpkins, apples, and grains not unlike those milled on our premises to decorate the altar. It was a sincere, community-focused thank you for the literal fruits of their labor.
This local focus reminds us of the importance of supporting our own agricultural community, the very backbone of Chester County's history.
The First National Proclamation: A Moment Born in York
One of Pennsylvania's most significant contributions to the holiday took place during the darkest days of the Revolutionary War.
In 1777, with Philadelphia occupied by the British, the Second Continental Congress was forced to flee west to York, Pennsylvania. Following a crucial victory at Saratoga, the delegates, while gathered in a simple courthouse in York, proclaimed November 1, 1777, as a national day of Thanksgiving.
This solemn day of prayer and gratitude, declared on Pennsylvania soil, marked the first ever national observance of the holiday. It’s a powerful reminder that our state has always been at the heart of America's defining moments.
Local Staples: The Mill at Anselma's Role
What's on your Thanksgiving table? Chances are, some of your favorite dishes have deep local ties. The Mill at Anselma itself is a testament to Chester County's role as the "breadbasket of colonial America".
Flour and Meal: Built in 1747, the Mill is the only pre Revolutionary custom grist mill in the U.S. still operating with its original power train, providing a vital local service for early settlers. For centuries, farmers brought their grain to the mill to prepare for winter, a tradition we honor today by selling our own stone ground flour and cornmeal.
Cider: Pressing apple juice into cider was the easiest way to preserve the large fruit harvest in rural communities like Anselma. The Mill's final owner, Oliver Collins, ran a profitable cider press, a testament to the region's abundant apple crops.
A Tradition of Giving Thanks
From a national proclamation declared during wartime to the quiet "Harvest Home" celebrations and the vital work of the Mill at Anselma, Thanksgiving in Pennsylvania has always been about community and gratitude for abundance.
This year, as we gather with loved ones, we encourage you to remember the rich history of harvest and community that surrounds us here in the Commonwealth.
From all of us at The Mill at Anselma, have a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving!
Sources
About the Mill | The Mill at Anselma: anselmamill.org
America's first national Thanksgiving came out of York, Pa. | The York Dispatch: www.yorkdispatch.com
Delighting in the Daily Grind: The Millers of Anselma | Historical Society of Pennsylvania: hsp.org
Harvest, Milling, and Cider at the Mill | The Mill at Anselma: anselmamill.org
Lightfoot Mill (Mill at Anselma) Historical Marker | Explore PA History: explorepahistory.com
Lightfoot Mill | Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
Pennsylvania Dutch history of Thanksgiving is complicated, but the food is delicious | PennLive: www.pennlive.com
Six things about Thanksgiving in Pennsylvania | Keystone Newsroom: keystonenewsroom.com
Partner News
Upcoming Events at Historic Yellow Springs
Yellow Springs Ceramics National
December 6–14, 2025 | 10 AM–4 PM | Free Entry
Preview Party: December 5, 5–8 PM
Free Lecture: December 6, 5 PM
Extended Hours: Wednesday, December 10, 10 AM–8 PM
Explore contemporary ceramics from artists across the country through a curated exhibition that highlights innovative craftsmanship, material exploration, and sculptural and functional design. The show presents full bodies of work rather than single pieces, creating a rich visual dialogue throughout the gallery spaces.
Preview Party tickets: $25 per person (includes refreshments)
Yellow Springs Art Show Poster Competition
December 6–14, 10 AM–4 PM | Lincoln Building, 2nd Floor | Free Admission
View entries for the 2026 Yellow Springs Art Show poster. The winner will be announced December 6. Works (except the winning piece) are available for purchase, and the village will offer extended evening hours during the Holiday Stroll on December 12.
Yellow Springs Holiday Stroll
Friday, December 12, 5–8 PM | Free & Open to the Public
Enjoy a festive evening in the Village of Yellow Springs, with decorated historic buildings, refreshments, family activities, and a visit from Santa. A perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with the community.
Learn more: https://yellowsprings.org/events/
Updates from Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Hopewell for the Holidays
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 10 AM–4 PM | Free Admission
Type of Event: Cultural / Craft Demonstration
Celebrate the season at Hopewell Furnace with historic cooking and baking demonstrations at the bake oven, Boarding House, and Tenant House. Learn about traditional holiday foods enjoyed during the winter season.
Join a ranger in the Cast House for readings of “The Night Before Christmas” at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM, a poem beloved both today and during Hopewell’s heyday.
Families can explore the park with a Belsnickel-themed scavenger hunt to earn a Junior Ranger badge.
Staffing & Programming Updates
• A list of applicants for summer seasonal Park Ranger positions is expected around the New Year.
• Planning for the 2026 programming schedule is underway, with more information to come this winter.
Support Us!
Donate to the Mill We are looking for corporate sponsors and private donors who are ready and willing to support our historical site. | Volunteer at the Mill Our non-profit organization highly depends on community support, including time that you could volunteer with us. If you would like to get involved, you can become a volunteer and join our communication, marketing, event planning, and operations teams. |
Rent the Mill for your next event!
The Mill at Anselma is a pristine 22-acre property that plays host to numerous attractions in addition to the historical buildings on site. The Mill is open for your next event, from weddings to graduation parties, as well as for filming and photography! Site rentals can be done through our website, where you can also choose from our list of caterers, photographers and vendors who specialize in making your event one to remember!
In addition to events, we offer private tours and different membership options for those looking to support our efforts here at the Mill at Anselma! Please check our website or come on down and meet us in person to secure your membership today! We are also eagerly searching for new enthusiastic volunteers and would love to have you join our team! Please reach out to us for more details regarding private tours, membership options, and volunteer work!
Check out the Junebug Weddings blog featuring The Mill at Anselma: Romantic Rosy and Rust Pennsylvania Wedding Inspiration at Anselma Mill
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ABOUT THE MILL
The Mill at Anselma Preservation and Educational Trust, a 501c3 non-profit corporation, was formed in 1998 with the vision to create an innovative historical attraction at the Mill. Through demonstrations, sensory experiences, and the information provided by our highly knowledgeable tour guides, we hope to illustrate the evolution of technology and the impact of change in commerce, free enterprise, and transportation on American life over three centuries.
The newsletter was prepared by the Mill’s marketing and communications team:
Assemgul Bissenbina, Ph.D. and Marykate Santalucia
Copyright © 2025. The Mill at Anselma Preservation and Educational Trust, Inc. All rights reserved.
Address:
The Mill at Anselma Preservation and Educational Trust, Inc.
1730 Conestoga Road
Chester Springs, PA 19425
610.827.1900
www.anselmamill.org