Historian and author Larry Kidder of Ewing is set open a weekend of special programming at Howell Living History Farm when he presents the story of the Henry Phillips gristmill on Aug. 9.
Kidder’s presentation includes new information about the mill, which was the subject of recent archaeological study conducted by Hunter Research of Trenton through a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission.
From about 1760 to 1860, the mill processed wheat grown by Pleasant Valley farmers including those who worked what is now Howell Farm.
Kidder is currently working on the second in a series of three books about Pleasant Valley, a national rural historic district that includes Howell Farm.
Doors are set to open 7 p.m. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis and there is a suggested donation of $3.
The program sets the stage for tours of the Pleasant Valley Historic District houses and the gristmill site from 1 to 3 p.m. on Aug. 10 and 11. The tours are among many offered as part of Mercer by Architecture, one of a year-long series of exhibits and events celebrating the 175th anniversary of the creation of Mercer County.
More information about other Mercer County historic houses and sites featured during the weekend is online at mercer175.org.
Howell Farm is operated and maintained by the Mercer County Park Commission. It is located on Valley Road, off Route 29 two miles south of Lambertville, NJ. For GPS directions, visitors should use 70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville, 08530.
Regular visiting hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Parking and admission are free.
More information is online at howellfarm.org. and mercercountyparks.org.
