WATKINS MILL ASSOCIATION

Preserving History, Inspiring Generations

Step back in time and experience the legacy of self-sufficiency, innovation, and resilience at Watkins Woolen Mill and Homestead. Founded in 1958, the Watkins Mill Association (WMA) is dedicated to preserving this National Historic Landmark—the only 19th-century textile mill in the U.S. with its original machinery still intact.

 

From bustling mill operations to the thriving Watkins family farm, this site offers a rare glimpse into 1800s life. Explore the beautifully preserved homestead, where daily life revolved around farming, craftsmanship, and community. Walk the scenic grounds, visit the heritage livestock, and discover the pioneering spirit that built one of Missouri’s most remarkable self-sustaining estates.

 

Each year, we help welcome over 500,000 visitors to witness the artistry of wool production, entrepreneurship, and the Industrial Revolution in rural Missouri.

 


Through immersive experiences, we keep this history alive—but we can’t do it without you.

 

Join us in preserving this extraordinary piece of history for future generations!

 

Upcoming Events

OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Since its inception, Watkins Mill Association has been the Historic Site’s “Friends” organization – proactively supporting its preservation and living history. Major contributions include:

  • Arranging for Watkins Mill to become a State Historic Site and State Park, with support from Clay County voters.
  • Promoting Historic Site recognition (1) as a National Historical Landmark by the United States Department of Interior, (2) on the National Register of Historic Places, (3) as a Clay County Historic Landmark, and (4) as a National Mechanical Engineering Landmark.
  • Underwriting restoration and ongoing care of the Mill – including roof, windows, paint, and Mill equipment.
  • Underwriting restoration and ongoing care of the Watkins Home – including windows, paint, masonry tuck point, and front porch renovations.
  • Arranging return of most Watkins Family original furnishings to the Home.
  • Replacing the Home’s formal parlor carpet and summer kitchen wood stove.


  • Advocating for the Visitors Center and Museum to be built.
  • Recruiting Volunteers and hosting the annual Volunteer appreciation dinner.
  • Promoting educational opportunities and resources at the Historic Site.
  • Helping launch a cooperative project with the University of Missouri Master Gardener Extension Program.
  • Funding an Internship position in the Museum archives and contributing toward the purchase of storage to protect artifacts housed there.
  • Hosting the 1999 annual meeting of the Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums.
  • Providing seed money for the Visitors Center’s orientation video.
  • Funding ongoing needs – including sheep, Historic Interpreter costumes, processed wool, fabric and yarn for exhibits, as well as ongoing property maintenance.


membership makes a difference

Join the Watkins Mill Association to preserve and support the living history of the Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site. 


BECOME A MEMBER

OUR GRATITUDE

We would like to thank the following people and organizations for their roles in creating and preserving Watkins Mill.


Taylor & Patti Abernathy Charitable Trust

William J. Brace Charitable Trust

Clay County Historical Society

The Francis Family Foundation

Henry Frass Family

Forest Ingram

The Kemper Family Foundations

William T. Kemper Foundation

Caroline Martin

Betty & Byron McDaniel

Means Living Trust

Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Lee Oberholtz

George Reuland

George Stilley

The Sunderland Foundation

University of Missouri Extension Master Gardeners of KC

Voters of Clay County, Missouri

Waltus Watkins Family

Herbert A. & Adrian W. Woods Foundation

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