Tide Mills of Eastern Long Island
The community of Southold on the east end of Long Island was founded in 1640. During the 375 years of its existence, at least four watermills have existed in the town. Come join us in an exploration of what is known about the watermills of Southold. By Amy Folk, Southold Town Historian.
A Hi-Tech Look at a 250-Year Old Tide Mill
In 1774, John Shipman received State permission to build a grist-mill, “of a new and peculiar construction in said Saybrook; to be moved by salt-water…at Ox pasture.” Never mapped, or again mentioned, Shipman’s mill was dismissed as a myth by the president of the local historical society in 1994. In 2025 we set out to find Shipman’s mill – and did. We will share the results of our aerial, terrestrial, and submarine surveys, small excavation, and date testing. Then we will speculate on the mill’s “new and peculiar construction.” By Mark Borton, independent researcher and member of TMI Leadership Committee.
Restoring and Preserving Van Wyck-Lefferts
Preserving an historic tide mill is a never-ending challenge requiring technical expertise, organizational skills, fund-raising, and perseverance. By Kurt Dietrich, board member, Lefferts Tide Mill and Preserve.
Evaluating the Community Scale Tidal Energy Resource of Maine. A new tidal model for the entire coast of Maine finds tidal energy “hotspots” and estimates their extractable power. The methods and results will be useful to coastal communities for evaluating the potential for incorporating tidal energy into their renewable energy mix. By David Hoyle, member of TMI Leadership Committee and TMI’s representative at the National Hydropower Association and the Marine Energy Council.
Fairfield’s Historic Tide Mills
Tide mills in Fairfield helped define and establish the economy of Fairfield in the 1600s. By Walter Matis, Program and Volunteer Coordinator, Fairfield Museum and History Center.