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.
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
