Note: All the historical societies in Delco need help. Nearly all are closed or open just once or twice a week. They need volunteers for ground and building maintenance, especially with no money or very little coming in. Taking care of buildings and sites that are hundred of years old is a full time project. So please volunteer and join your local society or historical site and if you can make a cash donation. Every little bit helps! Please support Delco History!!
Reposted from https://newlingristmill.org/:
The year 2020 will certainly be remembered by us all as the year of challenges and disruptions. At Newlin Grist Mill, the pandemic cancelled programs and events, interrupted traditional funding streams, and forced critical restoration projects to be suspended. Siltation in the creek interfered with pond fishing and made it impossible to operate the mill. Possibly the most difficult challenge has been not socializing and sharing our history and environment with you.
We responded to these changing circumstances with remote working, social media content, virtual programing, and new research, all with the goal of continuing to serve you. We have implemented strategies to keep our staff, volunteers, and community members safe while keeping the site open and a positive experience for the thousands of guests to the park. The notes of gratitude and donations helped to lift our spirits and remind us of the role Newlin Grist Mill plays in our community.
On August 4th and again on the 7th, floods devastated the historic site and park. Water entered five of our buildings, wrecked trails, washed away board walks and bridges, and damaged parking lots. While earlier repairs to the dam held, there was damage to both the stone and earthen dams. We are still assessing the damages.
This latest crisis has forced us to close the Newlin Grist Mill and Park to the public because there are so many hazards. Newlin Grist Mill buildings, park, trails, and parking lots are closed. During the past few months, we have observed what the park means to our community andvf do not take this action lightly. Safety is always our first consideration therefore we ask everyone to please stay away for the time being. This is hard for us to ask but is for your safety and will enable us to respond to our most critical needs first.
We have taken a severe blow, but we will be back. The outpouring of support, offers of volunteers, and donations are inspiring to all of us at Newlin Grist Mill. We are going to need our volunteers, friends, and supporters to help us get through this crisis.
Many have asked what can they do. We are asking everyone to be patient as we assess the damage and take emergency actions to clean and dry out buildings for their long-term preservation. We are developing plans for volunteers to help with flood clean up and recovery while protecting your safety from injury and the pandemic. We need time to concentrate on planning to deploy the resources being offered and responding to time sensitive threats to our buildings before making our grounds and trails safe for the public.
Insurance will cover some of the expenses related to buildings but much of the damage is to the property. Your donations will be critical to reopening the NGM and Park. As we face yet another challenge in 2020, thank you for being there for us as we always try to be there for you.
Tony Shahan, Director