Joel Hill Sawmill & Thomas Cleveland Museum | Take a Spin Back in Time in Equinunk
History buffs searching for a Civil War–era water-powered sawmill will find it at the Joel Hill Sawmill & Thomas Cleveland Museum in Equinunk. Established in 1972 by the Equinunk Historical Society, the sawmill and museum serve as living history, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience NEPA’s industrial past.
Guests can begin their free visit with a view of the sawmill and its breathtaking surroundings. A waterfall spills more than thirty feet from the mill pond into the roaring creek below, creating both a scenic backdrop and a source of power. The society recommends stopping to appreciate the cast iron globe turbine at the back of the mill. This piece of engineering transforms the creek’s flow into 500 rpm of waterpower, driving the sawmill just as it did in the nineteenth century.
Inside the Thomas Cleveland Museum, visitors will find a fascinating collection of late nineteenth-century tools and machinery once used to manufacture lumber. The exhibits showcase the ingenuity and hard work that shaped the region’s history.
Beyond the exhibits, the Equinunk Historical Society hosts a variety of community events each month. Popular gatherings range from pancake breakfasts to First Friday music nights, both of which have become beloved traditions for locals and visitors alike.
For details on upcoming events or to take a virtual tour before your visit, check out the groups Facebook page.
The Joel Hill Sawmill & Thomas Cleveland Museum in Equinunk offers a rare chance to witness history in motion while enjoying community traditions.
