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 County Project Receives Maryland Historical Trust Preservation Award

Westminster, Md, Monday, May 8, 2023 – On Friday, May 5^th, a Carroll County Department of Public Works – Building Construction team won a Project Excellence: Preservation Partnership award from the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) for work on the Union Mills Flume Restoration Project at Historic Shriver Grist Mill. The team accepted the award during their annual Flower & Plant Market at the Union Mills Homestead. County Commissioner Kenny Kiler received the award on behalf of the county from Elizabeth Hughes, Director of the MHT. Attendees toured the facility with MHT and the elected officials in attendance.

The Union Mills Flume Restoration Project was a partnership between the County Commissioners of Carroll County, the Union Mills Homestead Foundation, and B. E. Hassett-Millwrights to restore the flume at the 225-year-old mill to working condition, enabling water delivery from the millrace to the mill’s waterwheel, delighting tourists and bringing visitors to the site.

The nomination summary included the following description, “The project involved the restoration of the flume at the historic Shriver Grist Mill at the Union Mills Homestead. The flume is the wooden frame that delivers water from the millrace to the mill’s waterwheel. The project involved removal of decayed portions of the flume, headgate bridge, and related gates; and careful restoration following drawings prepared by millwright Derek Ogden in connection with the original 1980s restoration. The project was the product of extensive, successful collaboration between the site’s major stakeholders including the Union Mills Homestead Foundation, Carroll County Government, and the Maryland Historical Trust. The County Commissioners of Carroll County, MD own the historic site and the Union Mills Homestead Foundation operates the site under a long-term lease. Carroll County endorsed and supported the Foundation’s pursuit of the Historic Preservation Grant award for the flume’s restoration, and then provided superior project management under an MOU with the Foundation. Carroll County worked closely with the Foundation and ensured that a top-notch contractor was selected. Successful coordination and collaboration among the stakeholders resulted in an excellent restoration project.”

As part of Preservation Month which began May 1^st, the Maryland Historical Trust will present 10 awards for noteworthy accomplishments in the preservation field, recognizing outstanding education, restoration and revitalization projects, as well as organizational and individual leadership.  The 48th annual Maryland Preservation Awards, selected by the Maryland Historical Trust’s Board of Trustees, are celebrated in local events and live streamed to the Maryland Historical Trust’s social media through early June.

Left to Right: Commissioner Ken Kiler, Deputy Director of Public Works Eric Burdine,  Union Mills Homestead Miller John Boag, Dean Leister of Public Works, MHT Director Elizabeth Hughes, John Bowers of Public Works, Bryan Bokey Director of Public Works, and Union Mills Homestead Executive Director Kyle Dalton.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chris Winebrenner

410-386-2043

The Americans with Disabilities Act applies to the Carroll County Government and its programs, services, activities, and facilities. Anyone requiring an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or who has a complaint should contact The Department of Citizen Services, 410.386.3600 or 1.888.302.8978 or MD Relay 7-1-1/1.800.735.2258 or email ada@carrollcountymd.gov as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours before the scheduled event.