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Breneman-Turner Mill Open House

  • Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center 1921 Heritage Center Way Harrisonburg, VA, 22801 United States (map)

Tour the historic Breneman-Turner Mill just north of Harrisonburg, VA on the 4th Saturday of every month from May 22- October 23, by appointment. Explore the only pre-Civil War mill remaining in Rockingham County with all its grist mill equipment still in place. Corn-grinding demonstrations and tours run from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Due to pandemic guidelines, visitors must schedule a tour ahead of time. Please schedule your tour here: https://brethrenmennoniteheritage.org/mill-open-house.

This historic landmark was built ca. 1800 on Linville Creek by Abraham Breneman, who migrated from Pennsylvania in 1770. Due to its essential role in grinding grain into flour, hominy, and feed for cattle, the water-powered mill served as a center for community life during pioneer days. Neighbors helped put out fires set to the mill during General Sheridan's 1864 campaign. The mill's most recent owner, J. Howard Turner, operated the mill from 1933 to 1988 and envisioned it as a place where future generations could learn about milling and see the process.

In 2006, the Breneman-Turner Mill was authenticated as a prime historical property, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and designated as a Virginia Historical Landmark. In 2010, it was added to the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District as a Civil War tour site.

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Earlier Event: April 4
Easter Sunrise Service
Later Event: June 26
Breneman-Turner Mill Open House