Kirby's Mill
A Living Piece of Medford's History Since 1778
Built during the American Revolution, Kirby's Mill is one of the oldest and last operating commercial mills in New Jersey, beautifutly restored by the Medford Historical Society.
"The Mill"
Kirby’s Mill is one of the oldest surviving mill complexes and the last operating commercial mill in New Jersey when the Medford Historical Society purchased it in 1969. The site began in 1773, when Isaac Haines and others petitioned to build a dam for a gristmill and sawmill, and the mill was in operation by the spring of 1778.
The original mill was expanded over time as the complex grew to meet local needs. Around 1830, Charles Haines enlarged it from a one-story structure to three stories, and additional buildings including the blacksmith shop and barn were added. After William S. Kirby purchased the property in 1877, the roof was raised again to create a fourth floor, and the waterwheel was replaced by more efficient water turbines. At its peak, the complex produced flour, cornmeal, feed, and lumber for both local and regional markets.
Origins (1773-1778)
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Isaac Haines and others petition to build the mill and dam
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The gristmill and sawmill begin operation by early 1778
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In operation through the Revolutionary War and early 1800s
Growth & Expansion (1800s)
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Expanded to 3 stories in the 1830s, then 4 stories in the 1870s under William S. Kirby
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More efficient water turbines replace original waterwheel
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Additional buildings constructed, including a blacksmith shop, barn, carpentry shop, and sawmill
Decline & Transition (1900s)
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Flour production ends in the 1920s, sawmill closes, and the blacksmith shop and wheelwright shop shut down
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Gristmill continues but under water power until 1961, then converts to electricity
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Commercial milling ends in the 1960s, when Kirby descendent George King put the mill up for sale
Preservation & Restoration
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Medford Historical Society purchases the run-down mill complex in 1969
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Added to the National Register of Historic Sites in 1972
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Restoration projects continue
RESTORATION & PRESERVATION
A 50 Year Project
Sustained restoration efforts have restored structures across the site over several decades. Volunteers, donors, and community members worked together to stabilize the mill and preserve its historic machinery for future generations.
Major restoration efforts included:
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Rebuilding the waterwheel, millrace, and river foundation
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Stabilizing areas around the waterwheel and foundations
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Repairing structural framing and foundations
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Replacing worn mechanical components
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Recognizing and preserving historic features
The Mill Complex Today
Explore the Site
Today, Kirby’s Mill stands as one of the few surviving water-powered gristmills in New Jersey. Visitors can experience the mill’s original machinery, learn how water power operated early industry in Medford, and explore the surrounding historic complex that reflects the region’s agricultural and industrial past.
What's Next?
Expanded museum exhibits and interpretive displays
Improved access to research materials and historical collections
Continued restoration of historic structures
Preservation of the working waterwheel and milling equipment
Additional opportunities for educational programs, demonstrations and events
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