News
2025 News
New attractions this year include antique tractors, face painting, Randy Baldwin Band
April 17, 2025
The 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills is the only historic flour mill of its kind in the Midwest that can still operate, and there’s exactly one day every year that it roars back to life for visitors to experience.
This year, that is Saturday, May 3, during the annual Millfest celebration at the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum in Lindsborg, Kan.
The main attraction is four stories of beautiful machinery in the 127-year-old mill dramatically reawakening into motion. Guided tours are available of this mechanical work of art in wood, steel and leather throughout the day
Adam Pracht, Marketing and Communications Director, said he loves the diverse sensory experience every Millfest.
“It really is an unforgettable opportunity to see history in action and up close,” he said. “The floors shake and rumble, you hear the rattle of gears and belts, and you can even smell the old wheat dust and oil on the air. I feel like I have time traveled to a moment out of the 19th century walking through these floors during Millfest.”
Tours run 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and cost $10 per person during Millfest, but all other museum attractions will be available by-donation. For safety reasons, tours are restricted to those 13 years old or older; but when the mill shuts down for the day at 4:45 p.m. it will be available to families with children ages 12 and younger to take a free mill tour.
For Aubrey Wheeler, Executive Director, this will be her first Millfest since she started in the chief position in August 2025. She said she is most excited for the Millfest activities and attractions beyond the Old Mill tours.
“I’ve heard so much about the Millfest, I can’t wait to see it all first-hand,” she said. “I especially am going to enjoy the front-porch music performances and interacting with baby goats!”
Music entertainment will be available on the museum front porch starting at 10 a.m. and running through 3:30 p.m. Local group the Front Porch Pickers will take the porch stage at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., while Lindsborg musician Nile Johnson returns after a hiatus in 2024 to perform at noon. Then at 2 p.m. – new to Millfest – the Randy Baldwin Band from Salina will perform original songs and covers from the ’70s through the ’90s.
Guests can enjoy other museum activities throughout the day included in the “by-donation” admission. New this year, Millfest will include an antique tractor show sponsored by the International Harvester Collector Club (Kansas Chapter 3), and beautiful (FREE!) face painting from “Just Face It” out of Wichita from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
In the historic one-room schoolhouse, guests can decorate their own Dala Horse – a traditional Swedish symbol and the most notable symbol of Lindsborg – as long as supplies last. Traditional stick-and-hoop races and Kubb – a popular Swedish lawn game – will be on the common area lawn of Heritage Square.
When guests want to participate themselves in the celebration, they can join Lindsborg Folksdanslag at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the Heritage Square green maypole (or, if the day is toasty – wherever on the square there’s some quality shade.) Join the group in traditional Swedish dance, or just sit back to watch and enjoy.
A quilt show from the McPherson Quilt Guild will be among the day’s free demonstrations, as well as vendors with handmade items for sale. Watch real blacksmithing in action, talk with representatives of The Land Institute about perennial grains and agriculture, purchase a wide variety of original artwork, see hand woodcarving from Salina Woodcarvers, and more!
When it’s time for lunch, guests can purchase burgers, street tacos and sandwiches from Paradise Eats on the main museum lawn. Several vendors will be providing more snack-like food fare, including kettle corn, baked goods, and snow cones. The museum gift shop also includes a variety of snacks, toys, books, and limited-edition collectibles to remember an unforgettable day.
Also, just off the gift shop, guests can bid on some exciting silent auction items to help support the museum’s mission – everything from artwork to gift cards (Smoky Valley Winery and Trollslända Toy Store) to baked goods to a Lenovo computer tablet! Bidding will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Finally, Millfest will also be the official opening weekend for a new temporary mini-exhibition in the main gallery of the museum. “Midwest on Ice: Fossils from the Pleistocene Prairie” includes two display cases with fossils from the “Ice Age” Pleistocene Epoch of 2.6 million years ago. The sample fossil specimens will be accompanied by fascinating information on American Midwest megafauna including the woolly mammoth, American mastodon, and ancient camel.
Lenora Lynam, Collections Manager, has helped organize and lead Millfest for decades, and said it is a rare and engaging experience. At one point, there were more than 400 small community flour mills operating in Kansas alone; today the Smoky Valley Roller Mill is the last one standing and running.
“It is always a lot of work,” she said, “But it’s all worth it to see the community come out to support local Smoky Valley history and experience the past firsthand from more than 125 years ago.”
Significant sponsorship for Millfest has been provided by:
- Grain Craft – McPherson, Kansas
- Kansas Wheat – Manhattan, Kansas
- Radio Kansas – Hutchinson, Kansas
- CKA Consulting – Topeka, Kansas
- TACOL Thrift Shop – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Ardent Mills – Denver, Colorado
- Bank of Tescott – Lindsborg, Kansas
- CHS Refinery – McPherson, Kansas
- Dauer Welding and Machine – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Farmers State Bank – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Pestinger Heating and AC – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Plumer Landscaping and Lindsborg Greenhouse – Lindsborg, Kansas
- An anonymous donor
The museum thanks these businesses and organizations for their generosity and support of local history!
Millfest 2025
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 3
Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum
120 E. Mill St., Lindsborg
$10 / person tours of the Old Mill in operation (ages 13+).
Admission by donation to all other museum attractions.
Food available for purchase on museum grounds from Paradise Eats (burgers, street tacos, and sandwiches) as well as snack treats from Pop’s Kettle Corn, Lyn’s Bakery and Kona Ice.
Confirmed arts and crafts vendors and demonstrators:
- Alpaca fiber “make and take” craft by Jennifer Ebling
- Art Prints by Acacia Pracht
- Basketweaving by Janie Tubbs
- Blacksmithing by Josh Womelsdorf
- Crocheted Animals by Eddie Mckoy
- Goat Milk Soap & Lotion by Wind River Farms (Angela Price)
- Greenwood Spoon & Bowl Carving by Jerry & Ruperta Hammerton
- Jewelry, Leather, and Etc. by Sylvia Cotacachi
- The Land Institute
- Origami Models and Jewelry by Eian Pracht
- Scentsy Fragrances by Jeanie Murphy
- Quilt Show by McPherson Quilt Guild
Millfest 2025 event program
2024 News
December 23, 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum is holding its “Harvest of Giving” year-end fundraising campaign – providing multiple ways to financially support the small hometown museum.
Adam Pracht, marketing and communications director, noted that the museum has 11 historic buildings on 15 acres, including two on the National Register of Historic Places – the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills (beautifully preserved, it’s the only historic flour mill building of its kind in the Midwest still able to operate), and the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion (saved from the St. Louis Fair, the 120-year-old building is a center of Swedish-American culture and recently hit an important milestone with the necessary funds to prevent its collapse).
“We have been an independent nonprofit since 2021, when the county gave up ownership,” Pracht said. “Public sources now account for less than a fifth of our already small budget, and we increasingly need generous individuals, organizations and businesses to donate annually to conserve the rare history available at the museum.”
About $100,000 is still needed for the museum to meet its 2025 budget needs. A strong start on filling that gap is the Harvest of Giving $5,000 Museum Match, which ends on December 31. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all new and renewing memberships, as well as one-time donations, made between now and the end of the year will be doubled with a one-to-one match.
Those who file a Kansas tax return can also still give to the “Raise the Roof” portion of the museum’s “Save the Pavilion” campaign and get 70% of their donation back as a Kansas tax credit! This is an available option both now and in 2025, with donations going to replace the Pavilion’s aging and leaking roof in a more historically accurate way.
Finally, there’s the opportunity to sponsor the most exciting event on the museum’s calendar of Millfest – the one day every year people can take guided tours of the 127-year-old mill in operation! Opportunities to be an event sponsor at a variety of affordable levels are open now and – new this year – there are a limited number of opportunities to sponsor a specific Millfest attraction (face painting, old mill tours, and music performances). Donation of items for a Silent Auction or other in-kind donation opportunities are also available.
Donations in these areas not only support museum events and preserve museum treasures, they also go to operational funds to ensure the doors stay open to the public and the lights stay on. They also support a revitalization of the more than 60-year-old-museum, with new permanent exhibitions on the way in Spring 2025. This includes a new permanent Swedish Immigration Exhibition is opening in the main museum building, a new temporary mini-exhibit under development for the main museum gallery, and an updated semi-permanent exhibit highlighting the cement sculptures of Oscar Gunnarson.
Our new Historical Speaker Series continues into the beginning of 2025, with presentations on Lindsborg founding father Rev. Carl Aaron Swensson, journalist Alma Luise Olson, and “Slöyd” woodworking teacher Amalia Rabenius. Grant writing is underway to continue this popular online series with even more topics.
In addition to its longstanding public events of Millfest, Millfest for Kids, and a central venue for Midsummer’s Festival; the museum staff are also planning programming as part of October 2025’s Svensk Hyllningsfest (Swedish Celebration Festival), bringing back the annual “Magic at the Mill” card tournament in partnership with local game shop Spelbok, and developing new events to consistently attract a range of ages and interests.
“We’re so much more than old artifacts on shelves,” Pracht said. “With the help of the museum community, we are becoming a robust cultural center of activity and continuing to grow.”
More about each of these Harvest of Giving opportunities and details of how to donate to them is available at www.oldmillmuseum.org/harvest-of-giving.
December 17, 2024
The Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum got an early holiday gift over the weekend – securing enough funds to make $151,500 of critical repairs, preventing the collapse of the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion.
Museum Executive Director Aubrey Wheeler said this was a great milestone, and announced the accomplishment at the museum’s Heritage Christmas event on December 14.
“History is a critical part of local culture and community,” she said. “Lindsborg takes such pride in preserving its Swedish-American history, and the Swedish Pavilion was a central stage for showing the town’s delight in the past. We are so thankful to be able to save the Pavilion and ensure its place in the story of the Smoky Valley.”
In June, the museum learned it was the recipient of $166,600 in Community Service Program (CSP) Tax Credits through the Kansas Department of Commerce. The credits are expected to raise $238,000 in donations before the end of the grant period next year in December 2025. State tax credits reduce the total amount of taxes owed to the state and are a way for taxpayers to substantially reduce the cost of contributing to the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum.
Businesses and individuals subject to Kansas income tax are eligible to receive a tax credit through this program. Donors giving at least $250 to the Pavilion Restoration & Improvement Project may qualify for a70% tax credit. For example, a donor making a $1,000 gift receives a $700 tax credit when they file their state taxes, making the net cost to the donor only $300.
More information about efforts to preserve the Pavilion and how to donate under the program to receive tax benefits is available at www.oldmillmuseum.org/save-the-pavilion.
An engineering assessment in October 2023 found that the Pavilion is leaning by up to 2 degrees, which is considered severe “racking” and visible even to untrained observers. This structural failure could have led to the building’s collapse with the wrong set of circumstances. With this information about the risk, the museum Board of Directors chose to close the Pavilion to the public until repairs could be finished.
With funding for structural repairs now secured, work to ensure the building’s stability are expected to be completed in spring 2025. Once the building is safe to go inside again, the museum plans to hold a grand reopening to celebrate the accomplishment.
Even after passing this milestone, however, there is still capacity for more than $85,000 of donations that could be eligible for tax credits under the CSP grant program.
Museum staff has noted that the current more than 30-year-old asphalt roof – which is not historically accurate – is showing concerning signs of its age. There are often leaks after heavy rain or snow, leading to the risk of water damage. Donations under the tax credit grant will provide a solid start toward roof replacement in this “Raise the Roof” campaign – estimated to cost about $175,000.
“This is a beautiful place with irreplaceable treasures,” Wheeler said. “We are so grateful for a generous community of support who are helping us to keep them pristine for future generations.”
December 6, 2024
Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum invites and encourages everyone to come out for the cozy holiday tradition of Heritage Christmas on Saturday, December 14. The celebration will run 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the museum, located at 120 E. Mill St. in Lindsborg.
Flickering lamp-lit pathways will light visitors’ steps as they enjoy seasonal music performances, kids’ crafts and cookie decorating, dramatic performance, guided tours of the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills, and even an opportunity to whisper a wish list to Santa Claus!
Aubrey Wheeler, Executive Director, said that this is her first time at the Heritage Christmas tradition – not only as director, but ever!
“I’ve heard so much about Heritage Christmas from the community and how much they love the traditions,” she said. “I’m looking forward to sharing the experience with all of our museum friends and family.”
Admission is by donation during the evening event; suggested donation is $10 for adults and $5 for students of any age.
The 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion where the music performances are typically held is still closed to the public because of structural issues. (But the necessary funding for the repairs is nearly secured! See www.oldmillmuseum.org/save-the-pavilion for the latest updates.) Because of this, the music performances – from Men in Harmony, Mennonite Chorus, and Smoky Valley High School Madrigals – will be held in the main museum gallery instead.
Nearby, in the museum’s back gallery, bake sale refreshments will be available for purchase. Then kids can meet with Santa Claus before the whole family goes on a guided tour of the Old Mill.
Across the street, guests will be able to enjoy kids’ crafts in the historic West Kentuck one-room schoolhouse and decorate cookies in the Lindsborg train depot – including, new this year, gingerbread cookies and Swedish Julbock “Christmas Goat” shapes! Families can also catch an intimate performance of “A Shepherd’s Story of Christmas” in the horse stable and connect with Lindsborg government leadership in the second annual “Mayor’s Christmas Kaffe” in Sweadal – the first county courthouse.
The museum gift shop will also be open into the evening hours for holiday shopping. Find books, toys, souvenirs, and unique limited-edition items. These include wood turned pens, letter openers and wine corks made from boards that had to be removed from the mill’s scale house; or original historic unused flour bags.
October 1, 2024
When Adam Pracht first started at the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum, one of the events he heard about the most were people’s memories of performances of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” on the museum’s Heritage Square.
The museum had co-sponsored it in cooperation with the community’s Broadway RFD theater troupe.
“So many people spoke about it in such glowing terms that I assumed it was a decades-long tradition,” Pracht said. “Then I learned it was a handful of performances about a decade ago, which surprised me. I thought that if those few performances left such an impression on the community, we needed to look into bringing it back as a consistent show.”
Pracht started talking with Molly Johnson, who took the proposal to the rest of Broadway RFD’s Board of Directors, and they approved bringing back the “Sleepy Hollow” performances. Once the show was approved, Lindsborg native Addison Haiden was brought on as director.
“I wanted to challenge myself and direct a show that was different from the summer main stage production,” she said. “The immersive aspect of ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ really drew me in and eventually led to me directing the show.”
This time, part of the proposal to keep it going in the future was to put on the production only in October of even-numbered years. This way, the spooky play wouldn’t be competing with the long and popular tradition of Svensk Hyllningsfest (Swedish celebration festival) held in October of odd-numbered years.
Scheduled for 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. on October 10, 11, and 12 (with a bonus midnight performance starting at 11:15 p.m. on October 12), tickets are limited to just 25 individuals per showtime, so those wanting to see this unique performance are encouraged to reserve their tickets at www.broadwayrfd.org. The audience limits for reasons of space limitations will mean no more than 175 people will get to see this unique production in 2024.
Recommended donations for admission are $10 per adult and $5 per student. If space remains, admission can also be obtained at the gate before showtime.
The spooky classic story by Washington Irving and adapted for the stage by Kathryn Schultz Miller will be presented in a progressive roving theatre style in which the audience moves with the actors from scene to scene around Heritage Square at the Museum.
This storybook tale, with all its thrills and chills, revolves around the bumbling schoolteacher Ichabod, the coquettish Katrina, and Ichabod’s brutish rival, Brom Bones, and – saving the best for last – the ride of the headless horseman! In this production, the largely outdoor setting will mean the timeless character will arrive on actual horseback for the show’s dramatic climax.
Refreshments will also be available for purchase, including hot drinks should an evening turn chilly.
Haiden said people should come to see an enjoyable performance and to support local theatre.
“Please come out and support the cast,” she said. “They have put so much hard work into this production!”
Cast for the production is:
Ichabod Crane – Adam Pracht
Katrina – Rebecca Sawyer
Brom Bones – Michael McQuilliam
Washington & Others – Bill Olson
Irving & Others – Tony Robb
Peter & Others – Isaac Garretson
Emily & Others – Robin Dutton
Charlotte & Others – Arabia Albert
Judith & Others – Angela Woods
Headless Horseman – Madison Repp
All cast members are from Lindsborg, with the exception of Arabia Albert, who commutes for 45 minutes from Lyons, Kansas for rehearsals.
Crew and Creative Team includes:
Director – Addison Haiden
Set Design and Lights – Adam Pracht and Addison Haiden
Props – Robin Dutton and Addison Haiden
Costumes – Beth Olson and Addison Haiden
Sound Design – Addison Haiden
Sound Technician – Alaina Woods
Audience Guide – John Woods
Concession Stand Helpers – The Johnson Family
Broadway RFD and the museum offer special thanks to the Broadway RFD Board of Directors and the families of the actors and technicians.
August 8, 2024
The Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum is excited to announce the hiring of its new Executive Director – Aubrey Wheeler, who started on August 1, 2024.
Wheeler said she was excited for the new role.
“It’s a change, but I’m looking forward to the challenge and opportunity here,” she said. “I’m also looking forward to having a community, as well as volunteers and staff, that’s so engaged.”
Located on 15 acres along the Smoky Hill River, the Old Mill Museum is home to two buildings on the National Register of Historic Places – the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills (the only historic roller mills in the Midwest that can still operate) and the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion. The museum also conserves another 10 historic buildings – as well as campgrounds, historic archives, and large artifact collection centered on the story of the Smoky Valley.
Wheeler said she has visited the Old Mill Museum before her hiring and that what really attracted her to apply as Executive Director was how Lindsborg celebrates its Swedish heritage and supports its local museum.
“The community, that was the biggest draw for me,” she said. “I’ve been here multiple times and that always stood out to me.”
Wheeler brings strong museum credentials to her new role, with an Associate of Arts from Hutchinson Community College; and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, Museum Studies Certification, and Master of Anthropology from Wichita State University.
Prior to the Lindsborg Museum, Wheeler was the Director and Curator of the City of Marion Historical Museum since 2020, working to put the museum on standard museum practices, cataloging the collection, designing exhibits, coordinating volunteers, fundraising, and managing marketing strategy.
As a volunteer, Wheeler has also served as President of the Marion County Historical Society since Spring 2023 and spent two weeks assisting the Etzanoa excavation in Arkansas City, Kansas, in 2019.
As Wheeler begins as Executive Director, the previous director – Lenora Lynam – is stepping back, but still staying on as the museum’s Mission Director.
Lynam has worked at the Old Mill Museum since 1980 and led the museum as director through an important time of transition for more than two years during its early days of going from county-owned to independent nonprofit. During her tenure, museum membership more than doubled, annual attendance recovered to now exceed pre-pandemic levels, grants received totaled more than $840,000, and annual fundraising blossomed. She also oversaw critical repairs and renovations to seven of the buildings on campus – including the Swedish Pavilion and Old Mill.
“This museum has a lot of my own heart in it,” Lynam said. “I want to do everything I can to help this be a smooth and seamless transition as I’m handing it off to a new generation.”
Wheeler said she plans to continue building on the foundation of leadership already established at the museum in recent years – establishing more financial stability, building more community outreach, bringing in rotating exhibits on a regular schedule, and increasing a multitude of programming opportunities.
June 17, 2024
Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum is pleased to announce they have received $166,600 in Community Service Program (CSP) Tax Credits through the Kansas Department of Commerce. The available tax credits will be used to enhance fundraising efforts for the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion Restoration & Improvement Project.
These credits are expected to raise $238,000 in donations, which will fully cover critical stabilization repairs to prevent the possibility of a catastrophic collapse of the historic structure. It will also partially cover the cost of a new pavilion roof that will prevent leaks and be more historically accurate.
CSP is a popular program for Kansas nonprofits and public healthcare entities taking on major capital campaigns for projects involving children and family services, non-governmental crime prevention, youth apprenticeship and youth technical training and health care. Awarded nonprofits were chosen through a competitive application process. State tax credits reduce the total amount of taxes owed to the state. They are a way for taxpayers to substantially reduce the cost of contributing to the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum.
Lenora Lynam, Executive Director of the museum, said this grant of tax credits is essential for saving and preserving the historic Pavilion for future generations.
“When we discovered the structural failure of the Pavilion last October, it was truly an existential threat to the future of the Pavilion, its history, and all the events and activity centered around it,” Lynam said. “Not to mention the concerns of water damage coming from roof leaks. This grant is win-win-win. The museum, our visitors, and the community win from the preservation of this irreplaceable building. The state wins by encouraging support for important projects statewide. And, of course, donors to the project win with this incredible opportunity to stretch their giving.”
An engineering assessment in October 2023 found that the Pavilion is leaning by up to 2 degrees, which is considered severe “racking” and visible even to untrained observers. This structural failure would lead to collapse with the wrong set of circumstances. With this information, the museum Board of Directors chose to close the Pavilion until repairs could be finished.
Museum staff also has noted that the current more than 30-year-old asphalt roof (which is not historically accurate) is starting to show serious signs of its age. There are often leaks after heavy rain or snow.
The tax credit grant provides the pathway to full structural preservation of the Pavilion and will also allow partial funding for a new reproduction composite tile roof, which will prevent leaks and restore the roofing to be more historically accurate. Both components will be put out for bid for two weeks as soon as possible and potential donors who want to give to the project and receive tax credits can start to do so now. Credits will be allotted to donors to the project on a “first come, first served” basis.
The sooner that donations under the project are received, the sooner contractors can begin the repair work to the Swedish Pavilion. Contributions must be dated July 1 or after to qualify. After stabilization repairs are completed, the Pavilion will again be open to the public.
Businesses and individuals subject to Kansas income tax are eligible to receive a tax credit through this program. Donors giving at least $250 to the Pavilion Restoration & Improvement Project may qualify for a 70% tax credit. For example, a donor making a $1,000 gift receives a $700 tax credit when they file their state taxes, making the net cost to the donor only $300.
“CSP amplifies the mission of awarded community service organizations and their projects by encouraging donations through the benefit of state tax credits,” said Kayla Savage, Director of the Community Development Division at the Department of Commerce. “When you donate to an awarded CSP project, you have the opportunity to support a project and receive a state tax credit to reduce your taxable income.”
If you or your business are interested in donating to the Pavilion Restoration & Preservation Project, please reach out to museum staff at info@oldmillmuseum.org or 785-227-3595 for full details on how to donate under the project.
April 25, 2024
There’s one day of the year when history roars back to life for Millfest at the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum. On Saturday, May 4, the main event is when four stories of machinery in the 126-year-old Smoky Valley Roller Mills again spin into action like they have since the late 1800s.
The best part is, with guided tours available throughout the day, visitors can get an up-close experience of this moment out of history.
Lenora Lynam, the museum Executive Director, said that since the Old Mill is the only working mill using 19th century roller mill technology in the Midwest, the opportunity to see what’s both a giant machine and work of art working as it has for more than a century is a rare experience.
“It’s a tour that engages all the senses,” she said. “You can feel the floors rumble under your feet; hear the rattle and whir of machines, gears, and belts; see beautifully restored wood and metal equipment; and even maybe smell and taste a bit of the residue of grain dust in the air. If you haven’t gone to Millfest, you owe it to yourself to come.”
Tours run 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and cost $10 per person during Millfest, but all other museum attractions will be available by-donation. For safety reasons, tours are restricted to those 13 years old or older, but when the mill shuts down again at 4:45 p.m. it will open up to families with children ages 12 and younger to take a free mill tour.
Millfest doesn’t end there!
New this year, Millfest will offer axe throwing from Oak & Iron Lanes from noon to 3 p.m. in front of Heritage Square. For just a $5 wristband per person (available for purchase in the museum gift shop) festival-goers will get to enjoy taking multiple trips through the line to take a shot at a old-fashioned skill that – let’s face it – who hasn’t wanted to try?
Music entertainment will be available on the museum front porch starting at 11 a.m. and running through 3 p.m. Local group the Front Porch Pickers will take the porch stage at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., while Lindsborg-favorite folk rock band Old Man Lingonberry performs classic covers at noon. This year in a new special treat, the music lineup will have “Bethany Goes to Broadway” at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., featuring show tune selections performed by Bethany College students who are coming back to Lindsborg just for Millfest!
Guests can enjoy other museum activities throughout the day included in the “by-donation” admission. Starting at 10 a.m., guests can decorate their own Dala Horse – a traditional Swedish symbol and the most notable symbol of Lindsborg – as long as supplies last. Traditional stick-and-hoop races and Kubb – a popular Swedish lawn game – will be on the common area lawn of Heritage Square.
When guests want to participate themselves in the celebration, they can join Lindsborg Folksdanslag at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the Heritage Square green maypole (or, if the day is toasty – wherever on the square there’s some quality shade.) Join the group in traditional Swedish dance, or just sit back to watch and enjoy.
A quilt show from the McPherson Quilt Guild will be among the day’s more than a dozen free demonstrations, as well as vendors with handmade items for sale. Watch real blacksmithing in action, see how rope was traditionally made, talk with representatives of The Land Institute about perennial grains and agriculture, purchase a wide variety of original artwork, and more!
When it’s time for lunch, guests can purchase burgers, street tacos and sandwiches from Paradise Eats; or gumbo, tamales, eggrolls, and Asian fusion from Kim’s Express Foods or pick up a quick bite with WheatSnax, unique candies, and flavored honey sticks from the museum gift shop.
Also, just off the gift shop, guests can bid on some exciting silent auction items to help support the museum’s mission – everything from artwork to a Myra Bag backpack, to a pair of tickets to one of three shows at Salina’s Stiefel Theatre! Bidding will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Finally, Millfest will also be opening weekend for a new temporary mini-exhibition in the main gallery of the museum. “Skeleton-Of-Dog… Selected Geology & Natural History Artifacts from the Bethany College Collection Archives” is showing now in the main gallery of the museum. These museum holds artifacts from the former Bethany College Museum, but these rare geological and natural history treasures haven’t been seen publicly in decades. Thanks to the efforts of dozens of area volunteers, the museum is able to present the best selection from this fascinating collection.
Adam Pracht, the museum Marketing and Communications Director, said that last year was actually his first time attending Millfest.
“There’s so much to do and see, but the Old Mill running is my favorite,” he said. “Three moments in particular: When it first revved up to speed in the morning, standing outside hearing the antique machines rumble inside, and the very end of the day after the mills are off again, but still slightly warm. There’s a promise there; that history will be here for us to visit again next year.”
Significant sponsorship for Millfest has been provided by:
- CHS Refinery – McPherson, Kansas
- CKA Consulting – Topeka, Kansas
- Dröm Sött Inn – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Ehmke Seed – Healy, Kansas
- Farmers State Bank – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Kansas Wheat – Manhattan, Kansas
Millfest 2024
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 4
Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum
120 E. Mill St., Lindsborg
$10 / person tours of the Old Mill in operation (ages 13+).
$5 / person (wristband): Unlimited axe throwing Noon – 3 p.m.
Admission by donation to all other museum attractions.
Food available for purchase on museum grounds from Paradise Eats (burgers, street tacos, and sandwiches) and Kim’s Express Foods (gumbo, tamales, eggrolls and Asian fusion).
Confirmed arts and crafts vendors and demonstrators:
- Art Prints by Acacia Pracht
- Basketweaving by Janie Tubbs
- Blacksmithing by Josh Womelsdorf
- Chainmail Jewelry & Decorative Objects by The Metalbender (Amethyst Sankey)
- Drawings by Pam Petico
- Goat Milk Soap & Lotion by Wind River Farms (Angela Price)
- Greenwood Spoon & Bowl Carving by Jerry & Ruperta Hammerton
- Information Table from K-State Department of Grain Science & Industry
- The Land Institute
- Leather Tool & Phone Holsters by Farm Tough Leatherworks (Tim Rankin)
- Origami Models and Jewelry by Eian Pracht
- Photography by Steve Pierce
- Plasma-Cut Decorative Saws by Mike & Bonnie Becker
- Quilt Show by McPherson Quilt Guild
- Ropemaking by Dean Gripe
- Weaving by Carol Goering
March 15, 2024
The Board of Directors of the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum voted on Thursday, March 14 to close the museum’s 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion to the public until structural stabilization repairs can be completed.
A recent structural engineer’s assessment of the National Register of Historic Places building determined that the pavilion is leaning westward by up to two degrees – representing severe “racking” that’s visible even to untrained observers. If unaddressed, the structural issues threaten a catastrophic collapse of the historic treasure, should the wrong set of windy weather conditions occur.
Given this small – but very real – risk of a dangerous structural collapse, the museum’s board voted unanimously to close the building to the public to ensure safety until Phase 1 of the stabilization repair plan can be completed at an estimated cost of about $181,000. Phase 1 permanently addresses the safety concern of the east to west racking observed in the engineer’s report.
A later Phase 2 of the full project will further shore up the structure of the Pavilion in the north to south direction. However, the timeline, architectural drawings, and cost of this second phase have yet to be determined. Completion of Phase 1 raises the level of safety so much that the board is comfortable with reopening the Pavilion after this first stage of work is completed.
The museum is waiting for responses on several grant applications to pay for the work before the repairs can be started. The hope is that contractors can begin the work in August 2024 if grant decisions are made in the museum’s favor. Otherwise, alternate sources of funding will need to be pursued for the Pavilion to be repaired and reopened.
The public closure started effective Friday, March 15, and the likely timeline for repair will mean that it will be closed to the public during the museum’s annual Millfest for Kids on Friday, May 3; Millfest on Saturday, May 4; and Midsummer’s Festival on Saturday, June 15. The portions of these events that would have normally been held inside the Pavilion will be moved outside instead.
As one of the few buildings remaining from the 1904 Fair, the Swedish Pavilion is an entirely unique piece of American and Swedish-American history. It is the only example of renowned Swedish architect G. Ferdinand Boberg left in the United States, and the last remaining of his international exposition buildings in the world.
Beyond its importance as a relic of Americana, the Pavilion has an important place in the Smoky Valley community’s history, as a beloved attraction in Lindsborg for more than 100 years. First on Bethany College’s campus (starting immediately after the fair in 1904), it was moved to the grounds of the museum in 1969. Also of note, Birger Sandzén – internationally renowned Swedish landscape painter of the post-impressionism movement – taught as a professor in the Swedish Pavilion for most of his 52-year career at Bethany College.
It also serves at the venue or backdrop today for major community events, including Svensk Hyllningsfest, Midsummer’s Festival, and Heritage Christmas.
As it works to ensure the building’s future, the museum also welcomes and invites anyone who wants to help contribute to the structural preservation of the Swedish Pavilion to consider a donation. This may be done in person at the museum – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday – by credit or debit card over the phone at 785-227-3595; or online via PayPal at www.paypal.com/paypalme/lindsborgoldmill and indicating in the memo area that the donation is for Swedish Pavilion preservation.
January 4, 2024
Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum finished out 2023 strong, with $87,945 raised in the Museum Membership Match Challenge in November and December.
Lenora Lynam, Executive Director of the museum, said it was a great way to wrap up a year that saw 125th anniversary celebration since the construction of the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills.
“This was a milestone year, and the support shown to us by our entire community of supporters was amazing,” Lynam said. “This gives us a strong foundation as we mark another milestone in 2024 – 120 years since the construction of the 1904 World’s Fair Pavilion.”
The year-end challenge campaign was made possible by Julie-Ann Neywick – a longtime volunteer and supporter of the museum – who put forward a pledge of $50,000 to encourage museum memberships as well as one-time gifts.
“We can’t thank Julie-Ann enough for her generosity and making sure that the year ended strong as she encouraged others to give generously as well,” Lynam said.
Neywick pledged to triple match any new or renewing individual, family, and business membership purchased before the end of 2023 – up to $50,000. This meant that a $40 individual membership secured another $120 for the museum, a $60 family membership another $180, and getting a $125 business membership secured an additional $375!
What’s more, she agreed to triple match any one-time gifts above and beyond the cost of memberships as well, with the proceeds going to provide museum memberships to families with a financial need.
Donors responded to the call in a big way, with a total of $7,580 coming from all 2024 members, as well as $30,365 in one-time gifts – with $20,000 of that coming from a single anonymous donor. The giving was more than enough to fully secure the $50,000 from Neywick’s triple match pledge.
Other highlights of the campaign include:
- A total of 139 individuals, families, and organizations gave under the Match Challenge (an increase compared to 122 members at this time last year).
- The breakdown of membership was for 61 individual memberships, 70 family, and eight business memberships.
- For 2024, 34 of the memberships were new!
One-time gifts were sufficient to supply up to 650 family museum memberships for free to families in financial need. A simple application to receive one of these free at-need memberships is now online at tinyurl.com/FreeMuseumMembership. A printable form is also available at www.oldmillmuseum.org/members that can be mailed in to the museum or brought in person. The application deadline will be Wednesday, January 31, 2024, and will be given on a first come, first served basis.
Adam Pracht, Marketing and Communications Director at the museum, said that during some transitional years, museum supporters have really stepped up.
“We have had some major challenges, and have been so gratified to see our museum family answer the call to meet them,” he said. “Looking forward, honestly, financial challenges will continue to be part of what we need to overcome to succeed. We’re confident that our community will continue to recognize the value and importance of the historical treasures we have here.”
While the Match Challenge has ended, it’s still not too late to support the museum with one-time gifts at paypal.me/lindsborgoldmill or with an annual membership at www.oldmillmuseum.org/members.
Donors can also help the museum to succeed on an ambitious but important goal to add $1 million to the museum’s endowment fund by the end of the year. So far, that mark is about 5% complete, but achieving this vision will help provide significant, consistent income for the museum’s annual operating budget.
The museum has two buildings on the National Register of Historic Places – the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion and the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills. The mills still roar to life and run again once per year the first Saturday in May for the museum’s annual Millfest. This year that will be on Saturday, May 4. Lynam said that these sort of unique experiences are only possible with ongoing and generous support.
“Our work as an independent nonprofit is never really ‘done,’” Lynam said. “But the generations that came before us entrusted us with a valuable historic legacy in these beautifully preserved buildings. We have a responsibility. We know that with the help of our supporters, we won’t let them down in their trust.”
2023 News
December 13, 2023
After guiding the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum through two important and successful years – including the 125th anniversary of the Old Mill’s construction – the museum’s Executive Director is preparing to hand off her position to a new chief executive.
She will stay in the museum’s top job until the right person is found to take her place, then will move to a more supporting role as Mission Director after the new Executive Director is hired.
“I’ve served at the museum in various roles for more than 40 years now and am getting ready to retire within the next few years,” said Lenora Lynam, Executive Director. “I care about this place so much; I don’t want to disturb the momentum and significant success we’ve had the last few years with a sudden retirement. The goal is to have a smooth handoff to a great new Executive Director as we plan the future of the museum and the preservation of its historic treasures.”
During her time as Executive Director, the museum more than doubled its membership, brought in nearly half a million in grants for a variety of preservation and community projects; ran a successful annual campaign of nearly $100,000; and modernized with audio and virtual tours. The museum is also on pace to have more than 1,000 more visitors in 2023 than in 2022.
With Lynam announcing this job transition at the museum, it also means that the Lindsborg Museum is now officially starting the job search for a highly qualified candidate to become the museum’s next Executive Director.
Director candidates must have achieved at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; have 5-10 years experience in business or non-profit organizations (ideally in a museum setting); possess senior-level leadership experience with a proven track record of enacting strategic vision and planning; be able to fundraise effectively; and demonstrate strong organization and leadership skills.
To apply, send a current résumé to Mai-Lin Wohler at hr@oldmillmuseum.org or apply online at www.oldmillmuseum.org/careers. Applications will continue to be taken until a candidate is selected.
Kirsten Bruce, President of the Museum Board of Directors, expressed her thanks for Lynam’s leadership during a time of critical transition for the museum.
“Moving from being government-owned to being an independent non-profit was an important, transitional journey at the museum,” Bruce said. “Lynam has been an excellent captain through that time, and we want to thank her for ensuring that the leadership transition here will give us smooth sailing into the future.”
November 17, 2023
Right now anyone who buys a 2024 Lindsborg Museum membership will also secure a bonus to the museum worth three times the amount of the membership. It’s a perfect way to make donation dollars stretch farther this holiday season.
With a generous challenge pledge of $50,000 from Julie-Ann Neywick – longtime museum supporter and volunteer – she will triple match any individual, family, and business memberships purchased between now and 5 p.m. Central Time on December 31.
“I want this to be a gift for the holidays to support the community and one of my favorite places: Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum,” Neywick said. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone come together to meet this shared goal.”
The terms of the challenge mean that a $40 individual membership brings the museum another $120, a $60 family membership secures another $180, and getting a $125 business membership (which also grants membership benefits for up to 10 employees) will impressively secure an additional $375!
Lenora Lynam, the museum’s Executive Director, said this was a huge deal.
“Museum members are one of our most important sources of funding in the annual budget,” she said. “This challenge gift and its focus on memberships is the perfect way to grow our museum family and financial foundation. We can’t thank Julie-Ann enough. We’re so blessed to have her as a friend and supporter of the museum.”
What more, Neywick has agreed to match memberships retroactively back to September 15 of this year, so anyone who has already purchased a membership has already secured their part of the $50,000 match funds and done their part to meeting the goal.
In fact, year-end membership purchases have already been progressing so well that nearly 14% of Julie-Ann’s challenge grant was secured even as the challenge was announced on Friday, November 17.
$2,285 in memberships have been purchased as of November 17, so Neywick has already committed to matching that, to the tune of another $6,855.
To become a member today, visit www.oldmillmuseum.org/members to purchase online or send a check to PO Box 94, Lindsborg, KS 67456 (including with the check the level of membership being purchased, email address, mailing address, full name, phone number, and indicating whether the museum’s biannual newsletter should be sent by email, mail, or both).
Memberships can also be purchased with a credit or debit card over the phone by calling 785-227-3595 or in person at the museum at 120 E. Mill St., Lindsborg, Kansas, during museum hours of 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday.
October 3, 2023
Today Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum announced that it has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), to encourage people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits. The program supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits visiting the Old Mill Museum for a minimal fee of $3 per person, up to four people, with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Similar free or reduced admission is available to eligible members of the public at more than 850 museums across the country. Museums for All is part of the Old Mill Museum’s broad commitment to seek, include, and welcome all audiences.
Museums for All helps expand access to museums and also to raise public awareness about how museums in the U.S. are reaching their entire communities. More than 850 institutions participate in the initiative, including art museums, children’s museums, science centers, botanical gardens, zoos, history museums, and more. Participating museums are located nationwide, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) The Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) champions children’s museums worldwide. With more than 460 members in 50 states and 16 countries, ACM leverages the collective knowledge of children’s museums through convening, sharing, and dissemination. Learn more at www.childrensmuseums.org.
July 12, 2023
To celebrate the Lindsborg community’s “Christmas in July” celebration on July 15, Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum is partnering with local ice cream shop Indigo Moo’d to offer a new “Old Mill Mint” flavor for a limited time.
Museum Executive Director Lenora Lynam said this was a great community partnership.
“Indigo Moo’d is one of our favorite local places for an authentic Lindsborg treat,” Lynam said. “We’re so pleased to be working with them on this new flavor recognizing Lindsborg’s museum.”
Alison Replogle, owner of Indigo Moo’d, said that “Old Mill Mint” will be a brand-new flavor combining the iconic taste of the holidays – with crushed peppermint candy – combined with Oreo cookie crumbles mixed into the shop’s delicious homemade peppermint ice cream. The crushed cookies are meant to evoke the rich Kansas soil – at the root of the state’s deep agricultural and flour-milling history.
Replogle said that supporting local businesses and institutions are at the heart of what they do, so she’s excited to use the limited-edition Old Mill Mint flavor to bring attention to the museum’s treasures.
“At Indigo Moo’d we make our ice cream in-house from scratch each week, using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible,” she said. “From selecting the milk and cream from a nearby dairy, to using locally sourced flour in our hand-rolled, made-fresh waffle cones, providing a quality product while at the same time supporting our community is important to us.”
Old Mill Mint will be available at both Indigo Moo’d – located in Lindsborg’s downtown at 125 N. Main St. – and at the museum itself – on the south end of town at 120 E. Mill St.
At Indigo Moo’d the flavor will be available in all of the shop’s normal formats and regular pricing – including cups, waffle cones, and single and double scoops – while the museum will offer a convenient “Mini Moo” size in its gift shop for just $3!
The museum will also be celebrating the community-wide Christmas in July event with the release two other holiday products: a commemorative wooden Christmas ornament for $18.50 and two different Christmas cards by a local youth artist – one featuring the Old Mill and the other the Swedish Pavilion – for $5 each (includes envelope).
Both of these products will also be available through the museum’s online gift shop at www.oldmillmuseum.org/gift-shop. (The ice cream, unfortunately, will only be available in person. It turns out that meltable products mail… poorly…)
Community-wide events for Christmas in July will include a jazz band downtown at 11 a.m. and bubbles in Swensson Park – 400 N. Main St.
“Summer Vacation Santa” will also be spotted around town throughout the Saturday!
Attention if you are an expert Masonry Contractor!
We are currently soliciting RFB sealed construction bids for a major exterior masonry restoration project to the 125-year-old Smoky Valley Roller Mills building in Lindsborg, Kansas. Bids are due by 10 a.m. on WEDNESDAY, JULY 12.
Estimated cost for the work is about $100K and funding has already been secured through several grants.
Pictured are a few of the areas that require preservation and restoration work.
For full details and to express interest in bidding, contact the museum at info@oldmillmuseum.org or by calling 785-227-3595.
May 23, 2023
May 18, 2023
The Kansas Department of Commerce has selected the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum as one of just 18 recipients of a SPRINT tourism grant, out of 228 applications.
The museum will receive a quarter-million-dollar grant through the State Park Revitalization and Investment in Notable Tourism (SPRINT) program, which earmarked $30 million to address the effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on the Kansas tourism economy.
At the museum, the staff is still choosing exactly which projects in the original application will be prioritized to be funded with the $250,000, but improvements in security, safety, accessibility, and preservation of museum buildings are top of the list.
Executive Director Lenora Lynam said there are plenty of projects that need work.
“Our total application was in the millions for a long list of important projects, so we won’t be struggling to put this grant to good use right away – as large and as generous as it is,” Lynam said. “We’re tremendously honored and thankful to be selected for this grant. In making some of the hard choices in front of us now, our goal is to prioritize improving the visitor experience and to preserve our historic treasures.”
Projects may include installation of a new museum security system, adding insulation to the museum’s 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion, upgrading baseboard heating in the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills building to be more efficient, and improving ADA accessibility to museum attractions.
According to a news release from the Kansas Department of Commerce announcing the grants, visitors to Kansas create a total annual economic benefit of $11.2 billion and employ 85,000 citizens, but levels of tourism still haven’t fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. In awarding the grants, 90% of the funds went to six recipients, with the remaining 10% (or $3 million) going to another dozen institutions, including the Lindsborg Old Mill.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said these grant awards were an important investment.
“A thriving tourism sector is critical for the Kansas economy,” Governor Kelly said. “These grants enhance attractions that draw visitors to the state and showcase what makes Kansas a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
May 3, 2023
The 125th anniversary of the Old Mill and its celebration at Millfest is getting a fair bit of media attention!
Ad Astra Radio interviewed about Millfest in a 10-minute interview you can listen to HERE.
“Where’s Shane?” from KWCH featured Millfest on May 2. You can see pictures and watch video taken while each live segment was happening at the Facebook album HERE.
A reporter from NPR station KMUW in Wichita also featured Millfest for the program Hidden Kansas HERE with a special emphasis on the process of preparing the 1898 mill to run each year.
Less directly related to Millfest, but featuring the museum, Seth of “Wandermore” made sure that the museum was a featured part of his visit to Lindsborg on his quest to visit every incorporated city in Kansas! His Lindsborg visit was also covered by KWCH in Wichita!
April 28, 2023
In the last six months, the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum has been on an impressive run of securing grant funding for critical repairs and restoration to its 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills and 1904 Worlds Fair Swedish Pavilion buildings – about $120,000 in funding.
On April 28, however, the museum and the McPherson County Community Foundation announced a single grant that’s more than all of those combined – $162,810 from the David J. Nutt Fund.
This large grant will go entirely to restoration of the Swedish Pavilion.
Caroline de Filippis, Community Development Director, said it will cover two aspects – windows and painting – not only repairing the peeling exterior and disintegrating windows, but also restoring them to a more historically accurate state.
“The project will cover a redo of the windows of the Swedish Pavilion to the original design of ‘top pivot’,” she said. “And then we have the repainting of the entire building exterior.”
Currently, the pavilion has “drop” style windows, which were a later departure from the original 1904 architecture. As the windows have deteriorated, the resulting gaps have let in the cold and pest species such as wasps.
The restored paint will also return the nearly 120-year-old building to its original “Swedish Yellow” exterior.
“It’s in dire need,” de Filippis said. “Especially the windows, it’s not weatherproof anymore, so it really needs some repair.”
Executive Director Lenora Lynam said that everyone involved with the museum is sincerely thankful for the generous grant.
“This need isn’t just an aesthetic improvement or a ‘would-be-nice’ cosmetic coat of paint,” she said. “It was truly nearing the point where it was a question of whether this rare building could continue to stand and remain open to the public. It would have been a truly tragic loss, but thanks to this grant, we’ve taken many large steps back from the risk of falling off that cliff. This will mean the Pavilion is preserved and improved for years to come.”
The David J. Nutt Fund is named after the Lindsborg resident who passed away in 2017 and whose namesake provides grant funds for charitable causes located in Lindsborg. The fund has supported more than 100 programs and organizations in Lindsborg since its establishment with $1.35 million to the community across half a decade.
April 28, 2023
The Kansas House of Representatives and the Kansas Senate unanimously passed two resolutions on April 26 that recognized the 125th anniversary in 2023 of the Smoky Valley Roller Mills building in Lindsborg, Kansas.
Rep. Les Mason sponsored House Resolution 6021, while Sen. Rick Wilborn sponsored Senate Resolution 1721.
Representing the museum in Topeka to accept the presentation of the resolutions were Adam Pracht, Marketing and Communications Director; and Kirsten Bruce, Board of Directors President.
In introducing the resolution, Rep. Mason described how he spent most of his professional life in milling and related industries (in fact, he was the founding owner of The Old Muffin Company when it was created in McPherson, Kansas, and the museum still carries mixes by the company in its gift shop today), and so he was honored to sponsor the resolution.
“This mill reflects the craftsmanship and technologies of the late 19th century that continued into the 20th century,” he said. “The steps for producing flour have not changed. Today’s mills simply use an updated version of the machines in the Smoky Valley Roller Mill. At the time this mill was built, almost 500 mills were in operation across the state. Now there are about a dozen. Few historic mills have survived. The Smoky Valley Roller Mill is a rare exception.”
He celebrated the positive effect the mill and museum have on area tourism and said that he plans to attend Millfest on May 6 this year.
Pracht said that the museum was honored and greatly appreciate this recognition from both lawmaking houses of the State of Kansas.
“This is a significant milestone year for us,” Pracht said, “So it’s not a trivial matter that our state lawmakers took time out of their busy schedules to highlight what a unique treasure we have here on the banks of the Smoky Hill River.”
Smoky Valley Roller Mills has been on the National Register of Historic Places for half a century and is the only historic mill in the Midwest with roller mill technology that still functions. Rep. Mason addressed the mill’s unique place as a historical artifact in presenting the resolution.
“This is the oldest roller mill still standing in Kansas and the only one with all of its original equipment still in place,” he said. “It has been not only preserved, but fully restored to operating condition and is capable of producing flour at any time. It represents the transition to modern milling in Kansas and the United States, that transition being the change from grinding with stone to grinding with corrugated steel rolls.”
Professional volunteer millers help the museum staff to have the mill running again at the annual Millfest event – always held on the first Saturday in May. This year is set to be the largest-ever for the museum, with more vendors and demonstrations than ever before, live tours of the mill machinery in action, and a special anniversary ceremony scheduled for 1:30 p.m. during Millfest.
Millfest is 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum – 120 E. Mill St., Lindsborg, Kansas.
Significant sponsorship for Millfest has been provided by:
- Ehmke Seed – Healy, Kansas
- 350 Degrees, LLC – Lindsborg, Kansas
- The Bank of Tescott – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Casey’s General Store – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Dröm Sött Inn – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Farmers Alliance insurance – McPherson, Kansas
- Farmers State Bank – Lindsborg, Kansas
- First Bank Kansas – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Hemslöjd – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Kansas Wheat – Manhattan, Kansas
- Lindsborg Community Hospital – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Main Street Galleria and Studio, Lindsborg, Kansas
- Murphy’s Law, LLC – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Peoples Bank and Trust – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Small World Gallery – Lindsborg, Kansas
April 17, 2023
With 2023 marking 125 years since the construction of the Smoky Valley Roller Mills in 1898, this year’s annual Millfest on May 6 is looking to be the best it’s ever been.
Held the first Saturday every May, Millfest is the one time every year that the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum turns on the antique machinery across the four floors of the mill and opens it up for guided tours.
Lenora Lynam, the museum Executive Director, said it’s a rare sight, especially since the Old Mill is the only working mill using 19th century roller mill technology in the Midwest.
“It’s noisy, the floors rumble, and the machines, gears, and belts spin, rattle, and shake at an unbelievable rate,” she said. “It really must be seen to be believed.”
In this milestone 125th anniversary year, most of the planned events to mark the occasion will be taking place during Millfest. In addition to music, food, and artistic demonstrations there will also be a special anniversary ceremony at 1:30 p.m. on the front porch of the museum.
The ceremony will begin with Soderstrom Elementary School students singing the unofficial “anthem” of Lindsborg – “Kära Lindsborg Mitt Hem” (Dear Lindsborg My Home)
Following will be comments from the museum Board of Directors, a descendant of a historical mill owner, government representatives in attendance, the President of the Smoky Valley Historical Association, and Executive Director Lynam.
There will then be a drawing for a special artwork (donated by the Main Street Galleria and Studio in Lindsborg) from among the guests who take paid for a tour of the mill in action. Closing the ceremony will be the Mayor of Lindsborg reading a special proclamation naming May 6 “Lindsborg Smoky Valley Roller Mills 125th Anniversary Day.”
Of course, the main attraction of the day will be guided tours of the Old Mill in action throughout the open hours of the museum during Millfest – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours costs $10 per person during Millfest, but all other museum attractions will be available by-donation. For safety reasons, tours are restricted to those 13 years old or older.
Music entertainment will be available on the museum front porch starting at 10 a.m. and running through 3 p.m. Folk musician Nile Johnson will perform at 10 a.m. and noon, while local group the Front Porch Pickers will take the porch stage at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. – following the special anniversary ceremony.
Otherwise, guests can enjoy activities throughout the day included in the “by-donation” admission. Starting at 10 a.m., guests can decorate their own Dala Horse – a traditional Swedish symbol and the most notable symbol of Lindsborg – as long as supplies last. Traditional stick-and-hoop races as well as other old-time games will be on the common area lawn of Heritage Square.
Performance of traditional Swedish dance will also be performed during Millfest by Lindsborg Folksdanslag around the Heritage Square maypole.
A quilt show from the McPherson Quilt Guild will be among the day’s 20 or more free demonstrations, as well as vendors with handmade items for sale – the most ever at Millfest! Watch hand-carving demonstrations, see how rope was traditionally made, talk with representatives of The Land Institute about perennial grains and agriculture, purchase a wide variety of original artwork, and more!
When it’s time for lunch, guests can purchase “smashburgers,” casseroles, soups, and more meal options from Smash N Stuff Grill and Catering out of Hutchinson or pick up a snack or WheatSnax or Dala gummy candy from the museum gift shop.
While in the gift shop, that’s also a great opportunity to pick up a memento of the special milestone day. In addition to the large selection of books, T-shirts, toys, handmade gifts, and souvenirs, the 125th anniversary also brings two special new items.
First, there will be a FREE “Est. 1898” vinyl sticker for each guest during Millfest, with a special 125th anniversary Old Mill design featured! (Available while supplies last.)
Millfest will also mark the first time that anyone will be able to pre-order the Old Mill 125th Anniversary commemorative coffee table book. This will be a full-color paperback book featuring a new narrative of the mill’s history as well as both historic and modern pictures of the mill and surrounding area. Measuring 6” by 9” and printed on high-quality 70-80 pound paper, it will have at least 64 pages and may end up being up to 128 pages in the final design.
As a special thank-you, anyone who orders during Millfest will also receive a collectible wooden bookmark with a wood-burned design, celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Old Mill (similar to the stickers, these will only be available while supplies last). Also, anyone who pre-orders before August 31, 2023 will receive a special discounted price of just $30! (After the pre-order period, the commemorative book will cost $35.)
Finally, Millfest will also be opening weekend for a new temporary exhibition in the main gallery of the museum. “Old Mill, New Life: Celebrating 125 Years of Lindsborg’s Historic Landmark” will follow the timeline of all historical mills on the museum site – going back to a grist mill built in 1872 – and their owners, as well as rare historical photos and narratives to read.
“There’s so much to do at this historic Millfest and for all kinds of interests,” Lynam said. “We really hope that our friends in the Smoky Valley, Kansas, and beyond come join us on May 6. We have so much to celebrate!”
Significant sponsorship for Millfest has been provided by:
- Ehmke Seed – Healy, Kansas
- 350 Degrees, LLC – Lindsborg, Kansas
- The Bank of Tescott – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Casey’s General Store – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Dröm Sött Inn – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Farmers Alliance insurance – McPherson, Kansas
- Farmers State Bank – Lindsborg, Kansas
- First Bank Kansas – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Hemslöjd – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Kansas Wheat – Manhattan, Kansas
- Lindsborg Community Hospital – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Main Street Galleria and Studio, Lindsborg, Kansas
- Murphy’s Law, LLC – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Peoples Bank and Trust – Lindsborg, Kansas
- Small World Gallery – Lindsborg, Kansas
Millfest 2023 – 125-Year Old Mill Celebration
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 6
Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum
120 E. Mill St., Lindsborg
$10 / person tours of the Old Mill in operation (ages 13+).
Admission by donation to all other museum attractions.
Food for purchase from Smash N Stuff Grill and Catering from Hutchinson
Smashburgers, casseroles, soups and more!
Confirmed arts and crafts vendors and demonstrators:
- Art Prints by Acacia Pracht
- Basketweaving by Janie Tubbs
- Blacksmithing by Josh Womelsdorf
- Chainmail Jewelry & Decorative Objects by Amethyst Sankey
- Clay Pot Animals by Gwen’s Crafts (Gwen Brecheisen)
- Drawings by Pam Petico
- Goat Milk Soap & Lotion by Wind River Farms (Angela Price)
- Greenwood Spoon & Bowl Carving by Jerry & Ruperta Hammerton
- Hand-carving by Salina Area Woodcarvers
- The Land Institute
- Oil Paintings & Cards by Bill Brassea
- Origami Models by Eian Pracht
- Quilt Show by McPherson Quilt Guild
- Ropemaking by Dean Gripe
- Scrimshaw (bone engraving & carving) by Debra Duntz
- Heirloom grains and portable meadows mill in action by Stone and Sparrow Farm and Mill
- Vintage Tote Bags by Lori Rodgers
- Wichita Spinning Guild
- Wool Spinning by Anna Erickson & Laura Hultquist
The roller mill stands on the first floor of the historic Smoky Valley Roller Mills still run every year for Millfest on the first Saturday of May. Millfest in 2023 marks the 125th anniversary since the building was constructed in 1898.
(Photography by Taton Tubbs. Used with permission.)
March 15, 2023
Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum will host “World’s Fair Remnants in Kansas,” a presentation and discussion by Thomas Prasch on Thursday, March 30 at 6 p.m. in the 1904 Swedish Pavilion, 120 E. Mill St.
All are invited to attend the free program. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.
Ice cream cones. Ferris wheels. Hot dogs. Cotton candy. All these iconic items were first introduced at world fairs held in America. The very first international exposition, known commonly as a world’s fair, launched in London in 1851 at the Crystal Palace. Since then, innovations in architecture, engineering, foods, and futuristic visions have debuted at fairs across the globe, including ones held in the United States. Oftentimes lasting legacies remained, such as Seattle’s Space Needle, Forest Park in St. Louis, and the US Open site in New York. Surprisingly, Kansas, which has never hosted an international exhibition, is home to at least four striking legacies of significant world’s fairs. This talk will share the history and significance of international exhibitions worldwide and focus on the wonders held today in the towns of Lawrence, Lindsborg, and Wamego.
Thomas Prasch is a professor and chair of the History department at Washburn University.
“World’s Fair Remnants in Kansas” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.
For more information about “World’s Fair Remnants in Kansas” in Lindsborg contact the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum at 785-227-3595 or visit www.oldmillmuseum.org.
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
February 9, 2023
The Heritage Trust Fund (HTF) announced on Saturday, February 4 that Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum is receiving a grant of $87,350 to fund critical restoration to the historic 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills.
Lenora Lynam, Executive Director of the Museum, said the grant comes at the perfect time.
“With 2023 marking the 125th anniversary of the construction of the mill, this is a wonderful recognition of the Old Mill’s historical value,” Lynam said. “These funds provide essential support and will allow us to make important repairs to preserve this treasure on the Smoky Hill River.”
The state program under the Kansas Historical Society provides matching grants to help preserve historic locations in the state listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the Register of Historic Kansas Places.
The grant for the Old Mill was one of just seven selected in the 2023 annual awards, out of 36 proposals. HTF has proposed $637,796 in grant funding across the seven recipient projects, in the highly competitive process.
The HTF reimburses expenses for projects that preserve or restore historic properties. Qualifying expenses include professional fees and construction costs. Individual grant awards may not exceed $100,000 and must be matched at 20% by the grant recipient. For the museum, this match has already been secured as of early November 2022, with $20,000 of grants awarded through the McPherson County Community Foundation.
“I think the community foundation grants were really important in us being able to secure the Heritage Trust Fund grants named last weekend,” Lynam said. “It demonstrated to the HTF decision committee just how much local support is behind the museum, and their belief in our mission and ability to succeed in it.”
Together, the HTF grant and community fund grants will cover more than $100,000 in estimated repairs to the roller mills. The work includes repair to the mill’s upper exterior walls and the stone framing – called a “lintel” – along the top of the mill’s windows and one of its doors. After this work is completed, any necessary repainting of the words “1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills” on the top of the building’s front face will also be covered by the grant funds.
“This is a great day for the mill,” Lynam said. “We can’t thank the trust fund enough for this vote of support and confidence in our work.”
February 9, 2023
During the museum’s last community volunteer day in October, Kim Colby was trying to help paint the porch of the Swedish Pavilion at the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum.
He couldn’t.
It wasn’t for lack of trying, but as Colby tried to apply a fresh coat of paint, the boards turned to splinters beneath his brush.
“The porch is totally gone as far as decay,” he said later on in January 2023. “Even if you paint the top part, it’s pretty much a waste of money until you get in the foundation boards because of the rot there.”
Fortunately, the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation of San Francisco, Calif., has announced a new $20,000 grant to the museum, earmarked for a full repair of the badly deteriorating porch on the 119-year-old building.
Barbro Sachs-Osher, chair of the foundation, said that on the occasions she has visited Lindsborg, it felt like visiting Sweden itself, with a Dala horse around every corner. She said the museum had an important role in keeping Swedish traditions alive in the region, which is why they selected it for the grant.
“There is a Swedish legacy in Kansas and in Lindsborg in particular,” she said. “Without history, we are nowhere and this is an important legacy in the Midwest. When we were there, we were deeply touched by how you keep the Swedish history and legacy up to date in keeping the Swedish history of Lindsborg.”
Colby said it was great to know that the porch will be repaired with the grant. The next time he volunteers to paint on the pavilion, it should be to porch boards that are again strong, solid, and safer.
“I think it’s wonderful that there’s grants that cover this kind of thing and keep it in shape,” he said. “You’d hate to have to tear it down because you can’t afford to keep it up in good condition.”
Colby has lived in Lindsborg for six year and in Assaria before that. He has seen that Lindsborg cherishes and preserves its past, particularly at the museum and its many buildings.
“I’ve always really enjoyed it and liked it,” he said, “And I like the idea of keeping up the history.”
About the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation
Established in 1996, the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation provides support “to nonprofit organizations that benefit Swedish education, culture, and arts.” Sachs-Osher and her husband, Bernard, created the foundation. She is the Consul General for Sweden in San Francisco and is the former owner and publisher of “Vestkusten” – one of the few U.S.-based Swedish-American newspapers. She also founded the Swedish Women’s Educational Association chapter in San Francisco.
About the Swedish Pavilion
Designed by Ferdinand Boberg, one of Sweden’s premier architects at the turn of the century, the Swedish Pavilion is the only one of Boberg’s international exposition buildings in existence today. It is the only example of his work in the United States. It is also one of very few international buildings remaining from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.
At the close of the Fair, the Swedish Pavilion was purchased by W.W. Thomas, U.S. Minister to Sweden and Norway, and presented to Bethany College in Lindsborg as a memorial to his friend Carl Swensson who had died very suddenly in February 1904. It served as a classroom for domestic sciences, library, museum and home to the art department for more than 60 years under Swedish-born artist Birger Sandzen. In 1969 the Swedish Pavilion was moved from Bethany College to the museum. The building was entered onto the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
February 3, 2023
Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum has released its two-year strategic plan for 2023-2024, which will guide the staff and board of directors efforts for the near future. The full text of the plan is available embedded below.
January 18, 2023
The numbers have been tabulated and the results are clear: The Match Challenge to benefit the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum surpassed everyone’s hopes and expectations with total giving of $98,750.61 – just $1,249.39 shy of six-figures!
Lenora Lynam, Executive Director of the museum, said it was an outstanding way to wrap up 2022.
“We want to thank the anonymous donor behind the Match Challenge in December for their generosity and their very perceptive decision to connect their gift to donations and memberships from others,” Lynam said. “Not only have they put the museum on a solid foundation going into 2023, but they also revealed just how deep the roots of our support run in both the local community and farther abroad.”
The donor pledged to make a “double match” to one-time donations of any amount and a “triple match” to any new and renewing individual and family museum memberships made before the end of 2022.
It was a significant goal and a true challenge, but museum supporters stepped up in a big way. The full $50,000 of the challenge was secured on December 22, a full nine days before the end-of-year deadline.
Pleased with the success, the donor chose to present a further “Stretch Challenge” – $5,000 available in a one to one match for any new and renewing individual and family memberships before the end of the year.
Slightly more than a third of the Stretch Challenge was secured before the end of the year with additional membership. There were also many one-time gifts made – more than $15,000 – that hadn’t qualified for any other matching funds in December because the initial Match Challenge had already been met when they came in. To recognize this impressive level of overall giving, the donor opted to make their full $55,000 donation.
With the challenge wrapped up, then, here’s the full effect of the campaign:
- 122 Individuals, families, and organizations gave under the Match Challenge.
- The museum gained 29 individual memberships for $1,160.
- The challenge brought in 57 family memberships for $3,420.
- This more than tripled the number of museum memberships at the beginning of December.
- Total one-time donations came to $39,170.61.
- Combined with the $55,000 in Match Challenge funding from the anonymous donor, the total raised under the campaign was $98,750.61!
Caroline de Filippis, Community Development Director, said she was impressed by how many people gave under the Match Challenge campaign, and by how much people gave.
“Our supporters were generous,” she said. “And we thank every one of you for answering this call in support of the museum and the treasures of history here.”
While the Match Challenge has ended, it’s still not too late to support the museum with one-time gifts at paypal.me/lindsborgoldmill or with an annual membership at www.oldmillmuseum.org/members.
The museum has two buildings on the National Register of Historic Places – the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion and the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills. In 2023, the mill building marks 125 years since its construction, and it still roars to life and runs again once per year the first Saturday in May for the museum’s annual Millfest.
The success of the Match Challenge is also helping to provide momentum into the next major goal under the museum’s 2023-2024 strategic plan: adding $1 million to the museum’s endowment fund. Achieving this vision will help provide significant, consistent income for the museum’s annual operating budget.
“The Match Challenge was a great success in an important milestone year,” Lynam said. “We still have a long journey ahead of us in ensuring the future of these wonderful buildings. We hope that our supporters will continue to answer the call to keep us standing tall and to spread the word about what we have to offer.”
2022 News
Update (January 6, 2023):
The Stretch Challenge reached 36% secured before the end of 2022.
Although some qualifying gifts under the match challenge may still be coming in, here are the current totals:
Total from donors: $40,943.48
Total secured from match gifts: $51,820
Total giving in campaign: $92,763.48
Update (December 22, 2022):
Thanks to generous support from 74 distinct gifts from individuals, families, and organizations, museum supporters have successfully met the $50,000 Match Challenge!
While Caroline de Filippis, Community Development Director, thanked everyone who donated to make the achievement possible, Lenora Lynam, the museum’s Executive Director, offered a special message of gratitude.
“We would like to send a sincere thank you to our anonymous donor for making this a very Merry Christmas for us,” she said in a video that museum staff released on social media on Thursday evening.
Adam Pracht, Marketing and Communications Director, also announced in the video that the donor – upon learning of the challenge’s success – has chosen to keep the momentum going with a $5,000 Stretch Challenge!
Focusing specifically on encouraging additional museum memberships before the end of 2022, the Stretch Challenge will match 1 to 1 all new and renewing individual and family memberships made by the end of business on December 31, effectively doubling the value of each membership to the museum.
Museum memberships can be purchased online at www.oldmillmuseum.org/members or by calling 785-227-3595 (Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Meeting the $50,000 Match Challenge took giving of $23,723 from the community of museum supporters (comprised of $520 in individual memberships, $2,040 in family memberships, and $21,160 in one-time donations). This resulted in total overall giving to the museum of $73,720 from the Match Challenge!
Watch KWCH-TV’s coverage of this story on December 5, 2022.
December 2, 2022
An anonymous donor is putting $50,000 on the table to encourage others to give to Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum before the end of 2022.
Lenora Lynam, Executive Director, said she is thankful for the unexpected gift from an area Smoky Valley resident. Lynam called on those who care about the museum to give generously to meet the donor’s year-end challenge.
“This is a big deal, and this is a fitting way to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the mill in 2023,” Lynam said, “But it is going to take many more generous people to ensure we don’t leave any part of this large gift unclaimed. Right now is the best time to give and help ensure the future of the museum and its treasures.”
The generous commitment means that now until December 31, donations of any amount will receive a “double match” under the terms of the donor’s challenge gift.
So, for example, a one-time gift of $100 before December 31 will secure $200 from the donor, for $300 total to the museum.
People can make their year-end gift to the museum go even farther, however, with a special “triple match” on new or renewing individual and family museum memberships for 2023.
This means that someone purchasing a 2023 individual membership at $40 will secure $120 from the donor – for $160 total.
Purchasing a family membership at $60 will guarantee a whopping $180 from the matching funds – or a total of $240!
Memberships can be purchased online at www.oldmillmuseum.org/members, by calling 785-227-3595, or by check or cash in person at the museum – 120 Mill St. in Lindsborg.
Adam Pracht, Marketing and Communications Director, described the benefit of giving under the match challenge another way.
“It means that every donation before the end of the year stretches incredibly far,” he said. “Our donor is essentially making it so that every dollar of a one-time donation is worth three dollars to the museum. It’s even more amazing for encouraging memberships!”
Pracht explained that every time someone purchases their 2023 anniversary-year museum membership before the end of the year, it basically will have a quadruple effect, equal to four new 2023 annual memberships. That is, one for the actual museum member, and then the dollar value of three memberships from the anonymous donor.
Guaranteeing the full challenge gift will require any combination of total one-time donations of $25,000; or individual and family memberships totaling just a bit more than $16,600.
Ensuring the entire $50,000 gift is secured before the end of the year represents a massive step toward the preservation and growth of the historic buildings of the museum – which include the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills, the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion, and an 1870 homestead cabin.
Caroline de Filippis, Community Development Director, expressed her gratitude for the donor’s generosity and leadership with this gift.
“This is amazing news,” she said. “Apart from the dollar amount, what is wonderful about this challenge is that it allows all of our community supporters to show how much they value the museum. No matter your means, no matter how much you can give, this allows you to make a difference!”
November 2, 2022
Two grants from the McPherson County Community Foundation will help Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum to make critical repairs to the Old Mill.
“We’re thankful that the foundation is recognizing the value of the mill and museum to this community and its heritage,” said Caroline de Filippis, Community Development Director of the museum. “These are valuable steps to making sure the mill stays strong.”
More than $100,000 of estimated repairs are urgently needed to preserve and protect the Smoky Valley Roller Mills, which in 2023 will celebrate 125 years since its construction.
This work includes repairing brick and mortar on exterior walls, protecting the mill’s foundation with better water remediation and drainage, and replacing deteriorated boards in the scale house that were a safety hazard to guests.
The McPherson County Community Foundation awarded $10,000 in a general grant, as well as a $10,000 Lindsborg David Nutt Grant, named after the Lindsborg resident who passed away in 2017 and whose namesake provides grant funds for charitable causes located in Lindsborg.
The museum has also recently applied for a Heritage Trust Fund (HTF) grant from the Kansas Historical Society for the mill repairs. The HTF grant requires 20% matching funds, which the $20,000 from the foundation is intended to cover.
October 26, 2022
Music by the Mill on October 22 well exceeded its fundraising goal and brought in a crowd of more than 60 people to enjoy a concert from Old Man Lingonberry and food from La Jefa Mexicana.
Between direct freewill donations, new annual memberships, and gift shop sales, about $1,300 came in to Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum in Lindsborg from the event. As guests departed for the evening, many commented on the beautiful weather, a fun and upbeat performance, and their excitement about a growing and active museum in the community.
The dollars are earmarked to help with critical repairs to the historical Smoky Valley Roller Mills. These include repairing brick and mortar on exterior walls, protecting the mill’s foundation with better water remediation and drainage, and replacing deteriorated boards in the scale house that were a safety hazard to guests.
Adam Pracht, Marketing and Communications Director at the museum, noted that it was a community effort that led to the mill’s preservation in the ’70s and ’80s. With the mill now operating as an independent nonprofit that is not under any city or county management, he said, it will again take a community showing they appreciate the value of the museum’s historical treasures.
“What was great about Music by the Mill tonight was seeing everyone getting excited about the museum again – or maybe discovering it for the very first time,” he said. “If this spirit continues to grow, there’s a great future ahead of us, but it’s going to take everyone doing their part.”
September 29, 2022
Adam Pracht, Marketing and Communications Director, represented Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum on McPherson Chamber’s “Chamber Chat” segment on Thursday, September 29, talking about upcoming events and recent changes at the museum.
Our thanks to the chamber for featuring the museum and to Ad Astra Radio for supporting distribution of the segment.
The embedded audio player above features the full segment, provided by Ad Astra Radio and used by permission.
September 23, 2022
Digging into one’s genealogy can be like solving a mystery. Fortunately, a workshop in October can connect those interested in their Swedish roots with a few Sherlocks.
Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum hosts a Swedish Virtual Genealogy Workshop with ArkivDigital four times per year, and the next opportunity will be 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 22.
Lenora Lynam, Executive Director of the museum, organizes the workshops and said she is excited about what the presenters in October will have to share.
“The resources attendees will learn about at the workshop are incredibly valuable, but often hard to find on your own, or difficult to navigate,” she said. “Many of the sources are mostly in Swedish! Our featured speakers are experts in these fields and can help guide people to learn so much more about their family history.”
Sessions will include learning how to research in Swedish-American church record books, looking up Swedish military records with new and better search tools, and understanding the U.S. naturalization process and the paper trails of family history left by that process.
Other sessions will help attendees discover additional research options when there are few available records and an introduction to DIS – a nonprofit dedicated to facilitating computer searches in genealogical research – and its digital database, DISBYT, that contains a wealth of Swedish genealogical information.
Three featured speakers will lead the sessions:
- Seema Kenney is an experienced software instructor and a professional genealogist, certified in Genealogical Research by Boston University.
- Kathy Meade is the North American representative for ArkivDigital AD AB (offering digital images of Swedish historical records) and has worked in Swedish genealogy for about 20 years. She serves on the advisory board for the Swedish American Genealogy Research Center at the Swedish American Museum in Chicago and volunteers helping with genealogical research at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library in Illinois.
- Eva Dahlberg is with Skåne and Norrbotten Research and is vice president of DIS computer genealogy society in Sweden.
Full details and a link to register are available at www.oldmillmuseum.org/events/#genealogy. Registration is just $50, but is limited to 100 attendees.
September 21, 2022
Music lovers, history enthusiasts, and community supporters will love the new FUNdraiser at the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum on Saturday, October 22.
“Music by the Mill” is a new fall event featuring great music, delicious food, and the opportunity to support community heritage going back more than a century.
Local Lindsborg band Old Man Lingonberry will be the featured entertainment at Music by the Mill, to be held 4-6 p.m. by the Smoky Hill River and the museum’s historic 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mill.
With genre-crossing influences for a wide, family-friendly appeal, Old Man Lingonberry is Tyler Atkinson, Taton Tubbs, Tyler Tubbs, and Jesse Crawford.
Taton Tubbs, who plays percussion and sings for Old Man Lingonberry, said they cover songs in genres including Americana, folk, bluegrass, hip hop, funk, rock, and grunge.
“It’s always a fun challenge to take a song like ‘Purple Rain’ and turn it into an alt country cover,” he said. “Mostly we just play music we enjoy, and so far other people seem to be enjoying it also.”
Videos of their past performances are available at www.facebook.com/oldmanlingonberry.
Taton Tubbs said they were excited to receive the invitation to be the featured entertainment.
“We just love getting to share our music with folks,” he said, “And to be able to do it in a fun, picturesque, and relaxed setting is even better.”
While taking in the tunes, guests can enjoy mouth-watering, authentic Mexican food – tacos, tortas, quesadillas, and burritos – from the La Jefa Mexicana food truck!
No ticket or admission fee is required, but freewill donations are encouraged. All proceeds will go to the continuing support and maintenance of the museum. In addition to the roller mill, centerpiece attractions also include the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion, an 1870 homestead cabin (one of the first above-ground structures in the area), and McPherson County’s first courthouse – called Sweadal.
Caroline de Filippis, Community Development Director, said Music by the Mill will be a fun way to show support for the heritage of the Smoky Valley and Kansas.
“We want to invite everyone to come celebrate with us,” de Filippis said. “The museum and river is a beautiful place that will be filled with beautiful music. We can’t wait to see the community come together and support this incredible treasure.”
September 9, 2022
The Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum is asking the community for ideas for how to honor a more than 100-year-old elm tree on museum grounds that has to be removed, as well as putting out a special call for assistance in covering the unexpected expense.
Lenora Lynam, Executive Director of the museum, said that removing the tree is the last thing the museum wants to do, but that there is little choice.
“It is this beautiful, grand tree with almost as many years of history as the roller mill itself,” Lynam said. “But it’s dying from Dutch Elm Disease, and leaving it up could put other trees in the community at risk.”
Dutch Elm Disease is caused by an invasive fungus and carried from tree to tree by elm bark beetles. The leaves of infected trees turn yellow, wilt, and brown – ultimately killing the tree. In the United States, an estimated 40 million trees have been killed by the disease.
In the case of the museum’s tree, the disease progressed quickly and means removal will need to happen quickly – both to prevent spread of the disease and to prevent falling dead limbs from damaging the museum building. Removal is expected to happen over the weekend, September 10 or 11.
With the removal, the museum is also asking for help in two areas from supporters and community members.
First, they are holding a special fundraising campaign to help defray the approximately $3,000 unbudgeted cost of the tree’s removal. Those who are wanting to give should go to www.paypal.com/paypalme/lindsborgoldmill to make a one-time gift (and indicate “Tree Removal” in the description) or visit www.facebook.com/oldmillmuseumlindsborg and follow the “Donate” link on the post about the tree’s removal.
Second, the museum would like for the removed wood to not go to waste and for at least part of it to memorialize the long-lived tree. Those who have creative and meaningful ideas for how the elm wood could be used – so long as the use will not risk further spread of Dutch Elm Disease – should send the suggestion to info@oldmillmuseum.org or call 785-227-3595.
Caroline de Filippis, Community Development Director of the museum, said they are also planning to plant a replacement tree near the elm after it is removed – most likely a Northern Red Oak, which will grow to have a similar look to the elm but is not vulnerable to Dutch Elm Disease.
“It will take time to grow,” de Filippis said. “But our hope is that in time it will become just as big and beautiful as this century tree we are having to remove.”
August 25, 2022
Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum is inviting the community to pick out some work clothes, roll up their sleeves, and come out on Saturday, October 1 to spruce up the museum’s buildings and grounds.
Caroline de Filippis, Community Development Director, said this is a perfect opportunity to show support.
“We’re celebrating our 60th anniversary as a museum this year,” de Filippis said. “It’s a wonderful milestone, but it also reminds us of how important regular maintenance is to keep this place beautiful.”
The work day will run 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., but volunteers can come and go as their availability will allow. Meet at the main museum at 120 E. Mill St. in Lindsborg to volunteer.
Necessary work planned for the day will including organization and cleaning, landscaping, and fence repair, so please wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty or torn as part of the day’s work.
The museum will be providing refreshments to volunteers, as well as lunch for full-day workers. In order to plan accordingly, the museum is asking volunteers to please register with a quick survey at www.oldmillmuseum.org/events.
August 18, 2022
One of the region’s most beautiful and historic attractions has hired for two critical new positions, essential for the Old Mill Museum’s growth and development.
Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum – located on the south end of town – has hired Caroline de Filippis as Community Development Director and Adam Pracht as Marketing and Communications Director. They both started on August 16, and join Executive Director Lenora Lynam for the museum’s full-time staff.
“I have enjoyed getting to know Lindsborg,” de Filippis said, “And am excited to be a part of keeping the history and heritage of Lindsborg thriving at the Old Mill.”
Caroline is passionate about the betterment of society through supporting individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. She has a background in communication marketing and sustainable development with experience working in the public and private sector. She holds a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability and a Master of Art in Communication Marketing.
She consults organizations part-time and is a member of the Lindsborg Convention and Visitors Bureau committee. Originally from France, Caroline immigrated to the US via Scotland with her husband and son a year ago. In her free time, Caroline enjoys nature-based activities, reading, and experiencing and learning about the community.
Calling Lindsborg home since 2015, Adam Pracht brings to the Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum more than two decades of experience in marketing, public relations, finance, and communications.
“This is an exciting new adventure to start in this role for the museum,” Pracht said. “I’m looking forward to using my experience and expertise to benefit my hometown.”
He was a recipient of Robert F. Kennedy Award for writing about the disadvantaged while he pursued degrees in journalism and Spanish from the University of Kansas. He also holds a Master’s of Education in “Transformative Education: Higher Education Administration” from McPherson College, where his thesis was a comprehensive marketing plan for the college.
Most recently, he served as Marketing and Volume Purchasing Coordinator for Smoky Hill Education Service Center in Salina. He oversaw a complete brand redesign, including a new logo, and helped provide critical supplies to schools and non-profits through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. His current priority is getting community feedback and to start developing a detailed marketing and communications plan.
Pracht lives with his wife and three children at his Lindsborg home. In his spare time, he also works as an audio producer for the Escape Pod science fiction story podcast, where he has been part of a four-time Hugo Award-nominated team. He’s also an amateur wood carver, singer and musician, and photographer.
