Entergy helps celebrate spring at the Jenney Grist Mill

During the months of May and June, any child 17 or under, when accompanied by a paying parent or grandparent, will be admitted free to the Jenney Grist Mill, in Plymouth. Children’s admission is sponsored by Entergy Corp. The Jenney Grist Mill would like to thank Entergy for supporting its educational programs and helping parents invest in their children’s learning of the history of our country.

Spring is here and it is time to come alive. The Native Americans considered spring the beginning of the New Year. This is when the earth comes alive and begins to produce a new life cycle from nature.

The Jenney Grist Mill in Plymouth celebrates spring with the migration of the river herring. From April to May, thousands of river herring move from the ocean up Town Brook to spawn. Each year hundreds of families come to the mill to watch the herring climb the fish ladder as they head for Billington Sea where they will spawn.

This year the public is invited to come inside and experience a presentation which includes the exhibit, “The Life Cycle of the River Herring.” UMass Amherst and the Division of Marine Fisheries are placing a video counting system in Town Brook to monitor the herring going upstream. Visitors to the mill will be able to see the fish on the monitor as they go by in the river and can experience our inter-active display.

Also during the months of May and June, nature comes alive as swans, geese, ducks and turtles strut around the ponds showing off their young. The mill will be open for tours given by our costumed miller who tells of the importance of the fish to the Pilgrims and how the fish helped them to survive. Learn about the original mill built in 1636 by Pilgrim John Jenney and experience the operation of the first utility in the country. Come and experience the wonder of nature on this 30 minute guided tour. Bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy the day with your children. Sit on our deck and enjoy an ice cream. Come see how history can be fun and educational for all ages. Your journey into history begins at the Jenney Grist Mill.

 The Jenney Grist Mill is a 17th century non-profit living history museum, and its purpose is to educate students, visitors and the local community of the agricultural, economic and historic significance of the 1636 mill. Admission to the mill helps to support its educational programs

 The historic mill is located at 6 Spring Lane, in Plymouth. Hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours are on the hour and half-hour. Reservations are not necessary but are suggested.

Regular admission is $6 for adults 13 years and older, $4 children ages 5 to 12 years, and 4 years and under are admitted free.