Spring Meeting 2023

April 20-22, 2023
Colvin Run & Aldie Mills in Northern VA & Peirce Mill, D.C.

CONFERENCE HOTEL: Fairfield Inn & Suites, 485 Eldon Street, Herndon, VA 20170  Ph.703-478-9777 A block of 10 rooms (1 King or 2 double beds) has been reserved for check-in Thursday, April 20 or Friday, April 21. Group rate for SPOOM- Mid Atlantic is $99 + 19% tax with individual Call-In and Guarantee to 703-478-9777. Rooms must be reserved by March 21, 2023. Room rate and availability not guaranteed after March 21 deadline. The Inn is only 3-5 miles from Colvin Run Mill and the price includes a very large selection hot/cold breakfast.

THURSDAY, APRIL 20 
OPTIONAL VISIT: Arrive early to visit the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, located at mile 14.3 along the C&O Canal towpath in Montgomery County, MD. Not a mill site obviously, but a fascinating place to learn about early American industry and technology, with lots of connections to old mills. The site is currently under construction but scheduled to be completed by the end of March.

EVENING GREET AND MEET DINNER: TGI Friday, 13071 Worldgate Dr, Herndon, VA 20170 703-787-9630 Cost: Dutch treat plus $1 registration fee

FRIDAY, APRIL 21 - COLVIN RUN and ALDIE MILLS 

TOUR OF COLVIN RUN MILL 9:30 to Noon 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, VA, 22066 Ph. 703-759-2771 The Friends of Colvin Run Mill are hosting our visit to this beautifully restored mill, a working example of 19th century water powered milling technology. The grounds include the miller's house, general store, educational center, picnic grounds, gardens, and nature trail. 

LUNCH Noon to 1:00 pm at Colvin Run Mill Picnic Area or Education Center Buffet from Mookie’s BarBQ including chicken or pork BarBQ, three sides, desserts, and beverage. 

TOUR OF ALDIE MILL 2:00 to 4:00 pm 39401 John Mosby Highway, Aldie VA 20105  Ph. 703-327-9777 Aldie Mill (1809) is an imposing four-story brick structure with tandem metal waterwheels. At its peak, the mill’s five run of French flint burrstones turned wheat into superfine flour for commercial export. The mill operated continuously for six generations until it closed in 1971. In addition to the merchant mill, the store house, a brick granary, and a smaller brick country mill are also preserved at the site.

DINNER on your own 

SATURDAY, APRIL 22 – PEIRCE MILL AND SPOOM MID-ATLANTIC MEETING

TOUR OF PEIRCE MILL & PEIRCE BARN VISITOR'S CENTER 9:30 to Noon 2401 Tilden Street NW, Washington DC 20008 (near intersection of Beach Drive and Park Road) Peirce Mill, one of eight mills along Rock Creek, was built in 1829 and operated until 1897. The mill was restored in the 1930s and again prior to reopening in 2011. The Friends of Peirce Mill work with the National Park Service to preserve and interpret Washington's last working gristmill; they'll share the mill's history and update SPOOM members on efforts to restore the mill's Oliver Evans system

LUNCH and BUSINESS MEETING at Peirce Mill Barn Visitors Center or Picnic Pavilion: Box Lunch from Jetties Catering includes sandwich, fruit salad, chips, freshly baked dessert, and beverage. The registration confirmation notice will ask for your sandwich choice.

OPTIONAL VISIT: Rock Creek Park Nature Center, a ten minute drive from the mill, at 5200 Glover Road NW, Washington DC 20015 (near the intersection of Military Road and Oregon Avenue). Free parking is available.

PLEASE NOTE: Construction is currently in progress at and near our three sites. For that reason, there may be some changes to programming and route directions. The latest and best information will be sent along with your reservation confirmation to aid your trip planning. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Special thanks to our host sites for their flexibility and accommodation throughout these changes.

Registration For SPOOM-MA SPRING MEETING – April 20-22, 2023
Colvin Run & Aldie Mills in Northern VA & Peirce Mill, D.C.
* * REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY APRIL 14 * *