Westminster, MD, Thursday, May 14, 2026 – On Friday, May 1st, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners (BoC) received a Maryland Preservation Award from Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) for the BoC’s commitment to Union Mills Homestead restoration. MHT has presented the Preservation Awards for over 50 years to recognize people and projects that protect the state’s historic landmarks and cultural heritage.

MHT’s press release announcing the award said, “Carroll County’s stewardship of the Union Mills Homestead, in partnership with the Union Mills Homestead Foundation, reflects a superior model of sustained public commitment. Since the 1970s, the County Commissioners have consistently funded critical preservation investments, including an award-winning 2023 flume restoration. Their most recent achievement, the meticulous restoration of the 1797 gristmill’s waterwheel and shaft, utilized original UK engineering drawings and master-level millwrighting, and the white oak wheel was handcrafted to historic specifications. Welcoming over 10,000 annual visitors, this working mill remains a principal interpreter of Maryland’s early industrial heritage.”

Commissioner Kiler, District 2, accepted the award on behalf of the Board of Commissioners, and Delegate Chris Tomlinson was on hand representing the State Delegation to present a proclamation in recognition of the award.  Department of Public Works Director Bryan Bokey and Airport Manager Dean Leister were also recognized for their role in the successful project. 

Commissioner Kiler said, “it was an honor to accept the award on behalf of the County Commissioners. Thank you to the DPW and Union Mills teams for their collaboration and dedication in bringing this project to fruition. Preserving historic sites is vital so future generations can learn about and appreciate the history of those who came before them.”  

The Union Mills Homestead boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in 1797 by brothers Andrew and David Shriver, Jr. The Shriver’s joint venture centered around a flour and sawmill

complex, using water from Big Pipe Creek to produce flour shipped worldwide from the port of Baltimore. The site's diverse trades included leather tanning, blacksmithing, barrel-making, and wheelwrighting.

Today, the Union Mills Homestead stands as a museum of Maryland rural culture, operated by the Union Mills Homestead Foundation in partnership with Carroll County Government, which owns the site. The site is open for visits six days a week from June through August and on weekends in May, September, and October. Its unique rural character, original furnishings, family possessions, outbuildings, and operational grist mill offer a captivating glimpse into the region's rich history and early industrial growth.