Friends of Nankin Mills -- Wayne County, Michigan

Friends of Nankin Mills logo

The Friends of Nankin Mills

Helping Ensure Nankin Mills Remains A Link To Our Past, A Resource For Our Future

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What is the Friends of Nankin Mills?

Where is Nankin Mills?

Videos about Nankin Mills

The History of Nankin Mills

Early Tales of Nankin Mills

A look at Pioneer Life in Nankin Township

Helpful Web Sites

Nankin Mills and The National Park Service

Nankin Mills is a Great Place to Visit. History, Science, Snakes, Fish, a HUGE Snapping Turtle Named Sue and More. Three Floors, NO Lines and Free Admission.

Nankin Mills in Westland, Michigan dates from 1842. Once a grist mill, it now serves as an interpretive center and tells the area's cultural and natural history. The building was once owned by Henry Ford who manufactured auto parts.

The Friends of Nankin Mills has worked with Wayne County Parks since 1987, to preserve this historic mill and ensure it remains an important community resource.

If you have any questions about about our group or the history of the mill, please contact us at friends@nankinmills.org. If you have a question concerning Nankin Mills or one of Wayne County Parks activities or events, please call the Parks Department at (734) 261-1990.

The Nankin Mills Interpretive Center is open Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no admission charge. If you would like to arrange for a guided tour, please call Naturalist Carol Clements at 734-261-1850, Tuesday - Saturday. A nominal fee applies to guided tours.

Activities at Nankin Mills

The Privy Historian
Saturday, June 15, 1-2 p.m.

Believe it or not, outhouses can tell us a lot about history! Our Miller’s house on the grounds of Nankin Mills dates back to the 1830s, and has been home to many families over the years. Local Privy Historian, Tony Panepucci, returns to lead an archaeological dig behind the house. Previously he has unearthed a large number of glass, ceramic and other artifacts that had been discarded by former tenants of the house. Entertaining and knowledgeable, you’re sure to enjoy the Privy Historian! Call 734-261-1850 for more information or to reserve a seat. There is no charge for this adult-focused event and refreshments will be served.

Learn About Other Upcoming Free History Seminars
2013 Local History Seminars (Adults only please)

Outreach Programs for Families, Children and Teens:

Here are fliers from Wayne County Parks on available programs. 2013 Cub Scout and other program fliers will be posted when available.

Nankin Mills part of National Parks Passport Program

Stop by the mill with your National Park passport and get it stamped. Nankin Mills is now one of 19 members of the Passport Program. Don't have a passport? No problem. A limited number are available for $8.95 each.

This spiral-bound booklet allows you to collect and store stamps available at National Parks and Heritage Areas throughout the United States. The National Passport Stamp Program was created in 1989. It is designed to serve as a log of the unique experiences that a visitor encounters as they visit national parks, landmarks and heritage areas across the country. More information on where to get your passport stamped.

Did you know that Nankin Mills...

Was once owned by Henry Ford?

Now tells the natural and cultural history of the area?

Has a number of fish, reptiles and amphibians, including a large snapping turtle named Sue on display?

Provides a large number of interactive displays for kids?

Hosts a variety of programs and events for individuals, families
and groups year-around?

Click photos for larger view. Each photo shows two cards.

Nankin Mills Note Cards

The Friends of Nankin Mills has boxed sets of note cards available with photos of Nankin Mills taken around 1918, when Henry Ford purchased the mill. Each box contains eight cards (four views) and nine envelopes. Inside of the cards is blank.

Cost is $8.00, including postage. All proceeds benefit the mill. Please make checks payable to Friends of Nankin Mills and send to: Friends of Nankin Mills,
c/o Nankin Mills Interpretive Center,
33175 Ann Arbor Trail, Westland, MI 48185

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