Water Mill History & Culture
An actual water mill served as Water Mill’s entire raison d'être: The original 40 acres of today’s hamlet were laid out for a mill that could grind nearby folks’ corn, oats, and wheat. Purportedly operated from around 1644 to the early 20th century, this two-story shingle-style structure still stands as the Water Mill Museum. Art has flourished in the hamlet, a marriage of paintbrush and land that shouldn’t be surprising given the picturesque landscape. The Parrish Art Museum is undoubtedly the biggest boon to Water Mill’s impressive creative pedigree. This institution has endured for centuries — standing in its current Herzog & de Meuron-designed building since 2012 — holds a peerless collection by American Impressionist William Merritt Chase, and continually exhibits marvelous modern works. Water Mill Center is a more eclectic space devoted to collaborations between visual and performing artists, scientists, and anyone who wants to learn and explore.