Photo Caption: The Roslyn Grist Mill construction site as seen in September 2024. 

The Roslyn Landmark Society has been awarded $675,000 for Phase III of the Roslyn Grist Mill restoration project by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). The matching grant is reserved through the state-funded Environmental Protection Fund Grant Program for Parks, Preservation and Heritage (EPF) in Round XIV of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative.  

On December 23, 2024, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced awards of over $26 million for 65 New York projects. The $675,000 in funding granted to the Roslyn Landmark Society for the Roslyn Grist Mill Restoration Project was one of only 12 New York projects to receive the maximum OPRHP award. It was also one of only six OPRHP grants awarded for Nassau County and Suffolk County projects, and one of only three awarded by OPRHP to Heritage Area projects. The Heritage Area System, which includes the Village of Roslyn, is a state-local partnership established to preserve and develop areas that have special significance to New York State. 

“On behalf of the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area (LINSHA), I’m delighted to congratulate the Roslyn Landmark Society on being awarded a $675,000 grant in support of the Society's ongoing project focused on the preservation and restoration of the Roslyn Grist Mill,” said John E. Coraor, Ph.D., President of Long Island North Shore Heritage Area, Inc. “The substantial size of this grant is indicative of this project's importance in preserving our heritage, not only for the Village of Roslyn, but for LINSHA and New York State.”    

The Roslyn Grist Mill is a rare surviving Dutch-framed watermill located at the head of Hempstead Harbor on Old Northern Boulevard in the Village of Roslyn. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is one of few remaining colonial grist mills in the New York metropolitan area.  

"We are excited and grateful the Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation has awarded the Roslyn Grist Mill this important grant to help with Phase III of the restoration of one of Roslyn's most iconic buildings,” said John Durkin, mayor of the Village of Roslyn. “These monies will help the Roslyn Landmark Society continue its essential work on this important project." 

Purposely built for industrial use, the Roslyn Grist Mill was the first commercial building established in the community and served as the economic heart of the village as it grew and expanded for over one hundred and fifty years. President George Washington visited the site and met with its owner, Hendrick Onderdonk, on April 24, 1790, during his grand tour of Long Island following the American Revolution. Washington documented this visit in his diary. 

This new funding will play an integral role in the final stage of the mill’s restoration. The work will include the restoration and reinstallation of the mill’s husk frame, relocation of the storm water basin, construction of a new water wheel, restoration of the mill’s gearing mechanisms, and creation of an ADA entrance to ensure public accessibility. 

Howard Kroplick, co-president of the Roslyn Landmark Society, stated: “The Roslyn Landmark Society and Nassau County express our great appreciation to New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Long Island Regional Economic Council and the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area, Inc. for their strong support of this historic project. With this award and a 2025 funding match from the grist mill’s owner, Nassau County, Phase III of the restoration can be completed.” 

 Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has budgeted 2025 capital funds to match the new grant. Work is anticipated to begin in late 2025 and when complete it will make the building accessible to the public for the first time since 1974. 

 “Successful completion of the final phase of the Roslyn Grist Mill's restoration will ensure the long-term preservation of this important cultural resource,” said Jaime Karbowiak, executive director of the Roslyn Landmark Society. “The restored historic site will serve as an important educational and recreational space for visitors to Nassau County while also advancing economic investment, growth, and tourism on Long Island.”  

About the Regional Economic Development Councils

The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of the State's approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, 10 Regional Councils were established to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom-up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. Learn more at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and the OPRHP Blog.

Photo Caption: The Roslyn Grist Mill construction site as seen in September 2024. 

Photo Caption: The Roslyn Grist Mill (Circa 1890)