Our team
Dedicated Educators, Caring Guides
At Kingsley Grist Mill National Historic Site, our team is the heart of everything we do. Each member brings not only professional expertise but also a deep commitment to nurturing children, preserving history, and building community. We are educators, storytellers, preservationists, and caregivers—united by a shared belief that learning should be joyful, inclusive, and rooted in real-world experiences. Our staff members are carefully selected not just for their qualifications, but for their warmth, empathy, and ability to connect meaningfully with children and families.
Our team also plays a vital role in preserving the mill’s legacy. Through their dedication to historical accuracy, safety, and accessibility, they ensure that the site remains a vibrant, welcoming space for generations to come. It is their passion, professionalism, and heart that transform the Kingsley Grist Mill from a historic landmark into a living, breathing center of learning and connection.
Laura Bennett
Director of Education
Laura has spent over fifteen years designing and leading educational programs for children and families. With a background in early childhood education and museum studies, she combines her love of history with her passion for child development. Laura believes that learning should be joyful and hands-on, and she has developed many of the interactive activities that make our programs unique. Parents appreciate her warm, approachable style and her ability to connect with children of all ages.
Sophia Martinez
Lead Educator
Sophia brings over a decade of classroom experience to her role at the mill. She specializes in integrating history with creative play, helping children see connections between the past and their own lives. Sophia is especially skilled at working with younger children, guiding them with patience, warmth, and a sense of fun. Families often remark on her ability to make every child feel seen, valued, and encouraged.
Daniel Brooks
Community Engagement Coordinator
Daniel has a strong background in nonprofit leadership and community development. He is responsible for building partnerships with schools, local organizations, and families. His work ensures that the mill remains a vibrant hub of community life. Daniel is known for his ability to listen deeply, respond thoughtfully, and create programs that reflect the needs and interests of the families we serve.
Ethan Clarke
Preservation Specialist
Ethan ensures that the historic integrity of the Kingsley Grist Mill is maintained while also making the site safe and accessible for children and families. With a background in historic preservation and carpentry, he brings both technical skill and a deep respect for heritage. Ethan often leads behind-the-scenes tours, showing children how the mill works and why preservation matters. His enthusiasm for history is contagious, and he inspires children to see themselves as caretakers of the past.
Where History Meets Learning
Kingsley Grist Mill National Historic Site is more than a preserved landmark—it is a living classroom where children and families can explore the past while building skills for the future. Located in North Clarendon, Vermont, our site combines the authenticity of a historic mill with the warmth of a community-centered learning environment. We believe that education should be immersive, joyful, and rooted in real-world connections, which is why our programs blend history, creativity, and exploration.Our educational philosophy is built on the idea that children learn best when they are actively engaged. By weaving together storytelling, hands-on activities, and opportunities for play, we create experiences that nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of belonging. What makes us unique is our ability to balance historical preservation with modern educational practices, ensuring that every child not only learns about the past but also develops the confidence and imagination to shape the future. Families who join us quickly discover that we are not just preserving a building—we are cultivating a community of learners, dreamers, and caretakers of heritage.
Keeping History Alive for Future Generations
The Kingsley Grist Mill National Historic Site is more than a preserved structure—it is a living reminder of the ingenuity, resilience, and community spirit that shaped Vermont. Every stone, beam, and wheel tells a story of families who worked together, shared resources, and built a foundation for the generations that followed. Our commitment to preservation is not only about maintaining the physical mill but also about safeguarding the values it represents. We believe that children and families deserve the opportunity to experience history in a way that feels real and immediate, not distant or abstract. By walking through the mill, hearing the hum of its machinery, and engaging in hands-on activities, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the past and its relevance to the present. Preservation is also about stewardship—teaching children that they, too, play a role in caring for the world around them. Through our programs, we inspire families to see themselves as part of an ongoing story, one that honors tradition while embracing the future.
Creating Memories That Last a Lifetime
At Kingsley Grist Mill, we believe that learning is most powerful when it is shared. That is why our programs are designed not only for children but also for families to experience together. Parents and caregivers are invited to join their children in activities that spark curiosity, creativity, and conversation. Whether it’s grinding grain, exploring the natural surroundings, or participating in seasonal festivals, these shared experiences strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. We understand that families today are looking for opportunities that are both meaningful and enjoyable, and we strive to provide exactly that. Our approach blends education with play, ensuring that children are engaged while parents feel connected and supported. Families often tell us that their time at the mill becomes a cherished tradition, something they look forward to year after year. By learning together, families not only gain knowledge but also build a sense of belonging—to each other, to the community, and to the heritage we all share.
From Curiosity to Confidence
Every child who visits the Kingsley Grist Mill brings with them a spark of curiosity. Our role is to nurture that spark, guiding children as they explore, question, and discover. We believe that history is not just about the past—it is a tool for building confidence, resilience, and imagination. When children see how communities once worked together to solve problems, they begin to understand their own potential to make a difference. Our programs encourage children to take risks, try new things, and celebrate their successes, no matter how small. This process builds self-esteem and helps children develop the social and emotional skills they need to thrive. Parents often remark on the transformation they see in their children after participating in our programs: greater confidence, deeper curiosity, and a stronger sense of connection to the world around them. By inspiring the next generation, we ensure that the values of creativity, community, and stewardship continue to flourish long into the future.
