January 2026 NEWS: TO A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR
Annual Creek Sojourn SATURDAY APRIL 25, 2026
Annual Creek Sojourn 2026 , Saturday April 25. A 10 mile paddle in canoes and kayaks on the Conodoguinet Creek Water Trail. Boats are available for rent. The put in is the bridge on Graham’s Woods Road about a mile upstream from the Mill. After portaging around the mill and visiting the Mill’s interior, paddlers will complete the sojourn in 3 hours to N. Middleton Park takeout. See the Sojourn section below for more information and registration forms.
CONDOGUINET CREEK (Class 1 ) 2026 SOUJOURN HEISHMAN’S MILL to NORTH MIDDLETON PARK
We filled up quickly in 2023, 2024, and 2025 “History and a Sojourn? What could be better?”
All paddlers will meet at Heishman’s Mill 1206 Creek Road Carlisle on the day of the Sojourn.
General Information .
$30/person with own kayak or canoe.
A canoe or kayak can be rented for $25 with advance registration.
Watercraft type & Length_(e.g.canoe 17’)__________________________ or Rented (_____)
PFDs (Life Jackets) are required, and must be worn on the Sojourn. Shuttle service will be provided to all paddlers so you can have access to your vehicle at Heishman’s Mill at the end of the day on the Creek.
Post Sojourn Refreshments: Pizza and soft drinks served at North Middleton Park.
Introduction to fishing the Conodoguinet Saturday May 9, 2026
FHHM Board Members and educational specialists are offering this free program for young anglers. The event is available to youth groups and small groups with adult leaders. Our goal is to introduce area youth to the basics of fishing the creek and recreational opportunities. We will have fishing equipment available. The event will be held on Saturday May 9th from 10 am to 2 pm at the Mill. For more information contact Avery Morrow, Board Member at morrowavery@yahoo.com
CELEBRATING America250PA Cumberland County at Heishman’s Mill Friday June 12 and Saturday June 13, 2026
Friends of Historic Heishman’s Mill proudly celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. This official, America250PA event is funded in part by the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation. Please plan to join us for these two unique events at Historic Heishman’s Mill.
Early American Punch Tasting Friday June 12
Annual Wilhelm Schimmel Carvers Expo Saturday June 13
Saturday June 13, 2026 ongoing from 9 to 4 pm. Join us for a day honoring the art and tradition of the most famous of Cumberland County Carvers. While not many today are carving in the Schimmel style, his work has inspired many to start carving and to find their own niche with things like caricatures, birds, animals, Santas, etc. Carvers will be displaying their creations as well as selling these unique pieces of art.
A silent auction of donated carvings will also be held as a fund raiser for FHHM. The Expo will include 10 minute talks on the hour on a variety of subjects including Schimmel, his stay at the Mill, and local history throughout the day. We are pleased to partner with the Cumberland County Historical Society who will host an information table with descriptions of their collection of Schimmel and other local carvers.
Friends of Historic Heishman’s Mill Completes a Structural and Interpretative Survey of the Mill November 2025
Our Consultants Tony Shahan and Rick Frunzi recently completed a very comprehensive structural and interpretative survey of the Mill structure. They provided very specific phased projects to insure the stability of the Mill in the future and to increase public and interpretive use of the Mill as an educational center. FHHM would like to thank the National Trust for Historic Preservation, The South Mountain Partnership and the Society for the Preservation of Old Mills (SPOOM) for their grant support. Thanks also to our generous local supporters who care greatly about preserving the history of our area. Details of the survey, structural sketches and a comprehensive Photo Survey of the Mill can be found on the page entitled Heishman’s Mill Structural Survey and Interpretive Plan
