Our Mission & Vision

Make Something Real.

At Mill Hollow Works, we believe that the act of making connects us — to ourselves, to one another, and to the land we live on. Our mission is to restore the spirit of self-reliance and creativity that once defined life in New England by teaching timeless skills through hands-on learning and shared experience.

Our vision is to build a community of makers and learners who carry forward the heritage of craftsmanship while shaping a more sustainable and connected future. Guided by four founding values — Sense of Self, Sense of Place, Sense of Community, and Sense of Connection — we invite everyone to discover the joy of building, creating, and belonging.

Mill Hollow Works: Where heritage, handcraft, and heart come together.

Our History

Mill Hollow Works is a heritage craft school in Keene, New Hampshire, founded by Heather Holloway and Wade Smith. Rooted in New England’s traditions of artistry, self-reliance, and community, Mill Hollow Works brings together skilled craftspeople and learners of all ages to explore woodworking, boatbuilding, metalwork, fiber arts, food preservation, and more.

What began as two locals returning home has grown into a creative community dedicated to keeping traditional skills alive — and making them thrive in the modern world.

We invite you to learn, teach, or share your ideas — because what we build here isn’t just skill, it’s community.