Established in 2013 and located in Longmont, TinkerMill is a volunteer-driven organization and is the largest makerspace in Colorado with over 700 contributing members. As a community space, they are powerful advocates for entrepreneurial spirit, science, technology, engineering, art, and math. TinkerMill also serves as an incubator for small businesses and offers a variety of workshops, classes, and opportunities to create, teach, and learn.
Serving as TinkerMill’s Executive Director for two years, Erin Hoard shares, “I am passionate about community and relationship building. I enjoy sharing TinkerMill with the world and letting the community know this resource is here for them.”
In 2023, TinkerMill expanded its workshops to more schools and students in the St. Vrain Valley School District. “Last year we partnered with seven schools, bringing kids from all over the county to learn 3D printing, stained glass, welding, and more! We made an impact with hundreds of kids, exposing them to technologies that wouldn’t have been available at their schools. I feel very proud of how we’ve expanded our community and have made it inclusive to everyone,” said Erin.
Additionally, TinkerMill is excited to launch new monthly astronomy events in downtown Longmont. “We are starting our TinkerMill Astronomy on the Sidewalk on 5th and Main Street in downtown Longmont. We will have a variety of telescopes set up for members to enjoy the wonders of urban astronomy,” said Erin. For more information about upcoming dates for Astronomy on the Sidewalk visit TinkerMill’s website.
As far as their greatest needs and how the community can get involved, Erin shares, “We are looking to raise funds to cover the cost of classes so that more members of our community can participate while also being able to pay our instructors. We welcome the community to our facilities tour offered every Sunday at 2 pm. You can become a member on our website. Lastly, donations are accepted directly on our website.”
Currently, TinkerMill offers a variety of maker shops including Blacksmithing, Electronics, Flameworking, Machine Shop, Metalcraft, Jewelry & Lapidary, Pottery, 3-D Printing, Stained Glass, Textiles, Welding, and a Woodshop. To watch a live video feed of TinkerMill in action, participate in classes, become a member, or donate visit: tinkermill.org
