Historical Museum Guide for Vermont

Vermont History Museums

Chimney Point State Historic Site

Exhibits depict the history of early peoples who have inhabited this historic point on Lake Champlain.  From Native Americans through the French Colonial occupation and all the way to the early American settlers, visitors will learn about the history of this place which has seen human habitation for over 7500 years.  Located at 7305 VT Route 125 in Addison, VT.

Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History

Judd - Harris House

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

Mount Independence

Once a grand fort serving troops in the Revolutionary War, the Visitors Center tells the story of military life at Mount Independence and features the artifacts discovered in the archaeological digs.  There are still many trails connecting the remains of this Revolutionary War fort.  Located at 497 Mount Independence Road in Orwell, VT.

Rokeby Museum

Vermont Folklife Center

Bennington Battle Monument

The Bennington Museum   [Genealogy Research]

Located at 75 Main Street in Bennington, the museum boasts of holding the largest public collection of Grandma Moses paintings in the country.

First Congregational Church of Bennington (Vermont's Colonial Shrine)

Hilldene   [History & Photos]

Home of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln.

Park-McCullough Mansion   [History and Photos]

Fairbanks Museum  

[Archives]  [Virtual Tour]

The museum features historical exhibits as well as natural sciences, a planetarium and world cultures.  With over 160,000 objects, there is a lot for visitors to see.  The historical collection comprises many early agricultural, industrial and household artifacts.  Located at 1302 Main Street in St. Johnsbury, VT.

Ethan Allen Homestead and Museum

Fleming Museum at University of Vermont

Old Red Mill Museum and Jericho Historical Society

[Historic Photos]  [Snowflake Bentley Museum]

Shelburne Museum

Guildhall Historic District

Fairfax Historical Society Museum

Focused on the history of Fairfax, Vermont.  Located at 1181 Main Street in Fairfax, VT.

President Chester A. Arthur State Historic Site

The Railroad Depot Museum in Swanton   

[Swanton Heritage Walking Tour]  [History]

St. Alban's Historical Museum

The museum is housed inside the 1861, three story Renaissance Revival style building which was originally home to the Franklin County Grammar School.  Today, the museum is filled with artifacts adn exhibits related to the history of Franklin County.  A research room holds documents and materials to help researchers uncover the rich history of Franklin County, VT.

Hyde Log Cabin

Hyde Log Cabin

Built in 1783, Hyde Cabin is one of the oldest log cabins in America.  Built by Jedediah Hyde Jr., the cabin has been moved to the present location, restored and furnished with historical items and artifacts related to the history of Grand Isle.  Located at 228 US Route 2 in Grand Isle, VT.

Isle La Motte Light House

[History]  [Photos]

Although there has been a light in this area at least since 1829, this 25 foot lighthouse was built in 1880 of cast iron.  Wilbur Hill was the keeper of the light from 1871 through the erection of the new lighthouse and retired in 1919 after 48 years of service!   This light was dark for 70 years but has been reactivated in 2002.

Justin Morrill Homestead

Justin Morrill Homestead

Erected in 1848, this Gothic Revival for Justin S. Morrill, who served in the U.S. Senate, the homestead is furnished with original family pieces and offers many historical exhibits in the house and on the grounds.  Located 2 miles off of Route 32 on Justin Smith Morrill Highway in South Strafford, VT.

Vermont History Expo

Held annually at Tunbridge, Vermont, this is a fun way for the whole family to learn about Vermont history.  Activities include a history parade, Civil War and living history enactments, displays of local history from over 100 Vermont societies and more.  Located on Tunbridge World's Fairgrounds.

Williamstown Historical Society Museum

Alexander Twilight House

Lawrence Barn

Old Stone House Museum

Adams House: Home of Middletown Springs Historical Society

[History]  [Middletown Springs Historic District]

Castleton Historical Museum and Historic Sites

Hubbardton Battlefield

The historic site of a Revolutionary War battle, a monument was erected in 1859 dedicated to the battle.  The battlefield itself is beatufiully preserved and a visitors center provides historical information and exhibits about this famous battle in America's history.  Located at 5696 Monument Road in Hubbardton, VT.

Museum at Eaton Hall

Norman Rockwell Museum

Located in Middlesex, Vermont.  Take a step back in time to the days of the Great Depression and the time of WWII and see how Americans lived and survived during this hard time in the history of America.

Central Vermont Historic Walking Tours

Provides history and information about historic places in Barre, Montpelier, Waterbury and Waitsfield.  If you plan a visit to the areas, you can print out this helpful information about historic places and where you can find guided tours and maps.

Rock of Ages Granite Quarry   [History of the Quarry]

This is the world's largest granite quarry.  Located near Barre (the granite capital of the world), they offer a visitor's center where you can learn how the granite is quarried and then fashioned into glorious monuments and sculptures.  You can find many fine examples of these monuments and statuary in Barre.  See the granite sculptures at Hope Cemetery and in Downtown Barre.  The city of Barre celebrates yearly with the Annual Granite Festival.

Vermont Granite Museum   [Virtual Tour]

This museum is also in Barre and located in a turn of the century granite plant.  Learn about Vermont's unique granite heritage through interactive exhibits.  Stone Arts Classes are also offered here.

Vermont Historical Society Museum

Located at 109 State Street in Montpelier, the museum offers artifacts and exhibits displaying the history of Vermont people.  The society also maintains a genealogy library located at 60 Washington Street in Barre, Vermont.  For information on Vermont genealogy research, see the Guide to Materials and Collections at the VHS Library.

Vermont's Historic State House   

[History and Photos]  [Historic Photos]  [Tour]

This is one of the oldest and most well preserved state capitols in America.  The building was completed in 1859 and guided tours are offered.

Brattleboro Museum and Art Center

Ephraim Holland Newton House

Marlboro Historical Society

PO Box 242

Marlboro, VT 05344

Phone: 802-464-0329

History Museum in Grafton, Vermont

Museum of the Westminster Historical Society

Old Constitution House.

State Historic Site.

1777 Birthplace of Vermont Independence.

American Precision Museum

Early American Industrial Heritage museum, at what is argued the
"Cradle of the American Industrial Revolution".  196 Main Street in Windsor, VT.

Billings Living History Farm and Museum  [History & Photos]

Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site   [The Homestead]

This lovely historic site includes the Cilley General Store, a post office, the Wilder Restaurant, a church and other historical buildings along with the home where Calvin Coolidge was born and raised.  Located at 3780 Route 100A in Plymouth, VT.

Cornish Colony Museum

Houses the largest collection of Maxfield Parrish
works and those of the Cornish Colony Artists. Located 147 Main Street
Windsor, VT.

Dana House Museum   [Research]

Eureka Schoolhouse Museum and State Historic Site

Hartland Historical Society Museum   [Historic Postcards]

Historic Buildings and Sites in Hartford

Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historic Park

Old Constitution House - Vermont State Historic Site.

Museum Index for Other States

Vermont Census Records