Vermont - Historic Homes and Sites

American Precision Museum
196 Main Street
Windsor, VT  05089
Phone: 802-674-5781

Open: late May-October 31, daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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The museum preserves the heritage of the mechanical arts, celebrates the ingenuity of mechanical inventors and draftsmen, and explores the effects of their work on our everyday lives. Housed in the original Robbins & Lawrence Armory, the museum holds the largest collection of historically significant machine tools in the nation. Cost: Adults, $6; students, $4; family, $18.

Bethel Historical Society Museum
Church Street
Bethel, VT  05032
Phone: 802-234-9413

Open: July-August, Sunday, 2-5 p.m. or by apppintment

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The museum is located on the upper floor of the Brick Church on the green (1816). There are written records, paintings, photographs from the Bethel area, 18th and 19th century room vignettes. Exhibits change annually. Admission is free.

Black River Academy Museum
14 High Street
Ludlow, VT  05149
Phone: 802-228-5050

Open: June-Columbus Day, Tuesday–Saturday, 1–4 p.m.; winter hours by appointment

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The three-story academy building, which once housed the Academy (Calvin Coolidge's alma mater), is now a historical museum for the town of Ludlow. There are academy memorabilia, 19th-century furnishings, costumes, tools, farm implements, a Finnish exhibit, Coolidge memorabilia, and a textile school offering courses in weaving, spinning and quilt making.

Chimney Point State Historic Site
Addison, VT
Phone: 802-759-4212

This 19th century tavern features an exhibit on the original inhabitants of the Champlain Valley: First the Native Americans and then the French. Open Wednesday - Sunday, 9:30 am - 5 pm.

Eureka School House
Springfield, VT
Phone: 802-672-3773

Built in 1790, this is the oldest one-room schoolhouse in Vermont. Open Wednesday - Sundays, May - October.

Farrar-Mansur House Museum
Route 100, On the Green
Weston, VT  05161
Phone: 802-824-8190

Open: Memorial Day-July 1, Saturday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; July 1-Labor Day, daily, 1-4 p.m.

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Originally built as a tavern in 1797, the house is now operated as a historic house museum by the Weston Historical Society. Collection includes 18th and 19th century decorative arts and furnishings. Cost: Adults, $2.

Green Mountain Perkins Academy
Route 106
South Woodstock, VT  05071
Phone: 802-457-3779

Open: July-August, Sunday, 2-5 p.m.

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The 3-story, 19th-century school in original condition serves as a repository and archival center for material related to the academy and 19th-century community activities in South Woodstock. Admission is free.

Henry Sheldon Museum Of Vermont History
1 Park Street
Middlebury, VT  05753
Phone: 802-388-2117

Open: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 pm.

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One of Vermont's premier collections of furniture, art, textiles, tools and other artifacts displayed in an 1829 brick Federal style marble merchant's home. Extensive archival collections in the Stewart-Swift Research Center. Changing art and history exhibits in the Cerf gallery. Museum Shop, gardens, public programs and special events year round. Cost: Adults, $5; youth age 6-18, $3; students, $3.50; seniors, $4.50; family, $12.

Historical Society Museum
Town House on the Common
Royalton, VT  05068
Phone: 802-763-8830

Open: By appointment

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A local history museum in a restored 1840 town hall with exhibit rooms, a library, and 1844 schoolhouse. Articles relate to the town’s history.

Hubbardton Battlefield and Museum
5696 Monument Hill Road
Hubbardton, VT  05732
Phone: 802-759-2412

Open: May 27-October 9, Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

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Site of Revolutionary War battle on July 7, 1777, considered one of the most successful rear guard actions in the annals of American history. A visitor's reception center houses a museum with an exhibit that places this battle into its Revolutionary War context. Strategic points along the Battlefield are marked. An annual reenactment commemorates the anniversary of the battle.

John Strong DAR Mansion
West Addison, VT
Phone: 802-759-2309

This mansion was originally built in 1795 and has been restored to reflect the style of that period in history. Group and special tours are offered, as well as regular visiting times. Open seasonally.

Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial
Dairy Hill Road
Sharon, VT
Phone: 802-763-7553

At the birthplace of the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) you will find one of the world's tallest, polished, solid granite spires in the world, erected in 1905 of stone from Barre Vermont. Site includes Visitor's Center with historical art and exhibits, films in 40 seat theater, changing special exhibits, 200-year-old homes foundations, stone walls and stone bridge; hiking trails like Patriarch Hill Hike, Joseph Tree circa 1776, picnic areas, glorious gardens, ponds brooks; show shoeing and cross country skiing.

Justin Smith Morrill Homestead
Strafford, VT
Phone: 802-828-3226

A Gothic revival home with 17 rooms and 7 additional buildings on the property. This was home to Justin Smith Morrill, who established Land Grant Colleges in Vermont. Visitors will enjoy historical exhibits.

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
4472 Basin Harbor Road
Vergennes, VT  05491
Phone: 802-475-2022

Open: May 22-October 31, daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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Four acres of exhibits, shipwrecks nautical archaology, antique boats and more. Explore the vibrant history of the Champlain Valley through its military, commercial and regional periods. Climb aboard the 54' replica gunboat Philadelphia II. Twelve exhibit buildings, collections, working forge, boat building courses and workshops, replica gunboat, shipwrecks, nautical archaeology center, antique boats, boat livery, visitor center and museum store, field study, outreach, summer programs. Cost: Adults,$10; seniors, $9; students age 5-17, $5.

Middletown Springs Historical Society Museum
On the Green
Middlebury, VT  05757
Phone: 802-235-2561

Open: Memorial Day- October 31, Sunday, 2-4 p.m. and by appointment

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Exhibits focus on the history of Middletown Springs, including botanical specimens, artifacts from the horsepower factory, the Montvert Hotel and photographs. Cost: Free admission.

Mount Independence Historic Site
Orwell, VT
Phone: 802-759-2412

Mount Independence was a fortified position during the Revolutionary War. Exhibits feature artifacts from the war for independence, as well as historic trails for hiking and just walking. Open May - October.

Old Constitution House and Museum
Main Street
Windsor, VT  05089
Phone: 802-672-3773

Open: Late May- mid-October, Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

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The tavern where Vermont's first state constitution was written. The museum includes exhibits of New England antiquities, as well as the little known "Republic of Vermont." The Old Constitution House features period rooms that reflect its use as an early tavern. A large interpretive area in the early 20th century tea room examines the events surrounding the signing of the Vermont Constitution. Cost: Adults, $2.50; children 14 and younger, free.

Poultney Historical Society Museum
2751 Vt Route 140
East Poultney, VT  05764
Phone: 802-287-2330

Open: June-August, Saturday- Sunday, 1–4 p.m. and by appointment.

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The society has several buildings it has restored as museums: the Victorian High School (1896), the Melodeon Factory (1854), and the former Union Academy building (1791). Displays are of local clothing, tools, melodeons, carriages, furniture, and metalworks.

President Calvin Coolidge Birthplace
Plymouth Notch
Plymouth, VT
Phone: 802-672-3773

"Silent Cal," America's 30th President was born, buried, and even sworn-in as President at the Aldrich House, the centerpiece of this restored village.

Randolph Historical Museum
Salisbury Street
Randolph, VT  05061
Phone: 802-728-5398

Open: First Sunday of the month., 2-4 p.m. and by appointment

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This museum features three furnished period rooms, the gravestone of Justin Morgan, and a turn-of-the-century drugstore.

Rokeby
Ferrisburgh, VT
Phone: 802-877-3406

Tours are offered on this 19th century farm. Exhibits take visitors deeper into the farming life of that time.

The Church on the Hill
Lawrence Hill Road
Weston, VT  05161

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Set atop a hill overlooking the quintessential New England village of Weston, the landmark Church-on-the-Hill has been a fixture in the Vermont countryside for over 150 years. Founded in 1838, it is a “church of all faiths” holding non-denominational services every Summer Sunday. It also hosts a renowned concert series, Sundays on the Hill.

The Old Mill
Weston, VT

The original 18th century mill was burnt beyond repair in 1900, but has been authentically reconstructed. Exhibits feature examples of early mill technology, a grist mill, tinsmithy, and water-powered and horse-drawn saws. Open seasonally. Donations are requested.

Vermont Historical Society Museum
109 State Street
Montpelier, VT  05602
Phone: 802-828-2291

Open: May–October, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sundays, noon-4 p.m.

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Headquarters of the state historical society, the museum offers exhibits and programs revolving around Vermont's history and historical figures. Cost: Adults, $5; seniors, students, children, $3; families, $12.

Vermont Statehouse
Montpelier, VT
Phone: 802-828-2228

Tour Vermont's historic statehouse, exhibits feature historic state documents.

Wilson Castle
West Proctor Road
Proctor, VT
Phone: 802-773-3284

This mansion, built in the mid-19th century, offers a variety of imported, elegant furniture and household items. The 115-acre estate is also home to gardens and walkways. There is an admission charge.

Bloody Brook Schoolhouse
Stowe, VT
Phone: 802-253-8358

A one-room schoolhouse built in 1840.

Ethan Allen Homestead
Burlington, VT
Phone: 802-865-4556

The homestead of Vermont's Revolutionary War Hero, Ethan Allen. Built in 1787, visitors can tour the farm and view exhibits related to Allen's life, colonial history and the history of Vermont. The visitor's center also offers a multi-media program about Ethan Allen.

Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium
1302 Main Street
St. Johnsbury, VT  05819
Phone: 802-748-2372

Open: Year-round, Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 - 5 p.m.; also open Monday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., April- October. Call for planetarium show times.

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Natural science collection of 160,000 objects housed in a landmark Victorian building. The historical collections contain examples of 19th-century agricultural, industrial, and household life. The natural history collection houses New England mammals and birds, rocks and minerals, shells, butterflies, insects, bird nests and egg sets, and hummingbirds. Exhibits on astronomy and rural history. Cost: Adults, $6; seniors and children age 5-17, $5; family, $18; planetarium show, $5.

Georgia Historical Society Museums
Route 7
Georgia, VT  05468
Phone: 802-524-4539

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The society has two museum locations and a library. The Brick School at Ethan Allen Highway, Georgia Center, (open Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.; information at 802-524-4539) is exhibiting the life of women at the turn of the century. The Gordon's Mill Agricultural Museum at Georgia Plain (open by appointment only; information at 802-524-6311) is featuring the tools and wagons used on earlier Georgia farms. The library has over 5,000 photos with captions, genealogical books and local family genealogy sources.

Hyde Log Cabin
Grand Isle, VT
Phone: 802-828-3226

This historic site is thought to be the oldest remaining log cabin in the United States.

National Museum of the Morgan Horse
122 Bostwick Road
Shelburne, VT  05482
Phone: 802-985-8665

Open: Open: May 1- October 31, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Winter hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 1-4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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Exhibits on the history and breeding of the Morgan Horse, including cavalry and the Civil War. Cost: Admission is by donation.

Old Stone House Museum
109 Old Stone House Road
Brownington, VT  05860
Phone: 802-754-2022

Open: May 15- October 15, Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday

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The Old Stone House, built as a school dormitory in 1834-36, now houses 25 rooms of exhibits focussing on 19th century life in northern Vermont. The collection includes furniture, textiles, photographs, pottery, folk and fine art, and many of the tools and utensils of daily life. Cost: Adults, $5; students, $2.

President Chester A. Arthur Historic Site
Fairfield, VT
Phone: 802-828-3226

The home of America's 21st President, Chester A. Arthur, has been restored. On the grounds visitors will find a 19th century brick church, a picnic area, and a great deal of information about this little-known leader of the U.S.

Saint Albans Historical Museum
Church and Bishop Streets
St. Albans, VT  05478
Phone: 802-527-7933

Open: Mid-June-September, Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m.

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The museum building is the former Franklin County Grammar School. The three-story Renaissance revival style structure was completed in 1861 and was used for public education until 1969. Museum features a military room, railroad room, civil war exhibit, and local exhibits. Cost: Adults, $5.

Shelburne Museum
U.S. Route 7 / P.O. Box 10
Shelburne, VT  05482
Phone: 802-985-3346

Open May - October

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Shelburne Museum is one of the nation’s most eclectic museums of art, Americana, and design, displaying over 150,000 objects on 45 acres in Vermont's beautiful Lake Champlain Valley. Collections of folk art, decorative arts, tools, toys, and textiles, are exhibited as are American paintings and Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Manet, Degas, and others. The museum's 25 historic New England buildings include period houses, a lighthouse, and a 220-foot paddlewheel steamboat. New exhibits in 2006 include paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe, the art of Tasha Tudor, contemporary Knoll design, and kaleidoscope quilts.

St. Anne's Shrine
West Shore Road
Isle La Motte, VT
Phone: 802-928-3362

This is the site of Fort St. Anne, the oldest settlement in Vermont. On the shore of Lake Champlain, the site features the remains of the fort, as well as a chapel, grottos, and a statue of Samuel de Champlain. Admission to the site is free.

The Pierce House
Water Street
Barton, VT
Phone: 802-525-6251

Headquarters of the Crystal Lake Falls Historical Association. Exhibits focus on 19th century Vermont life, and feature local artifacts, a model of Mill Hill, and the Peerless Ladies' Dress Factory.

Vermont Veterans' Militia Museum
789 Vermont National Guard Road
Colchester, VT  05446
Phone: 802 338-3360

Open: May 1-October 1, Tuesday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; October 1-May 1, Tuesday 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. and by appointment

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An exhibit of military artifacts used by Vermont veterans, from the American Revolution to the present day. Admission is free.

Adams Old Stone Grist Mill Museum
Mill Street Under-the-Hill
Bellows Falls, VT  05101
Phone: 802-463-4280

Open: July-August, Saturday-Sunday, 2-4 p.m. or by appointment

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This historic museum features 19th century milling equipment, farm tools and machinery. The structure houses much of its original equipment, including all the grain elevators and storage bins. Implements from the Vermont Farm Machinery Company are also stored in the building, as well as household articles, antique signs, and hand tools used by various craftsmen that were there when the business closed in the early 1960s, and the original sleigh for the Mill, as well as the family sleigh, all belonging to the Adams Family.

Bennington Battle Monument
Bennington, VT
Phone: 802-447-0550

A 306 foot stone monument that pays homage to the Battle of Bennington. An elevator can take visitors to an observation point.

Historic Grafton Village
Routes 121 and 35
Grafton, VT
Phone: 802-843-2255

This restored 19th century village offers visitors a detailed look at life in a bygone era. The site includes walking trails, museums, a cheese factory, agricultural exhibits, and even a cross-country ski center in the winter.

Historic Hildene
Manchester, VT
Phone: 802-362-1788

This mansion was the home of Robert Todd Lincoln, President Abraham Lincoln's only surviving son. The house and furnishings have been restored to their 19th century appearance. A visitor's center offers additional information through exhibits and a slide show.

Peter Matteson Tavern
Shaftsbury, VT
Phone: 802-447-1571

Historic educational facility offers tours by appointment only.

The Old Mill
Weston, VT

This mill, originally burnt to the ground in 1900, has been reconstructed. Visitors can see how early mills worked, included the use of water-powered and horse-drawn saws. A tinsmith is also at this location. Donations are requested.