History Museums
explore the history of Vermont's people, communities, industry and values
In addition to the wide range of exhibits you'll find at these museums, be sure to also check the calendar of events for programs. Many offer lecture programs, guided tours, special events and festivals, and family and youth programs. There's lots to see and do, and always a reason to come back.
AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRY
Early Vermonters were hardworking and industrious. Museums of agriculture and industry tell the stories of how natural resources were employed to help provide for families and build Vermont and the nation.
American Precision Museum, Windsor
Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock
New England Maple Museum, Pittsford
Vermont Granite Museum, Barre
Vermont Marble Museum, Proctor
MILITARY HISTORY
A year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War still raged. Critical military efforts played out on Vermont soil as the Colonial Army battled to hold back and defeat the British attacks from the North. Later, naval battles on Lake Champlain would figure prominently in the War of 1812, and America's first military college would be founded in Norwich, Vermont.
Bennington Battle Monument, Bennington
Hubbardton Battlefield, Hubbardton
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum , Vergennes
Mount Independence State Historic Site, Orwell
Sullivan History Center at Norwich Museum, Norwich
VERMONT ARCHAEOLOGY
Explore 13,000 years of history at the Vermont Archaeology Heritage Center in Barre. Exhibits, workshop and lectures draw on unearthed evidence from over 750 archaeological Vermont sites. And for nautical archaeology telling the stories of numerous shipwrecks at the bottom of Lake Champlain, visit the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes. Important archaeologic collections are also found at the Fleming Museum in Burlington.
RECREATION
Vermont's Battenkill River was an early destination for fly fishermen of any repute. So it's fitting that near the famed river's banks in Manchester you will find the American Museum of Fly Fishing. It's also fitting the the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum is located in Stowe, one of America's earliest downhill ski towns. Both museums exhibit fine collections of relevant equipment, from delicate fishing lures to one of the first chairlifts. If fishing or skiing are among your passions, you've struck it rich.
American Museum of Fly Fishing, Manchester
Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, Stowe
VERMONT HISTORY
Dive deep into the history of the nation's 6th largest lake at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Experience life on an 1890s farm at the Billings Farm & Museum. Trace the generations of abolitionists and artists at the Rokeby Museum. Or learn about one of Vermont's founding fathers. All these museums welcome you to explore Vermont history.
NORTHERN VERMONT
Ethan Allen Homestead, Burlington
DAR John Strong Mansion Museum, Vergennes
Henry Sheldon Museum, Middlebury
Old Stone House Museum, Brownington
Rokeby Museum, Ferrisburgh
Shelburne Museum, Shelburne
SOUTHERN VERMONT
Bennington Museum, Bennington
Hildene The Lincoln Family Home, Manchester
CENTRAL VERMONT
Billings Farm & Museum, WoodstockJoseph Smith Birthplace Memorial and Visitor Center, South Royalton
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park, Woodstock
Vermont History Museum, Montpelier
Vermont History Galleries at the Vermont History Center, Barre
