Chittenden County - Museum Directory

Please Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, information listed for open hours or events may not be accurate in 2020. We recommend contacting the organization directly to confirm before making plans to visit.
Birds of Vermont Museum
Natural history meets art with over 500 life-like wood carvings of birds in realistic habitats. Breeding birds in nests, raptors overhead, long wetland dioramas, and changing special exhibits complement science and art events, forest and meadow trails, children’s programs, and bird feeding. Be inspired by Bob Spear and others!
Hours and Admission: Open Daily May 1 - Oct 31, 10am - 4pm. Open by appointment, Nov 1- April 30. Admission $7/adult, discounts for kids, seniors, groups
Charlotte Historical Society
The museum is located in the center of the early town in a building that is a fine example of Greek Revival architecture. The former town hall contains 18th- and 19th-century household articles, a collection of Native American baskets made in Charlotte, and early tools.
Hours and Admission: July 4th - Labor Day: Sunday 1:00 – 4:00 pm., or by appointment. Free. Accessible to the disabled.
Chittenden County Historical Society
The society is dedicated to encouraging original research and study of our local history in Chittenden County. We also aid in the publishing and distribution of important historical articles, reports, monographs, and books resulting from such studies. We encourage and help in the work of searching for, discovering, and cataloging historical materials that will establish and illustrate the development of Chittenden County, its exploration, settlement, and activities; its progress in population, wealth, education, arts, science, agriculture, manufactures, trade, and transportation. We have a quarterly publication: the Bulletin, and programs throughout the year.
Colchester Historical Society
The society is located in a former Baptist parsonage built in 1899. Two bedrooms and a parlor are set up with furnishings of the period. Various artifacts and old photos are on display. Meetings and programs are held monthly (except for July and August). In May of 2007, the society opened its restored log schoolhouse to the public. The circa 1815 building, rescued and moved to Airport Park, serves as a museum and information center at a popular location near the Colchester recreation path. The Schoolhouse is open to the public Memorial Day through Labor Day, Fridays - Mondays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Essex Community Historical Society
We promote the discovery and preservation of historical materials, offer relevant programs to educate the community about the past and help individuals and families to discover genealogical links to their Essex ancestors. We are an open society and welcome all who have an interest in history in general and/or interest in the Town of Essex.We promote the discovery and preservation of historical materials, offer relevant programs to educate the community about the past and help individuals and families to discover genealogical links to their Essex ancestors. We are an open society and welcome all who have an interest in history in general and/or interest in the Town of Essex. The Society operates the Harriet Farnsworth Powell Historical Museum which is located in the Old White School House adjacent to the Essex Free Library in Essex Center near the intersection of Routes 15 & 128.
Hours and Admission: Museum is open the First Sunday in June through the Second Monday in October: Sundays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm and 3rd Thursday evenings, 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Admission is Free.
Essex Junction Historical Society
Hours and Admission: Monday - Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, except holidays.
Ethan Allen Homestead Museum
Inside the Allen House you will see some of the daily tasks and skills required to survive on the Vermont frontier, as well as an introduction to Ethan's philosophical writings and land speculation activities. Experience the compact conditions and gain a new understanding of the lives of our 18th Century counterparts. After your tour, you can explore the gift shop, our exhibit galleries on archaeology and history, and the walking trails located on-site.Please check out the events calendar for living history events and lectures on Vermont and New England history!
Hours and Admission: Open for General Tours Every Day from May 1st to October 31st, 10 am to 4 pm. Admission: Individual: $10, Students 5-17: $6, Children under 5: free
Heritage Winooski Mill Museum
The Heritage Winooski Mill Museum is located in the historic Champlain Mill overlooking the Winooski River. Exhibits on view document the industrial and cultural history of the Winooski Falls mill era from 1838-1954.
Hours and Admission: Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00pm. Closed major holidays. Free.
Hinesburg Historical Society
"Education. Preservation. Outreach." - from The HHS Mission. Meetings are the 4th Thursday of the month at the Hinesburg town hall (10632 VT Rte 116).
Huntington Historical and Community Trust
Meetings are held in the Huntington Public Library at 7:30 on the 1st Thursday of the month. (Please contact us in advance to verify date and location.)
Jericho Historical Society
The society's museum is located in a mill built in 1856 and enlarged 30 years later. The Snowflake Bentley Room displays snowflake prints, photographs, and other memorabilia from Bentley's life and work.
Hours and Admission:
January - March: Wednesday & Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm; Sunday 11:30 am - 4:00 pm
April - December: Monday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sunday, 11:30 am – 4:00 pm.
(Closed Sundays in July & August)
Milton Historical Society
The society's museum, located in the former Trinity Episcopal Church (circa 1891), houses its collection of permanent and special exhibits documenting Milton's history with maps, books, clothing, photographs, documents, furniture, tools, etc. Timeline of major events with pictures and population graph. Special auto racing and farming exhibits. Follow on Facebook at facebook.com/miltonhistoricalsocietyvt
Hours and Admission: May-October: Saturdays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm or by appointment. Free admission, donations appreciated.
Richmond Historical Society
Constructed in 1812 to service 5 denominations, the church cost $2,305.42 and was paid for by the sale of its pews. The 16-sided building has been restored by the society and is considered one of the most important buildings in the state; it is a National Historic Landmark. Activities include group tours by appointment and summer music programs.
Hours and Admission:
Memorial Day - mid-June: Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
mid-June to Columbus Day: daily 10:00 am - 4:00 pm; or by appointment
Shelburne Historical Society
Meetings normally held the First Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm at the Town Hall, lower level (enter through the Pierson Library entrance).
Hours & Admission: Tuesday-Thursday, 3:00 to 6:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Please call for appointment to ensure a SHS member is there to assist you.
Underhill Historical Society
Visitors by appointment.
Vermont National Guard Library and Museum
The mission of the Vermont National Guard Museum and Library is to collect, preserve, manage, interpret, and exhibit the heritage of the State of Vermont and its Veterans of all military services. Some of items on display include vehicles and Vermont uniforms going back to the 18th century; artifacts from the War of 1812, Civil War, World War One and Two, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan; Naval and Marine memorabilia; and the Vermont Wall of Heroes honors many Vermonters who distinguished themselves in service to our nation. In addition to our exhibits we boast a library that contains many books of military and historical significance which are available for research.
Hours and Admission:
Monday thru Friday 10:00 - 3:00 pm. Admission is free.
The Museum is located on the grounds of Camp Johnson. From Rte. 15 East, immediately past the hospital, bear right just before stoplight to access Camp Johnson entrance. Museum is on the right. Stop at security gate before proceeding to the museum.
Westford Historical Society
The society works on local issues, recording cemeteries and indexing grave inscriptions, rehab of a local covered bridge, as well as documenting the lives of Westford's soldiers. Records can be seen at the town office. Visitors by appointment.
Williston Historical Society
The society is located in the Vermont Room of the library. On display are local artifacts, including a lap organ given to the society by the family of Governor Thomas Chittenden and a musket collection in the Town Hall.
Hours and Admission: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm; Tuesday & Thursday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm; Saturday, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, or by appointment. Free.
Winooski Historical Society
The Winooski Historical Society contains collections of photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia associated with the history of Winooski.
Hours and Admission: Monday-Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Closed major holidays