Central Vermont is featured as a Historic Travel Itinerary at the national Register of Historical Places. Our community is just the sixth in the nation to be recognized in this way. Central Vermont joins Chicago, Detroit, Baltimore, Seattle and Kingston, NY as recommended community destinationss for travelers interested in our nation's history and culture. Click for Central Vermont Historic Sites Tour.
Central Vermont is an area rich in culture and heritage. The region boasts numerous museums, historical buildings, galleries, festivals and celebrations of our exciting and interesting history. To learn more on "Central Vermont Heritage," explore the other links below.
Historic Buildings
Central Vermont Walking Tours
This page gives descriptions of three walking tours through the towns of Barre, Montpelier, and Waterbury. The tours are usually self-guided although in Montpelier there are guides available. The tours take visitors past historical buildings in each of the towns and give insight into Vermont and our nations's history.
Central Vermont Town Histories
A listing of each of Central Vermont's towns' and Cities' history.
Norwich University
The oldest private military university in the country, norwich resides in Northfield, VT. Founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge, U.S. Army, the university is still home to many historical buildings.
Libraries and Museums
Aldrich Public Library
This community library has been serving Barre City, Barre Town and neighbors since 1908. It houses the Barre Museum, Archive of Barre History, the Milne Gallery, and the Children's Library. Annual events include National Library Week (third week in April), Book sale and Attic Treasures (last weekend in July) and a summer reading program for children.
Aldrich Public Library, 6 Washington Street, Barre, VT 05641 802-476-7550
e-mail: [email protected]
USS Montpelier Museum Montpelier, the birth place of Admiral George Dewey, has been a sea town without shores since the 1800's. The ships that have carried the City's name served our country well, achieving highest honors both above and beneath the waves. Montpelier is proud of its Naval Tradition and those who have served. The Museum is located on the Second Floor of City Hall (39 Main Street) in the City of Montpelier, the Capital City of Vermont.
Central Vermont Libraries
A listing of the histories of the Central Vermont Libraries and the towns that they preside in.
Vermont Historical Society
Throughout the year the Society offers a comprehensive program of multidisciplinary and hands-on activities. Tours, workshops, lectures, and other events are offered by the Society on an annual basis. The museum features more than 20,000 artifacts of Vermont history. Some 42,000 cataloged books, 1,200 linear feet of manuscripts, 30,000 photographs, and 1,000 maps constitute the library's collections. Permanent and changing exhibits depict life in Vermont from early history through the present. Call for hours and current exhibits.
Vermont Historical Society, Pavilion Building, 109 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05609-0901
802-828-2291 e-mail: [email protected]
Hope Cemetery
A veritable outdoor museum of fine granite carvings in Barre. Local cemeteries are the final resting place for family and friends of the world's most skilled granite artisans.
Galleries and Festivals
T. W. Wood
Gallery & Arts Center
This non-profit visual arts center hosts a gallery and permanent collection and is located in College Hall at Vermont College in Montpelier. The gallery is an established center of on-going exhibitions for contemporary national and regional art. Open Tuesday-Sunday, Noon-4 p.m.
T.W. Wood Gallery & Arts Center, College Hall, Vermont College, Montpelier, VT 05602
802-828-8743 e-mail: [email protected]
Vermont Festival of the Arts
A month - long celebration of the arts in August in the towns and villages of the Mad River Valley and beyond. There is something for every interest, including music, performing arts, visual arts, cultural history tours, outdoor events, workshops, demonstrations, and culinary delights. Lodging packages available. Call 800-517-4247 for complete schedule of events. Vermont Festival of the Arts in the Mad River Valley; www.vermontartfest.com
Other Links
Central Vermont Arts Guide
Information on Central Vermont Arts, including performance series, visual art galleries, festivals and educational links and information.
Central Vermont Map of Points of Interest
Links and information to additional things to see and do in Central Vermont.