Dummerston Historical Society

CURRENT STATUS 2026:  We are open! We’re looking forward to upcoming Quarterly Meetings that will feature interesting programs from local presenters, in the comfort of our historic Schoolhouse.

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Please join us for the Dummerston Historical Society Annual Meeting and Program on the granite quarries of Black Mountain in West Dummerston, VT that operated from 1875-1935. The doors will open at 1 pm for visitors to view the quarry exhibit with a brief annual business meeting and election of offices beginning at 1:30 pm. The program presentation will begin immediately thereafter.

This presentation explores the history of granite quarrying, from early hand tools and stone-splitting techniques to the introduction of steam and compressed air. It highlights the skilled workers, their daily labor and working conditions, and the methods used to transport massive stone blocks by rail and wagon.

 

The talk concludes with an overview of the Black Mountain granite’s many finished uses and their crucial role in Dummerston’s economy. The audience will be encouraged to contribute their own memories and experiences of the quarry operations during the following question and answer period.

The presenter, George Kohout, has wandered the abandoned quarries of Black Mt since 1968. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Education in History from Arizona State University.

Dummerston Historical Society in Dummerston Center, next to the Town Office, welcomes all visitors; one does not need to be a member to attend programs; programs are free of charge and handicapped accessible.   Info: Gail at 802-490-0728. 

 

Dummerston Historical Society, in Dummerston Center, is accessible and programs are free, though donations are always welcome.  Open hours are the first and third Sundays from 1-3 pm.  Special hours are always available by arrangement with a Board member.  Information:  802-380-7525

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OUR BEGINNINGS AND OUR WORK TODAY:  The Dummerston Historical Society was founded in 1976 by Harrison Evans, Thomas Johnson, and Richard Virkstis, three Dummerston residents committed to preserving the stories, artifacts, photographs, maps and other items of historical significance to the town. Today, the DHS continues to preserve, document, and educate on the history of Dummerston, Vermont. The Society is based in the former Center Schoolhouse in Dummerston Center, once a one-room schoolhouse that has been restored and added onto to create a meeting place and exhibition and archival space for the Society.

When open, the Schoolhouse offers an opportunity to explore genealogies, review photographs of past exhibits, search scrapbooks and discover the many artifacts in the Society’s collection. Albums featuring Slab Hollow, Dummerston Center, West Dummerston Village, Houses of Dummerston, Artists of Dummerston, Authors of Dummerston, and many others will be available for viewing and discussion.

 

The Schoolhouse is open the first and third Sunday afternoons of the month from 1 pm - 3 pm. The Society is handicapped accessible and free of charge. For more info, call 802 490-0728 or 802 321-8791.

 

 

MEETINGS & PROJECTS:  The DHS holds four meetings a year – one annual meeting in January and three others quarterly, held in the third week of April, July, and October. The Society also plans one to four public events per year, which include photography and art exhibitions, educational programs, and open houses. A project documenting current history called “Making History” and efforts to record oral histories are ongoing.

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SOCIAL MEDIA:  Visit our Facebook page by clicking this link.               NEW! Don't have/do Facebook? No problem! You can still view all the very latest Right Here.

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VOLUNTEERING:  The DHS is a nonprofit that relies entirely on the volunteer work and generosity of its members, and new volunteers are always welcome. Your interests and time available will be appreciated.

 

DONATIONS:  Tax-deductible donations are always gratefully accepted. If you wish to donate, please contact us via email.

 

CONTACT:  For information on upcoming events, donating, becoming a member, or accessing the society’s archives, please refer to the information on this website, and for further questions email dummerstonhistoricalsociety@gmail.com and a board member will respond to you as soon as possible.