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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  CHRONICLES OF VERMONT LIFE:  FARM, RIVERS, AND FAIRS  

An exhibit and presentation by CHARLES FISH - Opening reception July 16th

 

For decades, Chuck Fish has found physical and intellectual adventure in exploring farms, rivers, and fairs and other features of his native state with pen, recorder, and camera in hand.  From these happy efforts have come thousands of photos, reams of research notes, hours of recorded interviews, and four books with another on the way.  The books and a sampling of the photos are now on display at the Dummerston Historical Society.  Some of the pictures please the eye, but their main purpose is documentary, for example to tell something of how rivers work and how they become features of our human habitat.

Many know Chuck from his numerous roles in the community: Town and School Moderator, Selectboard member, Historical Society member, real estate appraiser, author of four books, English professor, neighbor, and good friend.   

This exhibit will be on display at the Dummerston Historical Society July-September with the opening reception Thursday, July 16 at 7 pm with Chuck presenting his experiences in creating these photographs.  In addition, the Historical Society is open the first and third Sundays of the month from 1-3 pm.

All are invited to join us for this stimulating presentation and discussion.  A short business meeting will be held first.  Refreshments will be served.  One need not be a member to attend (though membership is encouraged) and there is no admission charge.  

 

The Dummerston Historical Society in Dummerston Center, adjacent to the Town Office, is accessible, admission is free and is open the first and third Sundays of the month from 1-3 pm, or by appointment.

 

Exhibits rotate quarterly.  Volunteer board members will be glad to help with your inquiries.  Information: kiddsing2772@gmail.com or gailsvt@gmail.com

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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.              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.