MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES
Montshire Museum - Norwich, VT (802) 649-2200
Inside the museum is what The New York Times described recently as “one of the greatest assemblages of hands-on, child friendly exhibits ever gathered in
one place.” Montshire offers two floors packed with dozens of exciting exhibits on astronomy, natural history and the physical sciences with live animals and an outdoor exhibit area featuring a 250-foot waterway and many interactive exhibits. Science Park leads to several easy-to-walk nature trails on the 110-acre property. There are picnic areas and overlooks of the nearby Connecticut River.
The Old Constitution House - Windsor, VT (802) 672-3773
On July 8, 1777, the first Constitution of the “Free and Independent State of Vermont” was adopted at the Windsor Tavern owned by Elijah West. West’s tavern, the location of many of the deliberations charting the future of Vermont, is now preserved as a historic site and called “The Old Constitution House.”
American Precision Museum - Windsor, VT (802) 674-5781
Visitors will find a major collection representing America’s machine and precision tool industry, both tools and products. Located in the original Robbins and Lawrence Armory, a National Historic Landmark building on Main Street in Windsor.
St. Gauden’s National Historic Site - Cornish, NH (603) 675-2175
St. Gauden’s consists of 150 acres including the home, gardens and studios of Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907), one of America’s foremost sculptors. This was his summer residence from 1885-1897, and his permanent home from 1900 until his death in 1907 and exhibits a large collection of his original sculptures in studios and on grounds. There are two hiking trails that explore the park’s natural areas.
Woodstock Historical Society - Woodstock, VT (802) 457-1822
The society’s collection is housed in the 1807 Charles Dana House, which remained in the Dana family for three generations until its sale to the Society in 1944. Today, the Dana House Museum offers an exceptional collection of decorative arts, 19th-century furnishings, paintings, silver and glass, textiles, dolls, historic costumes, toys, and other art and artifacts which bring the history of Woodstock to life.
Billings Farm & Museum - Woodstock, VT (802) 457-2355
The Billings Farm & Museum, one of this country's premiere dairy farms and farm life museums, is keeping alive the spirit and values of Vermont's rural heritage. Get comfortable with our famous Jersey cows, Southdown sheep, and draft horses through interactive programs and activities offered each day. Explore the horse barns, dairy barns and calf nursery, and plan to watch the afternoon milking of the Jersey herd.
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park - Woodstock,VT (802) 457-3368 x22
The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, in nearby Woodstock, is the only national park to focus on conservation history and the evolving nature of land stewardship in America. Guided tours of the mansion, estate gardens and grounds are available from May 25 - October 31. The forest, carriage roads, hiking trails and Carriage Barn Visitor Center with exhibits are free and open to the public.
Vermont Institute of Natural Science - Quechee, VT (802) 359-5000
Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is home to the Vermont Raptor Center which treats more than 400 injured birds annually in the hope of returning them to the wild. Visitors are invited to tour the Raptor Center’s living museum of 25 live species of falcons, eagles, hawks, owls, and other birds of prey. Enjoy guided walking tours, flight demonstrations and up-close encounters. Group tours are available.
The Fort at No. 4 - Charlestown, NH (603) 826-5700
...A New Hampshire interactive outdoor museum that
encourages you to Imagine!
Travel back in time to the mid-1740's and have an unforgettable experience in the authentically reconstructed settlement of Charlestown, New Hampshire. Tour with guides dressed as the original settlers of No. 4 as they take you through the gates of our heritage. Demonstrations of hearth cooking, musket firings, military drills and more are conducted.
The Cornish Colony Gallery - Windsor, VT (802) 674-6008
The Cornish Colony Museum has the largest display of Maxfield Parrish paintings in the country, as well as displays of over twenty other artists and sculptors who lived and worked in the Cornish/ Plainfield area.
Hood Museum of Art - Hanover, NH (603) 646-2808
The Hood Museum of Art is recognized by the American Association of Museums as “a national model,” and is one of the oldest and largest college museums in the country, housing an outstanding collection of works of art and artifacts and presenting a lively and diverse schedule of exhibitions and educational programs.
Calvin Coolidge State Historic - Plymouth Notch, VT (802) 672-3773
Plymouth Notch, Vermont, the birthplace and boyhood home of the 30th President, Calvin Coolidge, remains virtually unchanged since the early twentieth century. The homes of Calvin Coolidge’s family and neighbors, the community church, cheese factory, one-room schoolhouse, and general store have been carefully preserved, and many buildings have their original furnishings. The President is buried in the town cemetery with seven generations of Coolidges.
For directions or more information, contact Ascutney's Activities Director at 802-484-7711 ext.3041 or by email.
