Last updated: 6/21/2021
One Park Street
Middlebury, VT 05753
Tuesday - Saturday
10 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday - Saturday
10 AM - 5 PM
Closed Mondays and on July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas & New Year’s Day
Adults: $5
Seniors: $4.50
Students (): $4
Youth (6-18): $4
Children under 6: Free
Family: $12
|
Mary Manley
phone: 802-388-2117
|
|
Eva Garcelon-Hart
phone: 802-388-2117
|
We welcome one and all to visit the Sheldon Museum to delve in the connections between Vermont’s past, present, and future and to share, learn, and enjoy in our rich cultural legacy.
The Sheldon Museum offers engaging temporary art and history exhibits, programs, and events for all those seeking to gain a deeper appreciation of our community’s and Vermont's art and history. The Stewart-Swift Research Center houses one of the state’s premier archival collections, documenting the history of Middlebury, Addison County, and greater Vermont, which serves the research needs of scholars, students, genealogists, and the community.
Collect, preserve and share the historic, artistic, and cultural heritage of Middlebury, Addison County, Vermont, and the surrounding region for the enjoyment and edification of current and future generations.
The Sheldon Museum, the oldest community-based Museum in the country, has welcomed visitors and researchers since 1884. The elegant Federal house, located in the heart of downtown Middlebury, was built in 1829 by marble merchants Eben Judd and Lebbeus Harris. Local businessman and tireless collector Henry Sheldon later filled it with fine Vermont furniture, paintings, documents, household objects, and artifacts that provide a glimpse into Addison County and Vermont’s past. The permanent collection continues to grow today, making the Sheldon Museum a cultural heart of the region.
You will find our collection exhibited throughout the 1829 Judd-Harris House and often included in the Museum’s temporary exhibits.
The Museum collections reveal the social customs, business practices, and political life and interests of Addison County residents in the late 18th and 19th centuries. The Museum has a strong collection of the following:
furniture, particularly those whose provenance is Vermont and Addison County
portraits and paintings of Addison County residents and scenes
household objects
personal artifacts
textiles
and clothing
The Stewart-Swift Research Center is a repository of primary source materials that document the history of Addison County, with greatest depth in Middlebury, from the 18th century to the present. It also includes materials pertaining to broader Vermont and the nation and complements collections at Middlebury College’s Special Collections, the Bixby Library, the Rokeby Museum, local historical societies, and other Vermont collections of historical records. Explore the Archival Collections Highlights below!https://www.henrysheldonmuseum.org/archives-home
PLEASED NOTE: As of June 2021, The Sheldon Museum is currently without an Education Coordinator. OUTREACH PROGRAMS and GUIDED TOURS are not currently available.
The Sheldon Museum offers a variety of programs, Museum tours, and resource materials for students of all ages.
Our school programs are also available to home school groups, scout troops, recreation departments, libraries, and other community organizations.
The Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History is governed by a Board of Trustees.
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: Yes
The Henry Sheldon Museum publishes a weekly digital newsletter.
The Sheldon's Stewart-Swift Research Center publishes a quarterly digital newsletter.
Recent printed publications include the 2021 revised A Walking History of Middlebury by Glenn Andres.
Gift Shop
Online Gift Shop
The Henry Sheldon Museum is wheelchair accessible, has ample nearby parking and ADA compliant restrooms.
Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Restrooms
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is
provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as
to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc.
and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such
use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.