henry sheldon museum of vermont history

A wonderful museum depicting the history and life style of Addison County and Vermont in what New Englanders would call the early days.

The museum wasn't really worth a visit, but the gift shop had a friendly assistant and a few of the books for sale was worth a second look.

We were on our way out of Middlebury and decided to stop here for a look. What a great local museum. They have an extensive collection of household furnishings and hands on displays for kids to learn about life in the 1800's in rural Vermont. There was a nice gift shop with Vermont history books and crafts from local artisans. The back half of the house is used as a gallery with rotating exhibits of more contemporary pieces from local artists. We were very glad that we stopped to take a look. It is right in the center of town.

I had just come from the Shelburne Museum, so was not planning another museum stop but the woodcarving banner attracted me. Five bucks was a lot to spend, but it looked like they needed every penny. I peered around the corner to the first display visible from the shop, thinking that there was not so much to look at. But then the attendant pointed out the Wendy Copp. Made my day, seeing strange heads atop the historical costume displays. Apparently there was a special show, and only a handful of pieces remain, but they are great. If this museum keeps inviting contemporary artists to interact with the historical displays, they may be finding an entirely new audience. I was really glad I stopped in.

Our first day in Middlebury started here, and it was quite pleasant. Well, there was one big snafu and it needs to be said: Middlebury, put up some street signs. To get to this museum, you drive to the city center, turn down an unmarked Mill Street (there's a street sign on the end of the one-way street where it does no good) and then turn into what looks like a parking lot to find rhe unsigned Park Street. We wound up circling the area three times. Not exactly tourist-friendly.The museum is full of historical artifacts from early Vermont. It showed us a good view of how the early settlers lived. A few items were mislabeled--a pennywhistle called a "recorder" or a console piano called a "melodeon"--but all in all a great collection.The place also serves as an art gallery, featuring a range of painting and sculpture and featuring works by contemporary locals. The place has a nicely kept little garden and a small gift shop.A great way to start out the visit. While in the vicinity, visitors should plan to walk about the area, drop in to the unique little shops, get refreshments, and take in other gallaries and museums. Also find time to take the pedestrian bridge for a great look at Middlebury Falls.

This house museum in the center of Middlebury surprised and delighted us. Yes, the rooms are filled with antique Vermont furnishings, many of them quiet beautiful, but during our stay the museum also hosted a most unusual contemporary Vermont artist, Wendy Copp, who makes full scale dresses from found forest objects - leaves, phragmites, bark, fungii, and so on. These were paired with 19th century fashions from the museum's collections, and made for a fascinating show. Very worth while and ambitious museum.

We stopped in while on a family trip to middlebury. Well worth a visit. The special exhibit was clothing made with natural materials (such as bark) on bodies topped with animal heads. Most creative !! Also interesting historiall artifacts from Vermont's history.

We visited the museum taking a stroll through the quintessential Vermont town of Middlebury. That someone could have the forethought to keep and set on display all these wonderful and diverse examples of a former time is truly remarkable.During our visit there was a display of clothing made from bark, feathers grasses etc. Different!

The 500+ foot exibit of a traveling circus was incredible, the train cars wonderful. Volunteers made my day.

The store was nice. Lots of history information--Henry Sheldon was an interesting man. We did not tour the entire rooms of the museum--5$ a person. Found it quaint--like the entire town!

Not for children and not for everyone....but a wondrful look at historical Vermont. The staff at the museum were nice and very helpful....don't get t excited but if your into history you will see reminents of your childhood.

Interesting Museum. Not very big but lots of things to see. Especially liked the hanging quilt depicting covered bridges of Vermont.

From trapping through machine development. Good for kids, with hands-on teaching units. Hours are limited but the Sheldon is worth planning around during a visit.

I stopped here while I was walking around Middlebury and the museum is wonderful. So many interesting items and information. They also had the trains set up for Christmas so it was fun to see that room as well.

Here is a museum of central Vermont living with many old artifacts. Situated in an old home, centrally located. Docents are well versed in the history.