I have been wanting to visit the Shelburne Museum for about 10 years now. I finally had the opportunity to spend a couple of hours in the Shelburne/Montpelier area of Vermont this past weekend and let me tell you Bob, it.was.amazing.
If you haven’t ever heard of the Shelburne Museum, let me just say, if you are ever close to Shelburne, Vermont, you are going to want to do yourself a big fat favor and pop in.
The museum was established in 1947 by Electra Havemeyer Webb {seriously, is that the coolest name ever?}. She was an avid collector of American folk art, and wanted to create an “educational project.”
The museum not only houses artifacts, but also has several buildings {38 building in total} that are displays themselves {barns, schoolhouse, a general store, etc.}.
The buildings are originals that were relocated to the museum grounds.
First up, they had a huge Americana collection {obviously}. I have always been super interested in early American history, and couldn’t pass up an opportunity to soak it all in.
There’s a collection of American folk art, quilts, costumes, carriages, and paintings.
I think I was born in the wrong era, I tell ya. I really wish I could’ve been a colonial settler {indoor plumbing would totally have sealed the deal}.
There’s even a collection of impressionist paintings–which seems odd at first, but I guess Webb was a huge fan of impressionism, and had an eye for them, so they are showcased in the museum.
It’s set on 45 acres, so you can stroll from building to building, soaking up the fresh air, and then head inside to see the exhibits.
There’s even an heirloom vegetable garden. Seriously, I wonder if they would notice if I just moved in?
If you are going to be in the area anytime soon, check it out. It’s totally worth it!
Here’s the details {*hint, hint}:
SHELBURNE MUSEUM
6000 Shelburne Road
Shelburne, VT 05482
802-985-3346
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 1st through October 31st. Call for winter hours.
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Jessica says
The Shelburne Museum is nice, but even better is Shelburne Farms. If you didn’t hit it up when you were in the area, it is worth a trip back there in the future.
http://www.shelburnefarms.org/
Susan says
I agree! (except you’ll then want to move to a gorgeous farm STAT — it’s so lovely there!)
Susan says
We love this museum, too! You could seriously spend a week there, with so much variety and beauty. Readers should know that that is a bonafide steamship at the museum. It is huge and it’s smack dab in the middle of the museum grounds (it was transported from Lake Champlain rolled on logs)!
Another awesome museum in Vermont is Billing Farm — I’d highly recommend as well.
Megan says
I love that area! Go to Shelburne Farm if you get a chance!!
Stacey says
I live in South Burlington, just a few miles from the museum. I’ve scoured through the museum and found a lot to enjoy. The painting you have shown is a Grandma Moses. She was beloved by the people, though the critics didn’t like her art while she was alive. Vermont has always had much art and culture to enjoy!
Marcia says
I think looking at old stuff like that is cool. But then, I just finished watching Pioneer Quest on Hulu. In fact, I own the video tapes (bought them off PBS or history channel, or wherever). Tried to donate them, as I don’t have a VCR, but nobody else wants them either!!
I also watched Outback house before that.
Michelle says
My best friend worked there for a bit while doing grad work for art restoration. Amazing museum! Burlington is great, too. And don’t forget to tour Ben & Jerry’s while in VT. Cuz you know, ice cream
I just left a clients house in Gig Harbor; you’re missing a nice day back here 🙂