FHS Newsletter - April 2023
In this third issue of our History Notes, we're looking at the 'Twin Bridges of Ferrisburgh Center.' Click here to read the full newsletter.
Ferrisburgh Historical Society
The Ferrisburgh Historical Society (FHS) preserves and shares the history of Ferrisburgh, Vermont, by collecting documents, photographs, maps, and artifacts, often housed in the old Ferrisburgh Center Schoolhouse. They promote local heritage through public presentations, open houses, historical publishing, and an annual meeting.
Key activities and focus areas include:
Collection & Preservation: Gathering materials, including 18th/19th-century artifacts, related to the town's history.
Educational Outreach: Organizing, hosting, and participating in public presentations, such as "North Ferrisburgh Village" talks and history-themed workshops.
Open Houses & Events: Hosting open houses during local events like "Ferrisburgh Day" in September.
Community Partnership: Working to support the town’s historical character, such as documenting the history of the Ferrisburgh Grange Hall.
The society is located in the old Ferrisburgh Center Schoolhouse and usually operates by appointment.
As stated in the bylaws, the purposes of the organization are:
- To discover, collect, catalog and safely store documents, photographs, maps, letters, articles, research notes, manuscripts, museum material and related information about the history of the Town of Ferrisburgh and its inhabitants; and
- To share and disseminate historical information through public presentations, open houses, publishing historical material, books and articles in paper form and through other media; and
- To cooperate with the State Historical Society to collect and preserve materials of statewide significance so that these materials are easily available to students and scholars.
The bylaws were last updated on October 13, 2024 and can be found here: Bylaws of the Ferrisburgh Historical Society.
New members and guests are always welcome at meetings of the Ferrisburgh Historical Society.
For more information, please call Silas Towler at 802-425-3380, email Ferrisburgh.Historical.Society@gmail.com, or write to: Ferrisburgh Historical Society, PO Box 85, Ferrisburgh, VT 05456
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2025-2026 MEETINGS
September 28, 2:00 pm - Basin Harbor, Ferrisburgh
A cruise aboard the Escape, Basin Harbor’s own tour boat, is a wonderful way to experience a Lake Champlain tour. During this 1-2 hour cruise (depending on weather and what there is to explore), our captain and crew will bring you out to explore the New York and Vermont shores. See a bald eagle nest, spot an osprey on Otter Creek, and hear all about the rich history of the area, including the many naval battles that occurred nearby. Please contact Gail Blasius at gblasius@aol.com with your name and telephone number if you plan to attend as space is limited.
October 26, 2:00 pm - Ferrisburgh Community Center
Kevin Graffagnino - “Why Vermont History Matters”
If we had a nickel for every time we’ve heard someone say, “I didn’t like history in school and I don’t like it now,” we’d all be rich. In this talk, Kevin Graffagnino looks at why Vermont history matters to everyone in the state, from dedicated heritage buffs to “history is bunk” naysayers. He discusses the ways that history enhances a sense of identity in individuals, how knowledge of local history builds community ties between natives and newcomers, and the role that history can play in creating a better future for the next generation of Vermonters. People may go into this talk thinking that Vermont history is immaterial to them, but they won’t leave it feeling the same way.
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FHS Newsletter - February 2023
In the second issue of our History Notes, we're looking at the Martin House, once located at the corner of Route 7 and Hollow Road. Click here to read the full newsletter.
FHS Newsletter - January 2023
The last couple of winters, Silas has been researching Ferrisburgh history by looking through old newspapers. These papers are available online through the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration, and many date back to 1800. We've also accessed images from the Center for Digital Initiatives, University of Vermont Libraries. We hope to make this newsletter a regular, collaborative endeavor to share some of these "lines of inquiry" with you.
Click here to access the first newsletter featuring Fort Cassin House, once located at the mouth of Otter Creek.
A History of the Village of North Ferrisburgh, Vermont 1762-2024 (Second Edition)
Jean Richardson, Professor Emerita, University of Vermont, local resident and Justice of the Peace, has written a rich and thorough history of the North Ferrisburgh Village. With help from Silas Towler, local historian, the book is filled with previously unpublished original documents, photographs, diaries and interviews. References include live links to original sources.
The book will be available for purchase at the Town Hall.
The online version is available here:
A History of the Village of North Ferrisburgh, Vermont 1762-2024 (Second Edition)
Ferrisburgh, A Vermont Town with History ...and a Future
"The rich history of Ferrisburgh's 250 plus years comes alive in the words of its townspeople. From enduring mysteries to tragedies and funny events, you'll get to know Ferrisburgh through their eyes. Includes over 300 historical images." Produced in 2013 by Ed Dooley, Mad River Media, LLC.
DVDs are for sale at the Town Clerk's Office.