Colchester Vermont Historical Society

06/13/2026

What a perfect day to celebrate this new Vermont Historic Marker in Colchester. It honors four Italian immigrant families who have been feeding us for 125 years! WCAX covered the story at https://www.wcax.com/video/2026/06/13/new-historical-plaque-honors-italian-farming-families-colchester/

06/12/2026

Seeking a donation of two new or used folding card tables. Must be sturdy, not too heavy, and in great condition. We use them often for special events and programs. We don't need the chairs. Please reach out if you can help. Thank you in advance.

06/09/2026

Beautiful and very tasty celebration cake at our Barbecue and Annual Meeting last evening.

05/21/2026

Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May and honors service members who have died in military service to our nation. The holiday has roots dating back to the post-Civil War era, when citizens would place spring flower memorials on the graves of fallen soldiers. This year, Memorial Day falls on May 25. The United States flag will be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset.

This Memorial Day, consider a visit to Fort Ethan Allen Cemetery, located on College Parkway next to the University of Vermont Medical Center's F***y Allen Campus here in Colchester. This military cemetery began when Fort Ethan Allen came into being in the late 1890s. It remained a military cemetery until 1963 when ownership was transferred to the Town.

For more information about local Colchester cemeteries, please visit https://colchestervt.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7319/Cemeteries-2022 and https://colchestervt.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6648/Colchester-Cemetery-Rules--November-12-2019-Official?bidId=

05/12/2026

Come see us at the Colchester Log Schoolhouse this summer! Bring your family, friends, and groups. Open June 5 - Labor Day, every weekend, Friday - Monday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Airport Park on Colchester Point Road. Parking and admission are free; donations are always very much appreciated.

This 1815 Log Schoolhouse serves as a lovely visitor information center and as a museum for displaying some of Colchester's wonderful local history. Learn about the early days of education before there were cell phones and computers (and indoor bathrooms). One of our fabulous volunteer hosts will show you around and answer your questions. Children may enjoy a fun scavenger hunt or craft a vintage toy to take home.

We welcome new Schoolhouse volunteer hosts, and applications are now being accepted. Hours are flexible, and this is a great opportunity to learn and share our local history with weekend visitors. For more information and to volunteer, please email Carol Reichard at [email protected]

04/25/2026

Need a little Cabin Fever reliever? Here is a great opportunity to see the historic sites of Colchester. Get started on your own personal tour here: https://colchestervt.gov/3257/Driving-Tours

Enjoy!

04/21/2026

A little Colchester history trivia fun (answers are in the comment section below):

Historically speaking, the Colchester Causeway once served as what?

Though long gone from Lake Champlain, the Colchester Reef Lighthouse can still be visited where?

St. Michael's College was founded in 1904 by whom?

What military regiment was once stationed at Fort Ethan Allen 1909-1913?

What was the original name of Brown Ledge Camp?

04/17/2026

Thank you to the Colchester Sun for covering this story about Jim Jones' recent presentation of local railroad history and its evolution into modern day transportation. The research, detailed work, wonderful photographs, and adventures that Jim Jones has poured into his projects are totally amazing. He is a fabulous presenter with a dry wit, and it's wonderful that he is getting this information published in order to document and preserve our local railroad history. Jim's books are available on his website at https://vermontmadevideos.weebly.com.

Here's the link to the story in the Colchester Sun:
https://www.colchestersun.com/things_to_do/colchester-historical-society-invites-local-historian-to-talk-about-trains-in-colchester-area/article_066b9c0b-13de-4a3a-b9ef-bd57397e93ac.html

COLCHESTER — A few dozen history enthusiasts gathered at the Colchester meeting house at 7 p.m. Monday, April 13 at 830 Main St. on the Village Green in Colchester to