Derby Historical Society
Museum, 35 Junior High Drive, Derby Center, VT
Mailing Address: PO Box 357, Derby, VT 05829
Email: bill@gardyne-vermont.com
Phone: 802-766-5324
Contact: Bill Gardyne, president
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Upcoming Events
Derby Historical Society Meeting
“Whatsits”
Date: Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 2:00 pm
Where: Dailey Memorial Library, 101 Jr. High Drive, Derby Center
The lecture is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.
“Whatsits” are objects that, when people see them, they ask: “What is it?” Often “whatsits” are tools of a bygone era that are no longer in use. Often they are things you would find in an antique store or an old person’s shop. Bill Gardyne and Allen Yale, long time leaders of the society, will share some of their collections of “whatsits”, asking the audience to try to guess that they were used for. In addition, the audience is invited to bring in some of their own “whatsits” to see if our two presenters or the audience can figure out what they are used for.
The Derby Historical Society brings together people interested in Derby history. The society collects, preserves, and displays material to illustrate the history of the town. The Derby Historical Society Museum is housed in the old 1840 Derby Academy building. Its aim is to be accessible to all who wish to examine, study, and preserve it. We also disseminate historical information by holding public live presentations and provide information through local media, coordinate with local schools, and provide information to educate the public about local Derby heritage. We cooperate with the state and neighboring societies in collecting and preserving local heritage.
Hours and Admission:
The museum is open in the summer on Sunday afternoons from 2:00 – 4:00 or by appointment.
Admission is free, donations are greatly appreciated.
Orleans County Historical Society
The Orleans County Historical Society owns and operates the Old Stone House Museum, the people’s history museum of Orleans County, located in the Brownington Village Historic District. The Old Stone House and the Lawrence Barn, an agricultural exhibit, are open for guided tours from May 15 to October 15. All Orleans County residents receive a discount on admissions at the Museum. The visitor’s center, located in the Alexander Twilight House across from the museum, is open year-round. The Prospect Hill Observatory, offering a panoramic view of Orleans County and beyond, is open from May 1 to November 1. The library and archives, in the Cyrus Easton House are open by appointment year-round.
Each year the museum sponsors a series of public events and educational programs including the Collector’s Fair, the Northeast Kingdom History Fair, the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Show Time Traveler’s Day Camp and Heritage Craft Classes, as well as lectures. This year, students from all over Orleans County will participate in a variety of educational program offered by the museum including; History Fair, Spring Field Day, history day camp and Fall Harvest Day.
The museum seeks donations of objects, photographs, and written or printed material relevant to the history of Orleans County. For more information on programs or membership please call 754-2022, visit our website http://oldstonehousemuseum.org/, or stop by and visit at 109 Old Stone House Rd., Brownington, VT 05860
Vermont Historical Society
