Museum Schedule
Our hours are Thursdays 10am to noon and 2pm to 4pm and on the second and fourth Sundays from 2pm to 4pm. We are also open by appointment. You can contact us for research assistance by phone, 860-875-4326 or by email, [email protected].
VHS Fund Raisers
Holiday Craft Fair and "Nearly New" Tables
Our Holiday Craft Fair and Sale is set for Saturday, November 25th 9am-4pm and Sunday, November 26th 10am-4pm.
In addition to the work of local crafters, the Craft Fair offers the popular “Nearly New” tables covered with treasures and holiday items at reasonable prices. Any donations are appreciated and the proceeds from the sale of the “Nearly New” items go to support the work of the Society.
Donated items can be dropped off at the Historical Society’s Museum at 734 Hartford Turnpike on any Tuesday afternoon, pm. and 4pm, Thursdays between 10am and Noon and 2pm and 4pm. Also, on the 2n
d and 4th Sundays of the month between 2pm and 4pm. To make other arrangements for bringing items to the museum or for further information, please call the Society at 860-875-4326.
Thank you very much for your support.
The VHS Craft Fair volunteers
2023 Grant Update
Newspaper Digitization Project. The funds from the CT Humanities Operations Grant were also used to hire a consultant with a background in digitizing newspapers to prepare a report that will provide a roadmap for getting our historic papers into an online format. In her final report the consultant provided an assessment of our papers on microfilm, assembled a list of vendors for the scanning of the reels and made recommendations for hosting sites for the online content while also covering copyright and developing a budget. With the information contained in this report, the Newspaper Digitization Advisory Committee can determine what the next steps are to making our historic local papers available online.
Window Restoration Grant. The windows in the Museum building are nearly 100 years old and need restoring. We applied for a matching grant from the State Historic Preservation Office to complete this project. We were delighted to receive $40,825. Next year the windows will be restored, using the original components whenever possible to retaining the historic character of the building.
Mission Statement
The Vernon Historical Society is a volunteer operated, non-profit organization. The purpose of the Society is to create interest and activity in the field of local history.
The Museum building serves as a repository for a variety of collected materials that are available to the general public for research.
These collections aid historians, genealogists, and interested citizens in research, and provide source materials for exhibits, publications and programs.
During Museum hours, volunteers are present to answer questions and provide access to collected materials.
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Upcoming Events
Tolland County Agricultural Center:
Agricultural Cornerstone 
Join us on October 15, 2023, from 2pm to 4pm, at the Tolland County Agricultural Center, located at 24 Hyde Ave, Vernon. We invite you to embark on a historical journey with us, delving into the roots of this agricultural cornerstone. After a brief business meeting, Becky Person, a second-generation lifetime member of the TCAC will provide an informative presentation on its history with historical photos, newspaper articles, and other items that document the TAC’s history.
After the program, weather permitting, we'll embark on a guided walking tour of the TCAC's property.
Click here to learn more about the program.
VHS Video Productions
“Rockville High School:150 Years of Excellence and Community"
The RHS lecture was filmed by our friends at the Community Voice Channel. It can be viewed by clicking here.
"Remembering World War II” - Video
In October 2021 the successful premier of the video production of “Boosting Our Morale:
Soldiers’ Letters to the Rockville Journal During World War II” occurred. The video consisted of readings from letters written to the editor of the Rockville Journal during the War by local men and women in service. Members of the Rockville High School Drama Club read the letters accompanying the film.
For those who could not attend, the film is available on the Society’s YouTube page.
Click here to follow the link
VHS Virtual Fall Program “Goes Live”
“History in Plain Sight: Monuments & Memorials in Vernon Connecticut” a special video presentation will serve as our Fall Program for 2020.
The video is available at the Society’s You Tube page. Go to youtube.com. Then search for Vernon Historical Society or use this link. https://youtu.be/3gKPPRwof4g
Click here for a map of the locations featured. in the video.
The video was created with the assistance of VHS volunteers and members of the community. M5Digital Technologies donated their time to assemble the images and voiceover recordings into a finished film.
“History in Plain Sight: Monuments & Memorials in Vernon Connecticut” was designed to highlight places in town with historic significance. Another purpose for the film was to encourage viewers to visit these places, in effect combining education with exercise.
You have your assignment. Watch the film. Then go find the places.
The Art of Gustave Hoffman (1869-1945)
An exhibit of the etchings by local artist Gustave Hoffman is on display at the Museum. The pieces were collected by Michael Sharon and donated in honor of this parents, Dr. Michael and Jean Sharon.
Click here for a short video about this special exhibit.
Support Our Sponsors!
These organizations help the Society by placing business card ads in our newsletter. The VHS thanks these businesses and organizations for their support.
