Shelburne Museum, Vermont

[rancar]

A couple days ago I had the opportunity to visit the Shelburne Museum just south of Burlington, Vermont on the shores of Lake Champlain. I was pleasantly surprised.

This museum is somewhat similar to Williamsburg in Virginia and Sturbridge in Massachusetts in that many of the exhibits depict what life was like in America's earlier history and in this particular case the mid to late 1800s. I would encourage anyone who is vacationing in northern Vermont or simply passing through to spend a day at the Museum if you have an interest in early American history and culture.

Of notable interest to me was the extensive collection of horse drawn carriages, wagons, and sleighs that were on display in two barn buildings dedicated for their exhibition. This is the finest showing of coachwork I've ever seen in this country.....far better than anything on display at the Washington Smithsonian's American Museum of American History. Over 100 different wagons and coaches were on exhibit including a Conestoga wagon and stagecoach similar to ones you see in the old western movies on TV.

In addition, your wives or lady friends might enjoy the extensive collection of quilts on display in various buildings. From what my wife has told me, some of these are unique, one of a kind quilts that probably took the maker a lifetime to make. For art lovers, there are Monets, Rembrandts, Manets, and other art masterpieces to view that are worth millions...the security that was present was evident of that.

Overall, a very enjoyable day. See web link below for more info.

Shelburne Museum

...Bob

 

[alan40]

Your right Bob. The Shelburne Museum is one of the hidden treasures in the state of Vermont. They do many theme weeks also. They say the lilac week is aboslutely beautiful. I like the laid back attitude and your really allowed to go at your own pace in many of the exhibits.
Take care

 

[JohnMiller3]

Hi Bob...

Where's the pictures? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

You've got my attention... need more... pictures... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[rancar]

Sorry, John. No pics this time. Friday was a cool rainy day that did not accommodate outdoor picture taking. I was also unprepared to take indoor pics as I did not know what to expect. I'll know better next time. Indoor exhibits require flash cameras in those buildings that allow them. Flash cameras are not allowed in the buildings where the quilts and art masterpieces are on exhibit.

I should add here that admission fee was $17.50 per adult. However, many local motels have discount vouchers. Days Inn in Shelburne had a $4.00 discount voucher for their guests. In addition, the upstate NY's Entertainment book has a 2 for 1 admission coupon in the back. This is what we used bringing down the total admission to a very affordable $8.75 per adult admission for a very full day of sightseeing at this worthwhile museum.

I told my wife I enjoyed this day's outing so much I wanted to go back.....this time I'll be well prepared for picture taking, especially of those wagons and coaches.

...Bob

 

[Golfgar4]

Morning Bob....

What a coincidence you making a post about the Shelburne museum! /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

This weekend we had a family gathering, and I got to talking with my sister-in-law about the vacation the wife and I will be taking this fall. I mentioned that we were heading to New England, and she said that no matter where else we went, we should make sure that we visited the Shelburne Museum! When I mentioned that we were planning on staying in Burlington, she said we would be located perfectly.

It sounds great! Looking forward to seeing it.

I'll plan on taking my camera for sure! I'm not completely sure of the dates that we'll be out there yet, but we're hoping to leave here around September 27th or so and we'll be travelling for the next 3 weeks. Once we nail down the dates, I'll let you know. Maybe we can plan on meeting there the same day! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[rancar]

Good morning Garry...

This is good to hear. You'll enjoy Shelburne and Burlington. Make sure you reserve at least a day to go through Shelburne. The admission fee lets you in for two consecutive days but you can likely hustle through and see everything of interest in the 10AM to 5PM time frame when museum grounds are open. There's also lots to see and do in downtown Burlington. If you are looking for a place to stay for a night or 2 drop me a PM and I'll recommend some motels and restaurants. You may also want to check out Stowe, VT.....about a 45 minute drive northeast of Burlington where the Von Trapps (of Sound of Music fame) have their family lodge. This also is a delightful place to stay for a day or two if you have the time.

The time you're traveling will be great in terms of seeing fall foliage. Northern VT foliage will be in full color then with still generally warm days but cool nights. Let me know what dates you think you'll be passing through and I'll see how my schedule looks for taking another trip up to Shelburne.

...Bob

 

[rancar]

<font color="blue"> "...about the vacation the wife and I will be taking this fall. I mentioned that we were heading to New England,..." </font>

Garry,

You may also want to check out the following web link. This story appeared in yesterday's Albany Times Union....our local news daily.

New England Travel Journeys

...Bob

 

[Golfgar4]

Hi Bob.....(again!)

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize that the Shelburne was that big!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Sounds like it'll be fun!

If things work out the way they're supposed to, we'll be staying at a resort (I don't know which one the wife requested) in or around Burlington that is member of our time share program (RCI). If things don't work out, I may need to take you up on any suggestions you might have. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif I'm afraid pickings might be a little slim by now since we're only about 2 months away. I know places fill up pretty quickly up there at that time of year.

I know my wife requested a certain week at the resort in Burlington, but I'm not sure which week. The last time I asked her what the dates were, she couldn't remember! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Even if we can't get that particular resort, we'd still be planning on being in the area that week. I'll let you know just as soon as I can.

Thanks for the quick reply! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Glenn9643]

Mississippi Ag Museum

This made me think of the Mississippi Ag Museum in Jackson. If you ever get to that part of the country it's certainly worth a half-day to look over the old farm equipment and items from our heritage. Link below:

http://www.mdac.state.ms.us/Library/BBC/AgMuseum/AgForMuseum.html

 

[rancar]

Re: Mississippi Ag Museum

Thanks Glenn. This does look interesting. I certainly will check this out if I'm passing through Mississippi. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif It reminds me of the Farmer's Museum located not far from me in Cooperstown, NY.....home of baseball's Hall of Fame.

One curious thing about Shelburne Museum.....there are not many old farm implements and machinery from the late 1800s and early 1900s. This is an oddity since they seem to have just about everything else from that era on display.

...Bob