newfane vermont 2024

Welcome to The Historical Society of Windham County

  • The Society was founded in 1927 to collect, preserve and present the history of Windham County.
  • We invite you to visit our three museums and explore the historic Village of Newfane. It is one of the most photographed villages in Vermont and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Historical Society of Windham County sign
Three buildings
Discover the History of Windham County, Vermont
Newfane Vermont Jail building
County History Museum

The County History Museum is located in the historic 1825 County Jail building in Newfane Village. The building includes the original jail cells as well as 10 exhibit areas. The Society’s extensive collection of artifacts and documents tells the stories of Windham County’s history from the pre-Colonial period to the present.

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Newfane West River Railroad train station switch
West River Railroad Museum

The West River Railroad Museum is housed in the original Newfane Railroad Station. The Station comprises the historic Depot Building and Water Tank House, both of which were built in 1880. Our extensive collection of West River Railroad artifacts, photographs and documents is exhibited in the Museum.

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1936 county museum building
Research Center

The Historical Society's Research Center is housed in the building originally constructed as the Society's main Museum in Newfane Village. The 1936 building now serves as the Society's library, archive, and genealogical repository. Resources include journals, letters, maps, photographs, books, and newspapers.

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railroad handcart and kids

About the Historical Society of Windham County

The Historical Society of Windham County is the central repository for the history of Windham County, Vermont, and is located in scenic Newfane, the County shire town.

The HSWC operates three facilities devoted to local history including the County History Museum, the West River Railroad museum, and the genealogy research center.

In addition, the HSWC offers educational events for all ages, including our local biennial history fair held in August.

Looking for genealogy help?  Contact us about your Windham County ancestor and we’ll tell you what we know.

Thanks for visiting the Historical Society of Windham County web site!

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Get Involved
Get Involved
Volunteer with HSWC

There are many reasons to volunteer with the Historical Society of Windham County, and just as many ways to get involved. Volunteers assist the Curator and the Board of Directors as Museum Docents, as well as with aspects of the collection’s management, including data entry, exhibit development, research and fundraising.

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Make a Donation

The Historical Society of Windham County welcomes donations to help us carry out our mission of preserving and presenting our local history. Your tax deductible contributions support our County History Museum, the West River Railroad Museum as well as the Research Center.

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Become a Member

Become a member of the Historical Society, and receive our informative newsletter of historical articles and Society news three times a year. The Society sponsors a series of educational programs and events throughout the year. Members get a 10% discount off admission to museums of fellow members of the League of Local Historical Societies & Museums in Vermont.

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