Richford VT

The Richford Historical Society is housed in the old 1908 firestation next to the bridge on Main St. The society was reorganized about 12 years ago  with a plan to preserve the building and utilize it as a museum which houses hundreds of artifacts from Richford's past. When the building was first acquired, the generosity of local organizations  and Richford High School alumni made it possible to put on a new roof, renovate the beautiful upstairs meeting rooms and install an elevator. In 2008 a new chimney was built at the museum.

Two rooms upstairs are dedicated to individuals who have been integral parts in preserving the history of the town.The meeting  room is dedicated to William"Dig" Rowley an avid sportsman and town historian. Another room is dedicated to Carolyn Coons R.N., a founder and tirless worker  for  the museum . Also on the second floor is a 50's inspired working  kitchen and a storage/ work room.

The downstairs of the museum is filled with memorabilia from the town's rich past which included many merchants, manufacturing companies, a wood industry and a  community where the trains stopped several times a day delivering passengers and goods. Many of Richford's beautiful Victorian homes, churches and municipal buildings  were built during the 1800's  and early 1900's when the town enjoyed great prosperity.Townspeople and alumni have been generous in donations of artifacts to fill the museum. The museum recently acquired a series of drawing of residents in the community during  the 1950's. The caricatures were drawn and donated by former resident Kenneth Baker, who visits the museum each year in July.

In July, the museum directors plan to have a pie auction  in conjunction with Old Home Days. Local auctioneer and board director , Mark Waterhouse will once again, auction off the locally made pies.

By popular demand, two years ago, the museum board reprinted  the History of Richford written by Jack Salisbury.It is available for sale at the museum and offers a comprehensive look at the early history of the town. Each year the museum enjoys a steady stream of visitors during Old Home Days in July and at the annual quilt show in October, which is sponsored in part, by the museum. In 2008 the quilt show featured not only quilts old and new, but also a doll show at the historical society and an apron display and candy sale at the town  library.

Museum hours in the summer are on Saturday mornings. Anyone who would like to join the Historical Society, know more about  the  early days of  Richford or volunteer to  work on Saturdays  should call Mae Kittell at 933-6622.

The current board of directors includes: Linda Collins-President, Mae Kittell-Secretary/Treasurer and curator, Marianne Hall, John Libbey, Neil Lovelette, Hayden Janes, Mark Waterhouse, Paulette Legault and Carolyn Coons. We have two slots open for the board of trustees. Anyone interested should call Mae Kittell.