Blending history and nature into a journey of discovery and fun in Vermont
Nestled in the heart of New England, the state of scenic mountains, historic towns, and vibrant culture blends together. Vermont offers students the opportunity to connect with the past while experiencing the beauty of their Green Mountain state firsthand!
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Vermont History Museum (Montpelier)
Engaging exhibits at the Vermont History Museum. Photo credit: Vermont History Museum Facebook
Located in the state’s capital, the Vermont History Museum provides an immersive look at Vermont’s unique role in shaping American history. Step into Vermont’s story and uncover the people, places and events that shaped the Green Mountain State. Students can explore the Freedom & Unity exhibit, a journey that takes the class through Revolutionary War battles, Civil War contributions, and the rise of modern industries they see today. With the help of artifacts, multimedia displays and interactive exhibits, students get a firsthand look at how Vermonters have balanced independence with community. Class groups can take advantage of tailored educational programming, including scavenger hunts and guided tours, encouraging hands-on learning. Conveniently located just steps from the State House, this museum is an ideal starting point for the entire classroom to explore Vermont’s rich heritage.
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum (Vergennes)
At the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, students can dive deep into the stories of Vermont’s most famous waterway and the people who had to rely on it. The museum brings centuries of maritime history to life through over a dozen exhibit buildings, including a replica 1776 gunboat from the Revolutionary War and hands-on demonstrations of shipbuilding techniques. With an abundance of outdoor exhibits, shipwreck artifacts, and interactive displays, young visitors get an up-close and interactive way of learning about the military strategy, industry, and everyday life that went on in the region. The museum offers tailored educational programming and engaging activities that highlight archaeology, ecology and navigation. With a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, this lakeside destination provides a unique opportunity to connect Vermont’s natural beauty with its fascinating past.
The Museum’s replica schooner, Lois McClure, has been a staple of education. Photo credit: Lake Champlain Maritime Museum Facebook
Shelburne Museum (Shelburne)
Nestled amid rolling Vermont landscapes, the Shelburne Museum is a vibrant blend of art, history and immersive discovery perfect for a classroom visit. Spread across historic buildings and scenic grounds, the hands-on destination offers school groups a diverse learning experience through gallery talks, drop-in art activities, and fun, family outings. Students can choose between self-guided explorations during their open season or they can opt for guided visits, including interactive programs. The museum also provides educational tools such as pre-and post-visit lesson plans, printable “passports” for tracking discoveries, and inquiry-based Thinking Routines to deepen the journey for all students. Whether wandering through its historic structures or engaging arts-infused programs, the whole classroom is invited to make meaningful connections and bring Vermont’s cultural stories to life.
The Shelburne Museum offers interactive lessons for all ages. Photo credit: Shelburne Museum Facebook
Ethan Allen Homestead offers immersive experiences for students. Photo credit: Ethan Allen Homestead Facebook
Ethan Allen Homestead (Burlington)
At the Ethan Allen Homestead, students can step back into 18th-century Vermont and experience the daily life of the state’s famous Revolutionary War hero. The site features Allen’s original 1787 farmhouse, where guided tours introduce visitors to colonial traditions, frontier challenges, and Vermont’s fight for independence. The museum enriches the story with engaging exhibits, demonstrations of colonial crafts, and a recreated tavern that reveals the social life of the era. Outside, trails and hands-on activities extend learning into the natural landscape, where students can take part in scavenger hunts or explore the reconstructed Abenaki Village. For groups, specialized programs bring history alive through themes like bartering and trade, colonial politics, and botany. Blending history, culture, and nature, the Ethan Allen Homestead gives students an interactive way to connect with Vermont’s revolutionary roots.
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Header image: Learn about Vermont’s maritime history at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Photo credit: Lake Champlain Maritime Museum Facebook
