Nestled in the picturesque Northeast Kingdom of Vermont sits an architectural gem – the old stone house museum in Brownington. This historic home provides a glimpse into life in early 19th century Vermont.
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The Story Behind the Old Stone House
The stately two-story stone house was built in 1842 by Moses Jewett. Jewett was a local lawyer and statesman who served several terms in the Vermont legislature. The land was originally part of a larger farm owned by Jewett’s father. Jewett commissioned the construction of the stone house in the popular Greek Revival style, using granite quarried from the surrounding hills.
The house features many hallmarks of Greek Revival architecture including its front gabled orientation, rectangular structure, cornice returns, and decorative door surround. Its rugged stone facade reflects the sensibilities and local materials of rural Vermont. Inside, the home contains hand hewn beams, walnut floors, marble fireplaces and an intricately carved staircase.
After Moses Jewett’s death, the house passed through several owners over the years. It was converted into the Brownington Inn during the early 20th century. Then in the late 1960s, the house was purchased by the Orleans County Historical Society and opened as a museum.
Alexander Twilight’s Restoration Efforts
In the 1980s, Alexander Twilight, a descendant of an early African American settler in Vermont, took interest in the stone house. He donated funds and led efforts to restore the home to its original 19th century appearance. Twilight helped obtain reproduction furniture and fixtures to accurately depict life in the 1840s. He also assisted with structural repairs, remodeling the kitchen, and repainting the interior with historic colors.
From Private Home to Public Museum
Today the Stone House Museum provides an immersive look into domestic life, culture, and architecture of 19th century Vermont. It contains over 4,000 artifacts, many original to Moses Jewett and the home itself. The layout, furnishings, and decor of several rooms have been meticulously restored to appear as they did during the 1840s.
Visitors can tour the formal parlor, family sitting room, dining room, kitchen, bedrooms, and study. Costumed interpreters provide insight into how the Jewett family lived and entertained. The museum also features temporary exhibits about Vermont history. Outbuildings on the property include a reconstructed late 18th century log cabin and an 1860s barn.
This one-of-a-kind stone house museum offers a rare opportunity to step back in time. The lovingly preserved homestead tells the story of early Vermont living and the influential citizens who built up the community of Brownington. The museum keeps the history of this 1842 stone house alive for new generations to discover and enjoy.
The Old Stone House Museum, located in Brownington, Vermont, is a historic site and museum that tells the story of life in rural Vermont during the 19th century. The museum is housed in a large stone building that was built in the early 1830s by Alexander Twilight, the first African American to graduate from a college in the United States.
The Old Stone House was originally built as a school and boarding house for the Orleans County Grammar School, which was founded by Twilight in 1823. The school was one of the first in Vermont to provide education to both boys and girls, and it quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality education. The Old Stone House served as the school’s main building until 1867, when it was converted into a private residence.
Today, the Old Stone House Museum is owned and operated by the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, and it is open to the public for tours and educational programs. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which showcase the history of the building and its role in the development of education in Vermont. The museum’s exhibits include a variety of artifacts and documents related to the history of the Orleans County Grammar School and its founders, including Alexander Twilight and his wife, Mercy Ladd Twilight.
In addition to its exhibits, the Old Stone House Museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events, including workshops, lectures, and demonstrations. These programs provide visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the history of the Old Stone House and the important role it played in the development of education in Vermont.
Overall, the Old Stone House Museum is a unique and fascinating destination for anyone interested in the history of Vermont and the role of education in shaping the state’s development. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a fun and educational way to spend the day, the Old Stone House Museum is a must-see attraction in Brownington, Vermont.
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