The Essex Community Historical Society

Welcome to the Website for the Essex Community Historical Society
and the
"Harriet Farnsworth Powell Historical Museum"

The official opening of the Harriet Farnsworth Powell Museum is Sunday, June 2,  1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

"Happy 261st Birthday to Us"

Governor Benning Wentworth of the New Hampshire Colony granted charters to 18 Vermont Towns on June 7 & 8, 1763. Ten of them here in Chittenden County.

Joining the Essex Community Historical Society in a “Happy 261st Birthday to Us” celebration at the Harriet Farnsworth Powell Museum are the Colchester Historical Society and the Williston Historical Society. Stop by and see their exhibits and the ECHS exhibits new for 2024 highlighting organizations who helped shaped the Essex community and honoring, on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Essex men who were there. The ECHS 2024 exhibits are co-sponsored by the Essex Junction Lions Club and the Blue Spruce Grange.

Harriet Farnsworth Powell Historical Museum Schedule:

There is no admission fee to visit or enjoy the Museum.
Beginning on the first Sunday in June, the Museum will be open every Sunday from 1:pm to 4:pm for the Summer season. The Museum is also open on the 2nd Saturday, from 1:pm to 4:pm.
The Museum may be open for visits by special appointment.
The Museum will close after Indigenous Peoples' Day for the Winter season.
For Museum or ECHS Society information please contact the Essex Community Historical Society

The Essex Community Historical Society (ECHS) makes continuous efforts to reach out to the Essex community to help advance the knowledge and appreciation of the roots of our town for our residents as well as other interested parties. The ECHS presents historical displays at the Champlain Valley Fair, The Vermont History Expo, the Village Summer Block Party, the Town Post Office and the Town Meeting. We participate in the Memorial Day Parade and the Town Christmas Tree Lighting. The Society presents multiple historical programs under our "Tales & Treasures of Essex History" series.

On an ongoing basis the ECHS offers several self-guided walks both in the Town and the Village, and elementary school presentations at the museum, around Essex Center and in the classroom. We continually update our Harriet Farnsworth Powell Museum and present historical displays that accentuate the history of our town and forbearers. We work closely with individuals and groups seeking information about our town as well as help with genealogical searches. We take on special projects such as the restoration of the Fort Ethan Allen Water Tower, the Molloy House Arch and the little white Schoolhouse currently located at the Town green. In collaboration with the Railroad Avenue Recess, Heart and Soul of Essex and the Essex Community Historical Society, the Essex Photo Historical Hikes were born ! The Museum distributes copies of a self-guided walking tour, which explores the historic past of Essex Center. We offer a biannual publication, "The Echo", to update the activities of the Society and to present original articles about the Town and its residents. Lastly, we publish an Essex Historical Calendar every Fall for the coming year.

☞ View the Events page for our Tales & Treasures programs and other ECHS activities.
☞ Visit our Noticeboard for community announcements and our for-sale items:
Calendars, Slate Roof Tiles painted & unpainted, Historical Books, Cards, etc..
☞ Check out the History section that contains historical articles of the Essex Communities.
☞ Follow the Water Tower restoration. View images of the new Roof and Windows being replaced.

All Donations to the General Fund will be used by the Essex Community Historical Society for their local activities and the operation and maintenance of the Harriet Farnsworth Powell Historical Museum.
Please make a donation for any amount today.
You can even make a donation on the behalf of someone.
ECHS is a 501(c)(3) corporation. All donations are tax deductible.