The History Center of Woodstock, Vermont

The Woodstock History Center interprets the history of Woodstock, Vermont and the surrounding area. It houses a large collection of antique furniture, fine art, clothing, textiles, silver, ceramics, photographs, and early American toys.

The Dana House, the History Center’s Museum, was built in 1807 for village merchant Charles Dana. In 1943 it was sold by the Dana family and turned into a museum.

Today, seventy years later, the Woodstock History Center strives to preserve historical artifacts and promote history education through a wide variety of programs, including history camps for children, a monthly lecture series, museum exhibits, historic re-enactments, and local history publications. In addition to the Dana House Museum, the Woodstock History Center has a research library, a photograph/document archive, a perennial garden, and a beautiful back lawn. This back lawn, with its picture perfect view of Woodstock village’s only covered bridge, may be rented for outdoor weddings, receptions and other special events.

Woodstock History Center Hours

The administrative offices are open year round, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The John Cotton Dana Research Library is also open year round, but only on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please call ahead or email with your research requests so we may better accommodate you.  The Dana House Museum is closed for the season; however, we will be open for select days. We are also happy to open the museum by appointment.

The History Center’s beautiful back lawn and gardens are open to the public. Bring a picnic basket, a book, or your easel and paints, and enjoy the quiet beauty of this hidden gem.