Vermont African American Heritage Trail
Explore museums, cultural sites, exhibits, films and tours that illuminate African American history in Vermont.
The Vermont African American Heritage Trail shares the remarkable stories of African Americans who have made Vermont their home since the time of the Revolutionary War. Seven museums located throughout the state share the stories of the first state constitution to outlaw slavery, of early Abolitionists, of citizens who provided aid to fugitive slaves, and of Vermont’s early African Americans who lived and worked and made a difference in Vermont, the Nation, and overseas.
Tour Operators/Planners – This Trail offers your groups the opportunity to explore this history, combined with all of the iconic destinations and scenery that Vermont has to offer.
Rokeby Museum & the Underground Railroad, Ferrisburgh
Multi-media exhibits and guided tours share the stories of fugitives from slavery who were harbored by Vermont abolitionists
Vermont Folklife Center, Middlebury
Audio/video exhibit of storyteller Daisy Turner provides entertainment and insight into growing up Black in 19th and 20th century Vermont. Groups can arrange for a presentation of the videos at the Folklife Center.
Brandon Museum, Brandon
Film, exhibits and walking tour explain how a small Vermont town became part of the national Abolitionist movement
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, Manchester
A provocative exhibit featuring a restored 1903 Pullman palace car explores the complex history behind the rise of America’s Black middle class. Hildene was the summer home of Robert Lincoln.
Grafton History Museum, Grafton
Exhibits share the remarkable story of former slaves and town residents Alec and Sally Turner, and their home and family. Audio/video exhibit of storyteller Daisy Turner provides entertainment and insight into growing up Black in 19th and 20th century Vermont.
Old Constitution House State Historic Site, Windsor
Visit the tavern in which the first American constitution to outlaw slavery was written.
Old Stone House Museum and Brownington Village, Brownington
The home, school and church of Alexander Twilight – educator, preacher, and first Black to be elected to the Vermont Legislature.
To learn more about these locations and thirteen additional sites visit:
www.VermontVacation.com/AfricanAmericanHeritageTrail
For more information about Vermont’s African American history and Trail including tools for educators (downloadable lesson plans, live programs and more) and a geocaching experience visit www.vtafricanamericanheritage.net