Norwich Historical Society

08/29/2026

See "We the Unseen People: an artist and historian explore the archives" at the Norwich Historical Society starting at the opening reception on Thursday, September 3rd from 5-7pm. The exhibit runs through January.

08/28/2026

08/28/2026

Can't wait for the Norwich Antiques Show on September 19 in Norwich, Vermont! Thanks to William A. Smith Auctions, Inc. for sponsoring the show!

08/27/2026

Antiques needed for our community booth - https://mailchi.mp/64391fbc7d27/antiques-needed-10164381

08/26/2026

Our newest exhibit opens on Thursday, September 3 from 5 - 7pm. Artist Luciana Frigerio and NHS Director Sarah Rooker have teamed up to explore how art can illuminate the lives of people who did not make it into the history books.

08/09/2026

Antiques needed for our community booth - https://mailchi.mp/7a4c5b5b9de0/antiques-needed-10163718

07/03/2026

Here's a story about getting the Revere Bell to ring again. It involves community volunteers, a leather belt from Dan & Whit's, and a bit of know-how. https://vnews.com/2026/07/02/norwich-church-bell-repair/

We'll be ringing it 250 times tomorrow!

Discover the fascinating story of the repair of the historic Paul Revere bell in Norwich Congregational Church. Learn about the challenges and solutions.

07/03/2026

Join us at 2:00 on July 4th for the ringing of the Revere Bell.
We all know about Paul Revere's "One if by land, two if by sea" gallop through the countryside. Some of us may remember that he was a silversmith. But did you know he also cast bells? And, did you know that Vermont's earliest bell inscribed "Revere & Son Boston 1817" hangs in the Norwich Congregational Church? It weighs 619 pounds and was probably pulled by oxen all the way from Boston.

This was the first church bell in Norwich and served both the church and the community. It called worshippers to church, but also rang out for weddings, tolled for funerals, and pealed during emergencies. It was the way to get the word out to the community.

It tolled when the news of Lincoln's death arrived and the old men "wept in the streets."
It rang and rang when the store and Inn began to burn, calling men to help from miles away.
It rang all day after the river flooded.
In the days before telephones, it was an important community asset.

Ring the Bell on July 4

Join the Norwich Congregational Church and Norwich Historical Society on July 4th at 2pm to ring the bell. There will be some short remarks and.....ICE CREAM!

We'll see if we can celebrate the 250th with 250 rings of the bell. And, just imagine for a moment, the generations behind you and the generations ahead who get to hear what Paul Revere (and his sons) created.

06/08/2026

The weather on Saturday is looking exceptional for a garden tour – clear with a high in the mid 80s – perfect weather for the Norwich Historical Society’s Annual Garden and House Tour. The self-led House and Garden Tour will journey across Norwich and explore five gardens and one house from 10am-3pm on Saturday, June 13th. Learn about some local architecture, history, and the next flower you’ll be planting at your own home.

There will be refreshments and en plein air artists and musicians and so much more along the way.

The tour is $30 a person ($25 for NHS or Garden Club members).

Raffle tickets are $5 a piece or 5 for $20.

Tour and Raffle Tickets can be purchased online now or at NHS on Saturday: norwichhistory.org/june-house-garden-tour-2026
Now’s the time to get in the garden (even if it’s not your own).

05/18/2026

Self-guided tour includes 1 house interior and 5 gardens in the village and along the river. Wander through the gardens and enjoy the many plantings and vistas that create the settings for the homes.

There will be musicians, refreshments, and painters. Bring a picnic to enjoy while soaking in the views. Tickets at: https://norwichhistory.org/june-house-garden-tour-2026/