About Us
The Underhill Historical Society is headquartered at the restored District No. 5 Schoolhouse at 32 Pleasant Valley Road in Underhill Center, Vermont. The No. 5 Schoolhouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2018 and the restoration was finished in 2019 thanks to local funding through Friends of the Old Schoolhouse.
Today the District No. 5 Schoolhouse houses the UHS archives and artifacts and hosts UHS meetings and community events.
Our Mission
The Underhill Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Underhill for generations to come. Our mission is to collect, interpret, and promote the diverse stories of the people, places, and events that have shaped our town over the centuries. Our vision is of a vibrant local community that is deeply connected to its past.
Preservation
We believe that every artifact, document, and story has value, and that it is our responsibility to steward these resources with care and respect. Through careful cataloging, storage, and interpretation of our collections, we ensure that they are accessible and relevant to all. We also recognize the importance of ongoing research and interpretation to deepen our understanding of our community’s past and to inform our present and future. We recognize that the history of our community is only what has been uncovered and preserved, and that there are countless stories that have yet to be told. That’s why we are committed to engaging in ongoing research, using the latest technologies and best practices to uncover new information and perspectives on our community’s past.
Research
At the Underhill Historical Society, we are dedicated to uncovering and telling the stories of our community’s past through our research program. We believe that history is not just a collection of facts and dates, but a tapestry of stories woven together by the people, places, and events that have shaped our town. We seek to illuminate the lives of those who have been underrepresented or marginalized in traditional historical narratives, and to explore the complexities and nuances of our community’s past. We believe that it is our responsibility to tell as many stories as we can, in order to create a fuller and more accurate understanding of our shared history.
Outreach
We believe that history is not just something that happened in the past, but is an ongoing and dynamic part of our lives today and seek to foster connections between people of all ages and backgrounds. We hold public events throughout the year, such as lectures, workshops, and festivals to engage with the public and to share our research and collections. We strive to share our research and findings with our community, and to inspire others to join us in the important work of uncovering and preserving our history.
Through engaging exhibits, programs, and educational initiatives, we strive to inspire curiosity, foster connections, and encourage a deeper appreciation for our shared heritage. We aim to be a vital resource for all those who seek to learn about and connect with our community’s past, present, and future. As stewards of our community’s history, we are committed to responsible and respectful stewardship of our collections and resources, ensuring that they are accessible and relevant to all. We also recognize the importance of collaboration and partnership in achieving our goals, and work to build relationships with individuals, organizations, and institutions both within our community and beyond.
Underhill Historical Society 