Join us on a journey

The Burlington History & Culture Center celebrates the many cultures that built our Queen City. It’s all about you! The Center envisions wide diversity in the historical stories we present to help us understand the issues we now face. The Center’s mission is to broaden our historical knowledge, celebrate our historical diversity, and present the overlooked stories of the men and women who built Burlington and are still building it. Knowing our diverse history will help us see ourselves as active participants in the city’s history.

Saiger’s Department Store on North Avenue, which later became Colodny's, then Burlington College, and now COTS. Courtesy UVM Landscape Change program.

To aid in our search for a location or locations to house this rich history, we are in the midst of an 18-month long “listening tour.” We are meeting with the community and inviting you to take our survey, share your ideas, volunteer your time, and tell your friends and neighbors. Think outside the box!

Learn More About BHCC

Anne Connelly, 1931, the Blind Merchant of Burlington, is reported to be the first person to use a seeing eye dog in the state. Courtesy John Thomas.

Stories

We are committed to uncovering and sharing the often untold stories of the diverse people who built Burlington.

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Monica’s Grandparents, Lillian and Abraham Allen, with their new car on South Champlain Street. Courtesy Monica Farrington.

Monica Farrington's Lebanese Food Traditions

Monica Farrington introduces you to her Lebanese grandmother and her community on South Champlain Street, Burlington.

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Louis Hershberg, 3rd from right, and family in Lithuania. Courtesy David Hershberg, Burlington.

Hershberg Family

David Hershberg tells the story of his father, Louis Hershberg, who immigrated from Lithuania alone as a 16-year-old in 1912.

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S. Beach Advertising Card, Llewellyn Collection of Vermont History, Champlain College Local History Collection, 2010.1.677. Courtesy Champlain College.

Your Voice

Help Shape the Burlington History & Culture Center

We need your input! Help us bring the proposed Burlington History & Culture Center to life by sharing your ideas and feedback. Your voice matters in envisioning this project. Select the link to visit our surveymonkey survey or scan the QR code to participate.

Take our survey QR Code for Survey

The famous “Genesee 12 Horse Team” from Genesee Brewing Company, 1935, in front of Henry’s Diner. Notice truck from the Champlain Fruit Company. Photo by John H. Couture, Henry’s son.

News Room

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Ruth and Frances McKenzie on a cross-country trip, 1929. Courtesy Peter J. Beck.

Burlington History & Culture Center Discussion on Town Meeting TV

In the news

December 23, 2024

Auguste and Louis Lumière from Lyon, 1895, French manufacturers of photography equipment and their Cinèmatographe motion picture system. They built a factory on Park Street (now Flynn Avenue) in Burlington. That factory is now the Burlington Beer Company.

Moments With Melinda: Interview with Hugo Martinez Cazon about The Lumiere Brothers of Burlington

Local History

December 23, 2024

Burlington had several bakeries owned by French Canadians, including Gelineau’s Bakery on North St. The parade float advertised their business on North St. Courtesy Louis L. McAllister Collection, UVM.

Seven Days “Planned Burlington History & Culture Center Would Focus on the Regular Folks Who Built the City” by KEN PICARD

In the news

December 23, 2024

Partners

Burlington History & Culture Center wishes to acknowledge the support of our partners who help make this project possible.

Testimonials

Your voice matters. View all testimonials

This Center will help us “embrace different ways of being human.” - Participant in Champlain Voices Self Advocacy Forum

The idea of the Center is very exciting at a time when Burlington needs to turn away from all that is dividing us towards inclusive healing. - Marianne Ward

We need to figure this out together. - Participants in AALV Women’s Group

I want to be known as someone with a sense of place, not as a refugee. - Participants in AALV Women’s Group

Burlington has such a rich history. Having an active community of people keeping the past stories alive and capturing the new ones adds to the unique sense of place in Vermont’s Queen City. - Chapin Spencer, Burlington Public Works Director

I’m thrilled for the creation of a History & Culture Museum for Burlington. It will offer an invaluable resource for appreciating and understanding our shared heritage. The museum will serve as a gathering point in the city, highlighting the unique contributions of Burlington's various communities visitors through interactive experiential and educational programs. - Matt MacNeil, Burlington Resident and Volunteer

It is so important to ground both visitors to and residents of our city with a sense of place. The ideas BHCC is considering are a combination of what we traditionally think of as a history museum-- in one location-- and what a history museum could be. BHCC is thinking outside the box! - Carol Ode, State Representative

Burlington is enriched with a deep history of many peoples that have brought their creativity and work, together with the natural wonders and resources, to our shared lake. But a cultural center is missing in Burlington. Tourists are surprised to find there is no local museum or history based cultural center. This Center is badly needed. - Hugo Martinez Cazon, PE MS

As soon as I heard about this plan to create an inclusive, all-voices-heard history and culture space that will highlight the people involved in building what is now this amazing city, I wanted to support it. Can't believe Burlington doesn't yet have anything like this. This will be important & fantastic. - Emily S., Supporter

I believe that ‘knowledge’ of place is central to regulation of self and can foster care for our community. When I know place, the place where I live, when I know the landscape, the birds, the trees, the community I share my day to day life with, and can dream of those that came before me….intimacy is the result. This matters because when I am intimate with something or someone there is organic reciprocity, authentic care, investment. - Eva Simon, Volunteer