The Rokeby Museum is a special place located in Ferrisburgh, VT. It started out as a spacious and elegant home built between 1725 and 1730. Quaker Thomas Robinson came from Rhode Island and purchased the home and property in 1792 and the Robinson family and its descendants remained there for almost 170 years, at which time the house became a museum. Elizabeth Donoway Robinson was the last member of the family to live at Rokeby and she established the Museum in her will in 1961. She graciously left more than 100 acres of land, historic buildings, the house, and thousands of unique objects and collections for future generations.
One of the exciting exhibits currently at the Rokeby Museum is Free & Safe: The Underground Railroad in Vermont. The Underground Railroad was a vast network of dedicated, caring people who helped fugitive slaves escape to the North and to Canada on secret routes and in safe houses. It estimated that 100,000 slaves found freedom between 1810 and 1850. This exhibit, which will available for public viewing until October 26, 2014 shows the amazing account of two fugitives named Simon and Jesse. These two young men found a safe haven at the Rokeby home and the exhibit traces their stories, shares details and information about the Robinson family, and provides a glimpse into the historical period leading up to the Civil War. The documents, images and recordings truly bring the story of these two men to life—it is a moving and engaging display that the whole family will enjoy.
Take some time to check out this fascinating exhibit and if you are coming from out of town and looking to plan a special weekend getaway, we would love to host you at Swift House Inn. We are located in historic, Middlebury, VT and our country inn is actually a 20-room former governor’s mansion. Our spacious, comfortable rooms have all of the modern amenities to allow you to fully unwind and relax. You can find tranquility here or you can step out and find a host of things to do and see. Contact us at (866) 388-9925 for reservation and don’t forget to ask about our fall packages! You can also view our accommodations and check availability online.
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