THE LANDMARK COLLECTION

Here in Vermont, history isn’t behind glass — it lives quietly in the corners of our state, tucked inside weathered barns and the rolling fields of historic homes. The Landmark Collection was created to shine a light on three of these hidden gems: the Henry Sheldon Museum, Rokeby Museum, and the Justin Morrill Homestead. With your help, we can make sure their stories continue to be told.

A Drive Through Vermont History

Hop in and ride along as we wander Vermont’s roads — from Ferrisburgh to Middlebury to Strafford. Along the way, we’ll visit each landmark, learn their legends, and end our journey back at Vermont Flannel, where their stories inspired three brand-new patterns.

FIRST STOP

Rokeby Museum

FERRISBURGH, VERMONT

Nestled in the rolling hills of Ferrisburgh, Rokeby Museum tells a nationally significant Underground Railroad story through a distinctly Vermont lens. The original farmhouse out back was built by the Dakin family in the late 1780s, then purchased by the Robinsons in 1793. They were a family of farmers, artists, writers, and abolitionists — over the years, four generations of Robinsons called it home. 

IMAGE: THE MARK USED ON ROKEBY SHEEP, NOW PART OF THEIR LOGO

The family helped shape Vermont’s history — they were among the first in the state to farm Merino sheep, and among the earliest and most outspoken opponents of slavery in Vermont and the U.S. Their home became a shelter and support to those seeking freedom. They also happened to be cousins of the folks who owned the property where our Vermont Flannel store now lives, just down the road in Ferrisburgh! Today, the house still holds 200 years of their belongings, and you can almost feel their presence in every room.

Their mission:

Rokeby Museum is dedicated to bringing Vermont’s history and the American story to life within a discussion of contemporary social and racial justice issues. The museum serves as a place for education, reflection, and open conversation.

Support Rokeby Museum

SECOND STOP

Henry Sheldon Museum

MIDDLEBURY, VERMONT

In the heart of Middlebury stands the Henry Sheldon Museum, the oldest community-based museum in the country. Built in 1829 by marble merchants Eben Judd and Lebbeus Harris, the museum was founded in 1884 by tireless collector Henry Sheldon. It began as a labor of love — filling the home with collections of furniture, letters, paintings, and artifacts as a way to preserve the objects that defined everyday Vermont life.

Today, the museum continues that work, offering art and history exhibits that connect generations. Inside its elegant Federal-style home, visitors can explore stories that shape Vermont life — from past to present.

Their mission:

To inspire curiosity and strengthen community through Vermont’s shared history — connecting past and present, and fostering a deeper sense of place.

Support The Henry Sheldon Museum

THIRD STOP

Morrill Homestead

STRAFFORD, VERMONT

Constructed in 1851, this Gothic Revival gem was the lifelong home of Justin Morrill — the self-taught senator who advocated for higher education and reinforced a knowledge-based democracy. A dream home he designed himself, the property sits on more than six acres with gardens, barns, an ice house, a blacksmith shop, a shuffleboard court, and a hot house.

In 1960, the property was honored as a National Historic Landmark, the first such designation in the state. Walk the grounds and you’ll see why Morrill believed that beauty and learning belong to everyone.

Their mission:

Today, The Friends of the Morrill Homestead work with the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation to maintain and share this National Historic Landmark, keeping Morrill's story and vision of equality alive.

Support The Morrill Homestead

Bring the Story Back Home

Every good road trip ends where it began — back home. After visiting Vermont’s historic gems, we’ve brought a little of their spirit home to Vermont Flannel. With every flannel purchased, Vermont Flannel donates to the organization that inspired it, helping preserve their legacies and the stories they hold.

Step into the past. Visit these special places. And bring home a piece of Vermont’s history to keep it alive for generations to come.

19th Century Style, Vermont Soul