Richmond Historical Society - Old Round Church

old round church bicentennial concert - organ concert with Dr. William Tortolano- friday,  june 28 at 7:00 pm  More

The Richmond Historical Society serves the community of Richmond, Vermont through its mission to oversee the Old Round Church, a National Historic Landmark, and preserve and share the history of Richmond, Vermont.

The Old Round Church, was built in 1812-13 under the direction of local craftsman William Rhodes to be the Town Meeting Hall and place of worship for members of five Protestant denominations. Significant for its rare design and well-preserved detail, it is perhaps the sole surviving example of an early 19th-century 16-sided wooden meetinghouse. Today it is open to the public during the summer and fall foliage seasons (10-4 daily) and is a venue for weddings and community programs. Click here for driving directions.

 Old Round Church Bicentennial Celebration

   The Old Round Church celebrates its 200th birthday in 2013.  A year-long series of community events celebrates  the anniversary, beginning with a New Year's Eve   benefit concert by the Highland Weavers.   The next scheduled event is an organ concert performed by Dr. William Tortolano on the Old Round Church's antique pipe organ.  Friday, June 28 at 7:00 pm.  Suggested donation - $5.00.  Proceeds benefit the Round Church Bicentennial Fund.

Souvenir Round Church booklets, keepsake ornaments and tee shirts are also available for sale. To order, please contact Fran Thomas at (802) 434-3654 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Click here to find out more about  Bicentennial events and sales items.

The Richmond Round Church 1813 -2013. This 60-page commemorative booklet was published in 2013 in honor of the Old Round Church's bicentennial. The booklet traces the history of the Old Round Church from its conception to the present day, accompanied by more than 65 imaged documenting the changes the building has undergone and significant events that have taken place there. From worship services to Town Meetings to weddings and other special events, the Old Round Church has a rich and varied history as a community gathering place. This souvenir booklet honors that history. It may be purchased for $10.00 at the Richmond Town Clerk's office and at scheduled Bicentennial Celebration events, or by contacting Fran Thomas at (802) 434-3654 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

   Richmond, Vermont - A History Of More Than 200 Years, the first book-length study of this community, is now available for purchase. Organized thematically, the book tells the story of Richmond through the people, events and institutions that have helped to develop and define the town. Appendices further enrich this story by providing lists of war veterans, state representatives, those buried in Richmond's first cemetery and other notable citizens. Click here to order your copy today.

Richmond is a thriving community located in the western foothills of Vermont's Green Mountains on the banks of the Winooski River. Well-situated in a fertile floodplain along one of Vermont's most important transportation corridors, the town has a rich heritage dating back to the 1770's. The Richmond Historical Society is proud to act as steward of this heritage. To become a member, make a donation or find out more about RHS programs and activities, write to us at:
P. O. Box 453, Richmond, VT 05477 or send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .