Founded in 1973, the Richmond Historical Society is a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Richmond, Vermont.
 
The RHS’s first major initiative was to help save the Old Round Church, whose decaying roof timbers left the building in danger of collapse. The town of Richmond deeded the church to the RHS in 1976, which took over responsibility for a $190,000 restoration project.  Since the reopening of the church in 1981, the RHS has kept the building in good repair, adding safety features such as a handicapped ramp and handrails.  It schedules concerts, programs and other community events and makes the church available for weddings and seasonal visitors.

Caring for the Old Round Church is only one part of the RHS’s mission, however. Other recent activities include participating in statewide events such as the Vermont Community History Project—a school/historical society partnership to deepen students’ appreciation for local history—and the Vermont History Expo, an annual history fair at the Tunbridge World’s Fairgrounds.  The RHS has also produced a Richmond History videotape, which has aired on the local community cable television station, and hosted an annual Carol Sing and other music events at the Old Round Church.

The RHS offers free quarterly programs to the community, including an annual Old Round Church Pilgrimage held in late July or August and a potluck supper in November.  Recent programs include guest presentations on Vermont during the Civil War and The Irish in Vermont as well as guided tours of various historic sites around town.  A particularly well-received project has been a series of panel discussions inviting some of the community’s oldest citizens to reminisce about their memories of growing up in Richmond.
Currently the RHS is spearheading a $235,000 Round Church Renovation Project, the most substantial renovations to the church since the repairs of the 1970’s and early 1980’s.  It is also preparing for publication a book-length History of Richmond.

Annual membership dues provide financial support for the RHS’s community programs and other local history projects.  Members receive an annual newsletter and advance notice of upcoming events and activities.  To become a member, send a check to the Richmond Historical Society, P. O. Box 453, Richmond, VT 05477.  Annual dues are $5.00 per person, $10.00 per family; a lifetime membership is $100.00 per person.
The Richmond Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.