Vermont farming history at Athens Meetinghouse

Roger Albee. Photo provided

ATHENS, Vt. – The Athens Brick Meetinghouse Committee, in conjunction with the Athens Historic Preservation Society, is pleased to present “Turning the Soil – 260 Years of Vermont Agriculture,” on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 4 p.m., at the 1817 Brick Meetinghouse in Athens, Vt.

Join us to hear Roger Albee, former Vermont state secretary of agriculture, discuss the major changes that have taken place in Vermont agriculture since the 1760s, why they have occurred, what is happening today, and why today there is a renaissance of the past. This is a pre-publication event promoting Albee’s soon to be released book of the same title.

The Athens Brick Meetinghouse is historically significant to the Windham County region of Vermont, and particularly the twelve surrounding towns which comprised the “Old Athens Circuit” – Grafton, Rockingham, Townshend, Londonderry, Weston, Chester, Acton, Springfield, Landgrove, Windham, Putney, and Mount Holly. Circuit preachers from Athens traveled out to these towns to perform religious services. Quarterly camp meetings with the Methodist congregants from these towns often lasted two days at the Athens Meetinghouse, which was known as the “Mother Church.”

This national historic landmark, located at 2 Meetinghouse Road, just off Route 35, will be open for viewing the Meetinghouse sanctuary and vestibule during this event. All proceeds go to support ongoing efforts to preserve this unique historic gem. Donations made to the Athens Historic Preservation Society are fully tax deductible and will support the preservation of the Meetinghouse.

For more information, contact Sherry Maher at 802-869-2141, or follow Athens Meetinghouse on Facebook.

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