Local History
The rich history of Charlotte can now be seen through photographs and documents from the collections of the Charlotte Library, the Charlotte Historical Society and the Town of Charlotte. The site, Charlotte, Vermont Photos and Documents, includes images generously donated by Charlotte residents and compiled by local historians, and some records of the Town of Charlotte. It is a small but growing resource, with more images to be added in the future.
The Charlotte Historical Society is a good resource for information about Charlotte families and local history. First formed in 1943, the Charlotte Historical Society and the Charlotte Memorial Museum were designated by the Town of Charlotte to be the caretakers and the historical repository of the town for the housing of suitable arts and crafts, implements of home and farm life, historical documents and photographs, and discarded archives of the town; and to use our resources for the purpose of creating a "Living Memorial" through community outreach, educational programs, and genealogical research." Find archives, photos, local history books for sale, and more on their website. Open Sunday afternoons in the summer and by appointment. Contact the Charlotte Historical Society: info@charlottevthistory.org
Located on the Town Green, the Historic Quinlan Schoolhouse was built around the 1850’s and was in use until the 1950’s. In 1996 it was moved from its location on Spear Street to the Town Green by a group of volunteers. Open throughout the year during town events, and by appointment. To request a visit stop by, email or call the Library: info@charlottepubliclibrary.org, 802-425-3864.
Charlotte Covered Bridges
Holmes Creek Bridge: Spans Holmes Creek on Lake Road, 1840
Quinlan Bridge: Spear Street, 1849-1850 (Weight limit: 5 tons)
Sequin Bridge: Roscoe Road, 1849-1850
Other Local History Resources:
Digital Archives of the Charlotte News: The complete digitized collection of The Charlotte News from 1958 to 2016.
Vermont Digital Newspaper Project: Historical Vermont newspaper content published between 1836 and 1922 in the Library of Congress’ Chronicling America database, from the microfilm collections of the Vermont Department of Libraries and the University of Vermont.
Freemasons in Charlotte: The history of the Freemasonry in Charlotte goes back over 200 years.
Genealogy Day (August 9th): For information about this annual event, contact Ceal Moran at genealogydayeveryaugust9th@finalfreedom.com.
Landscape Change Program: This web site has many old photographs of Charlotte and other Vermont towns.
Thompson’s Point Association: For leaseholders of historic summer cottage community on Lake Champlain shoreline in Charlotte.
Town of Charlotte/Town Clerk’s Office: Town vital records go back to 1857, land records to 1762. Researchers are welcome.
Vermont Genealogy Library: Home of the VT French-Canadian Genealogical Society.