Embedded Files
Welcome to the Crystal Lake Falls Historical Association (CLFHA) site.
In the 1970s, Fortune magazine publisher Ralph Paine purchased four acres of land along the Crystal Lake outlet that parallels Water Street in Barton, Vermont. This site was once the location of Barton's thriving mills and factories and Mr. Paine was fascinated with the site's history.
In 1982, a small house on Water Street that was scheduled for demolition was saved through the efforts of Julia Pierce, widow of Barton Academy Principal Cedric Pierce. This house, along with the four acres of land, formed the core of the Crystal Lake Falls Historic District, named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
CLFHA was founded in 1983 to oversee the renovation of the Pierce House (c. 1820) and four acres of land around the house, known as the Brick Kingdom. Our mission is to preserve Barton's rich historic legacy for our guests for years to come.
The Pierce House Museum, located at 97 Water Street, highlights the education, commerce, industry, agriculture and many other topics of interests in Barton, Vermont from the late 1700s to present day. You will see, for example, archived photos, maps, Barton Academy yearbooks, and many items from Barton's history.
Admission to the museum is always free, but please feel free to leave a donation or become a member of our history association! Your donations and memberships help us to maintain and acquire exhibits as well as prepare educational programming for students in the area. Every summer, we also hold a popular ice cream social.
The museum is open Saturday and Sunday from June through September from 1 PM to 3 PM or by appointment. Call (802) 525-3084 for an appointment. We will always be happy to open for you.
In the museum gift shop, you can buy t-shirts, baseball caps, 1800s Bird's Eye View of Barton prints, and A History of Barton, Vermont, published by the Crystal Falls Historical Association in 1994, written by Darlene Young.
There is also a short hiking path, known locally as The Brick Kingdom, that spans the waterfalls behind the museum. On the trail you will see the ruins of 18th century factories. You will also see beautiful wildflowers and plants native to the area.
On this website you will find slide presentations of Barton's history, photographs both new and old, and other interesting links for Barton, Vermont.
CLFHA is a non profit organization and is exempt from Federal income tax under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Google Sites
Report abuse