Historical Perspectives on our Community - The Town of Essex

Tim Jerman has served Essex in multiple ways.  He has been a Trustee in the Village and for over a decade he served in the Vermont House as one of the two representatives for Chittenden 8-2 - the district that encompases the Village. 

For years the Essex Community Historical Society has tapped Tim's passion for the History of the Town of Essex, and the Village of Essex Junction, to understand our past. 

Tim will share insights into the history of Essex during his talk using images on glass plate photos circa 1900 of WC Sawyer, an Essex Junction photographer who was the UVM yearbook photographer. 

The Mission of the Essex Community Historical Society, a not-for-profit organization, is to bring together anyone interested in the history of the Town of Essex, including the Village of Essex Junction, Vermont. We promote the discovery and preservation of historical materials, offer relevant programs to educate the community about the past and help individuals and families to discover genealogical links to their Essex ancestors. We are an open society and welcome all who have an interest in history in general and/or interest in the Town of Essex.

The Society operates the Harriet Farnsworth Powell Historical Museum which is located in the Old White School House adjacent to the Essex Free Library in Essex Center near the intersection of Routes 15 & 128. This is the only museum in Essex where visitors can experience local history through both the collections of historical artifacts and special exhibits that highlight Essex cultural history. The museum's collection is a treasure trove of memorabilia from the schools, farms and workplaces of Essex Town and Essex Junction. The exhibits include old vintage photos, toys, dolls from the Vermont Toy Factory, antique clothing, maple sugar artifacts and information of Vermonters in the Civil War.

Harriet Farnsworth Powell (pictured), whom the Museum is named after, was a life long resident of Essex Town. She attended the White School House and her collection of historical artifacts forms the core of the Museum's exhibits.  The Historical Society sponsors special events that bring to life the history of Essex Town and Essex Junction. The Society also offers assistance with inquiries about genealogy, old records and related questions.