Exhibit: Rockingham's Acropolis

Perched on a hill with an aura of timeless dignity the Rockingham Meeting House has drawn travelers and locals alike since its timber frame was raised in 1787. This revered building has witnessed nearly 250 years of life in Vermont where people come together to celebrate, worship, and govern.

Conceived amidst the fervor of the American Revolution and built in the year of the Constitutional Convention, the Meeting House reflects a bold spirit. With its iconic elevated pulpit it became a gathering place where hymns resonated through its halls, town meetings were held, and neighbors shared meals and friendship.

As the largest 18th-century public building still standing in the state, it reflects the typical 1600s and 1700s Euro-American New England town settlement. It is one of only two Type II New England meeting houses still in their original condition, with a sister building, the 1789 Rocky Hill Meeting House, located in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Today, this National Historic Landmark is undergoing essential conservation and preservation efforts to ensure its legacy continues.

The kinds of gatherings have evolved yet the Meeting House remains a focal point for meaningful journeys. Whether for reflection, celebration, or community connection, it continues to embody the essence of a pilgrimage — a journey with purpose to a place of profound significance.

The “Rockingham’s Acropolis” exhibit interprets the social and cultural contexts of the meeting house featuring artifacts and elements that bring its rich history to life. 

Learn more about the Meeting House at rockinghamvt.org/rmh 

On view in the Local History Gallery from February 13 to July 26, 2025.