In order to move forward in this world, it’s important to understand the past. In Ferrisburgh, the Rokeby Museum gives us an insightful look into the Underground Railroad in VT and the history of the Robinson family at this historic spot. Here you’ll find a museum discussing the evils of slavery and learn about the devoted efforts of these abolitionists to stop slavery. Let’s take a peek into this historic landmark and the 4 generations of Robinsons who lived there.

Thomas Rowland Robinson was the first Robinson to live in Ferrisburgh. Here he raised Merino Sheep and cultivated corn and wheat.
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Later his son Rowland became a leading American abolitionist and housed fugitive slaves in his home.
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The museum's Education Center is an informative and moving place to learn more about the history of the Underground Railroad.
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On the second floor of the Education Center you'll find Rokeby's award winning Free & Safe exhibit.
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Pictured is a snapshot of one panel from the exhibit that tells the story of Simon. Simon was a fugitive from slavery who found shelter at Rokeby in the 1830s.
There are also seasonal exhibits as well.
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This photo was in the exhibit "Yours in the Cause: Faces of Radical Abolition." This 1845 daguerreotype photo shows abolitionist and sea captain Jonathan Walker's hand. Note he had been branded "SS" for slave stealer as a punishment for attempting to help sail seven fugitive slaves to freedom.
You can visit the main house which is fully furnished with 200 years of Robinson family belongings.
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It lets us take a step back in time to gain a sense of what life was like during this movement.
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This photograph of "Rowlie" and Mary Robinson was taken in the early 1900's in front of the hearth in the old kitchen of the house.
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When you go on a house tour you'll see most of the objects pictured here on display in exactly the same place over 100 years later.

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Since this site was once a working farm, there are still many buildings to explore on the property.
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Most are still in their original location!
There are 90 beautiful acres and nine historic farm buildings to explore.
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The structures are all lovingly maintained and are pristine.
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Why not visit this Spring and see the blooms at Rokeby?
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Pictured is the smoke house which is in the foreground, and the "old house" is in the background.
Along with the farm, the Robinson family started a tourist boarding business in the 1920's to supplement their income.
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This cabin was built sometime in the 1930's to add more sleeping areas than just those available in the house. For $1 a night, you could stay at Rokeby and receive all your meals, courtesy of Elizabeth Donoway Robinson who was a famously good cook.
There are also hiking trails with maps to explore the grounds.
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Guests are welcome to pack a lunch and spend the whole day on the gorgeous property that is so full of history.
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The Rokeby Museum is a National Historic Landmark. It is designated for its exceptional Underground Railroad history and prosperous farm for nearly 200 years.
Rokeby.org

Rokeby is open from May – October. Click here for more information.

The Rokeby Museum is a fascinating spot along the Underground Railroad in VT. Here are 18 more historical landmarks in Vermont.

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