♦ Hitchcock Museum/Library

♦THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CEMETERY SLEUTHING:  Friday, October 11, 2024 5:00-6:00 pm at the Westfield Community Center.  Hosted by the Hitchcock Memorial Museum and Library and John Woodruff Simpson Memorial Library in Craftsbury, both are presenting this program.  Join author and genealogist Erin E. Moulton for a free one hour presentation to learn the meaning behind cemetery iconography, abbreviations, epitaphs and more.   The second presentation with be Saturday, October 12 3:00 to 4:00 pm at the Craftsbury Comm. Care Center, 1784 East Craftsbury Road, Craftsbury, Vt.   Two opportunities to learn!  Call the library at 744-8258 with any questions.   Flyer:  Cemetery Sleuthing notice 

♦HITCHCOCK SUMMER READING KICK-OFF WITH   802 Reptiles

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 –   Kevin Clarkson of 802 Reptiles came to the Library for a one-hour presentation.  Various reptiles from around the world were presented in a show-and-tell format.  There was time at the conclusion of the event for a question and answer session with Kevin as well as time for pictures  holding one of the reptiles.   It was Free Admission with RSVP to the library beforehand.  It was a huge success with over 50 people attending, mostly children who were so well behaved.  Free pizza & drinks were served after the show outside at the front of library, pizza was purchased from the Troy General Store.   We received many great comments and were so lucky to have a beautiful summer evening to enjoy.   Thank you everyone for participating

This program was funded in part by a grant from the Vermont Department of Libraries.


♦STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH LIBRARY HAPPENINGS by reading the monthly newsletters: 


♦ NEW HOURS FOR THE LIBRARY AS OF JULY 2, 2024: 
New hours for the Hitchcock Library as of July 2nd, 2024
 Tuesday- 10 am to 3 pm —    Thursday 2 pm to 7 pm–   Sunday- 11 am to 3 pm


♦ PLAYGROUP WITH NEKCA AT LIBRARY:  Beginning on July 2, the Library will partner with the NEKCA Parent Child Center to offer a free playgroup for families weekly on Tuesdays from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. 

The playgroup is open to children aged 0-6 and their caregivers and will be held in the childrens’ room at the library.  Sara Guyette from NEKCA  Parent Child Center will bring snacks, activities and toys.  There is no sign-up required to participate.   Any questions please contact Sara Guyette at 802-624-0997 or at sguyette@nekcavt.org


♦ SPECIAL GUEST: The Hitchcock Museum and Library was thrilled to host Hannah Miller on April 2, 2024! Hannah is an associate professor of education at Vermont State University-Johnson, and has recently been featured on Seven Days’ “Stuck in Vermont” (link below.) She is spending her sabbatical reading, writing, and knitting in as many Vermont public libraries as possible. We were honored to have her stop by!

Photos: (L) Library Director Jennifer Johnson & Hannah Miller, (R) Hannah Miller with Hen Solo

https://www.sevendaysvt.com/arts-culture/stuck-in-vermont-hannah-miller-visits-the-haskell-free-library-and-opera-house-in-derby-line-vt-and-stanstead-quebec-40377126


♦ NEW LIBRARY DIRECTOR: Jennifer Johnson is the new Library Director of the Hitchcock Museum & Library!  Jennifer, originally from Virginia, began working in Vermont libraries in 2014 when she was hired as Library Aide at the Newport Town School in Newport Center.  After leaving that position in 2016, she spent 6 years as Library Advancement Assistant at the Vermont Department of Libraries in Montpelier/Barre, Vermont.  In 2023, she began working as Assistant Librarian at the Dailey Memorial Library in Derby, and is now thrilled to also serve the Westfield community as Library Director.  She lives in Newport with her family, including a handsome tuxedo cat named Coco.   

Welcome Jennifer!


♦ LIBRARY BOARD MEETINGS:  The meetings for the Library Board of Trustees are the second Tuesday of the month at 4 pm at the Library. Visit the ♦ Meeting Minutes/Agendas page for current Trustee agendas and minutes.


LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES: As of March Town Meeting Day 2023, the Town elected a Board of Trustees to oversee the Hitchcock Memorial Library and Museum.

The current trustees are as follows:

  • Jenn Stelma, Chair
  • Karen Blais, Treasurer
  • Beth Berchick, Secretary
  • Carrie Glessner, Vice Chair
  • Beau Harris from the Fairbanks Museum in St. Johnsbury- Advisor
  • Carolyn Lyster-Facilities

 

Contact our email with any questions: hitchcockmemorial8258@gmail.com; 802-744-8258


Hitchcock Memorial Museum & Library
1252 Vt. Route 100
Westfield, VT 05874
Phone: 802-744-8258
Librarian: Jennifer Johnson
Click here to view the Library Brochure

 

   
Library Services: The library has a wide selection of fiction, non-fiction and children’s books along with DVD and VHS tapes that can be checked out to Vermont and summer residents. The library has computer, printer and copier access available. There is a per page charge for use of the printer and copier. 
Internet Access: WiFi Internet access is available both inside and outside of the facility 24 hours a day.  The access connection is Hitchcock. No password is required.
Museum: The museum has a collection of American and African animal and bird displays, rocks and minerals, corals and butterfly exhibits.  There are historical items that have been donated to the museum during the last 100 years. The collection also includes rare and antique books. 
Meeting Facility: A class and meeting area is available to Westfield residents during regular library/museum hours. 
History: The land and an endowment of $10,000 to construct a library and museum of natural history were gifted to the town of Westfield by Aaron Charles Hitchcock.  Hitchcock was born in Westfield on July 19, 1823.  He became a successful business man and large land owner in Orleans County.    The building was completed in 1899.  Aaron Hitchcock died on March 1, 1900.  The museum and library continue as a monument to his memory, generosity and interest in the youth and citizens of Westfield. 
                             
   

 

 

 

  • Adopted at the June 19, 2023 Selectboard Meeting.

     

    The Town of Westfield condemns racism and discrimination and welcomes all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age or disability and wants everyone to feel safe and welcome in our community. Westfield is a Town for everyone.