We should express gratitude for the incredibly wealthy individuals from earlier times. Without their influence, our surroundings might lack a certain charm.
It may sound like I’m joking, but many people today view the wealthy as gluttonous figures exploiting and diminishing the lives of, say, overworked Gen Z baristas.
One highlight of the Shelburne Museum is its collection—there’s often little more than what’s on display.
Of course, I find that view hard to swallow. It feels like humor, yet the mainstream perception is utterly nonsensical.
Incredibly Wealthy
People against wealth often take to the streets in passionate protests, but I’m looking to approach this differently. I think you might find it more enjoyable.
The Shelburne Museum is, in my opinion, one of the finest cultural legacies in Vermont. Established by a notable philanthropist, it invites visitors to discover the treasures left behind by past benefactors.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the affluent individuals of days gone by who embodied the spirit of Noblesse oblige. Andrew Carnegie, for instance, funded the construction of over 1,600 public libraries across the U.S., possibly including one in your own city. These libraries are often known for their exquisite architecture and spacious interiors.
Compare a Carnegie library to the more contemporary structures like the Seattle Public Library.
American Versailles
We can thank Electra Havemeyer Webb for creating this picturesque space by Lake Champlain, the Shelburne Museum. Spanning 45 acres, it features 30 buildings, including one of the last steamships to navigate the lake, alongside a preserved general store and pharmacy. A one-mile walking path guides visitors through hills adorned with original colonial to 19th-century structures.
It somewhat resembles Marie Antoinette’s Queen Hamlet. Located a bit away from the main palace, she designed a quaint little village complete with factories and charming bridges, providing her an escape from courtly drama. It served as a sort of showcase for children’s education.
The Shelburne Museum similarly displays authentic historic buildings. Most were relocated from around Vermont and New England.
As you stroll past the original saltbox house from the 1700s, you can view the town’s former prison right across the street. Although it only had two cells, at least the inmates (probably just rowdy locals) enjoyed a little warmth in winter thanks to the stoves provided.
A nearby printing shop still uses antique Heidelberg presses. You’ll get to see firsthand how information was disseminated before the digital age, all while the instructor demonstrates with actual vintage equipment.
Moving Forward
Webb, who was raised in New York’s affluent circles, cultivated an appreciation for high culture, yet it was her fascination with American crafts that drove her. She dedicated her wealth and efforts to amassing an extensive collection of early American antiques and founded the museum in 1947, making her troves accessible to the people of Vermont.
Her legacy reflects the generosity of old American wealth. She even preserved one of the last steamboats from Lake Champlain, transporting it for safekeeping. If you happen to be in the area, it’s an enchanting sight—imagine the thrill of reaching a hilltop and spotting a 19th-century steamship on the horizon.
Once aboard, you step back into the elegant Edwardian era. Such experiences used to be quite common.
See that chair over there? You can actually sit in it. That’s one of the remarkable qualities of the Shelburne Museum—almost everything is accessible. You can interact with much of the collection and see old machinery in operation.
This is truly a paradise for those fascinated by mechanical wonders. Head downstairs to find the impressive steam engines that powered the ship, with the Ticonderoga reaching speeds of 17 miles per hour.
Keeping Tradition Alive
Let’s wander over to the general store. You won’t find a mere re-creation here.
This is a genuine general store, stocked with authentic items from its heyday, complete with a sizable cast-iron stove at its center. Various goods like tobacco, canned vegetables, molasses, and hardtack for sailors line the shelves.
My guide, an octogenarian gentleman in tweed, ushered me to the preserved barbershop in the back. Not far removed was a pub where workers once gathered for cards and a drink after their shifts.
And perhaps one of the most well-maintained apothecary shops in America is just beyond, brimming with what appears to be virtually every patent medicine marketed in the early 20th century.
That lamp over there? It’s one of the finest kerosene lamps I’ve come across (being a collector, I tend to notice). Known as the angle lamp due to its diagonal wick burner, it was designed to illuminate spaces efficiently.
Interestingly, the museum staff were unfamiliar with its historical significance, but they were eager to chat and learn more about their collection from visitors. That’s another beautiful aspect of Shelburne Museum—its passionate staff and volunteers are just as eager to learn as they are to teach.
And speaking of treatments, do you fancy something no longer legally sold?
Dollhouse Delights
If you have a little girl who adores dolls and miniatures, a visit to the top floor of the last building is a must. The dollhouse and diorama exhibits are something else.
The lobby of the Dollhouse was initially built as a hotel in the late 19th century.
Some of the exhibits are so intricately crafted that they create the illusion of full-sized rooms.
No collection of dolls would be complete without its one eerie doll, and Shelburne has its share.
Try to sleep peacefully tonight.
Art Appreciation
I often find it challenging to pen a column without adding a touch of humor, but thankfully, Mrs. Webb has lent us a fine selection of Impressionist art. The main house contains at least two Monets, but I have to admit, they might look even less appealing in person than in a catalog.
Take the time to look at this.
A friend with an artistic eye was with me; when gazing at one piece of primitive huts, she simply remained silent. “Isn’t that just ridiculous?” I asked her.
“Yeah, it really is ugly,” she replied.
The truth is, not every piece of art stands the test of time. Sorry.
Yet, noblesse oblige remains a noble ideal. Without the Carnegies and Webbs, our nation would be less rich in beauty and cultural experiences. It often requires an immense fortune to collect, curate, and ultimately share with the public the most inspiring examples of machinery and art—showcasing the finest work humanity can produce.
That’s a unique gift that only the wealthy can extend to society. Just ask Mrs. Webb.
