We’re sure you’ve had the same happen to you…once in a while you walk into a place expecting to spend half an hour… and emerge two hours later completely inspired. That was us this morning at the Henry Sheldon Museum.
We remember chatting with Coco Moseley a couple of years ago when she first stepped into the director’s role. What struck us then was her vision. What strikes us now is how beautifully that vision is being realized. Coco has gathered an extraordinarily talented team around her, and together they have created one of the most thoughtful, engaging and visually stunning museum experiences I have seen in a long time.
The season opens with a remarkable collection of exhibitions. “Artists in the House” immediately sets the tone, showcasing contemporary creativity within this historic building. The exhibition “Time Keeping,” featuring the work of Luciana Frigerio* and Kelly Hickey, is beautifully curated and invites visitors to think about time, memory and the rhythms of our lives. The stunning Tempestry Project charts climate data through fiber art and is as moving as it is thought-provoking. Uncovering Wallpaper Design had us absolutely captivated (— perhaps the Brit in me talking, but I could have spent an entire afternoon there). The juxtaposition of historic wallpaper designs with contemporary responses from young artists is inspired and full of surprises.
One exhibition that particularly stayed with me is Drawing on the Archive: Tillie Walden’s Charity & Sylvia. The exhibition explores the lives of Charity Bryant and Sylvia Drake, a Weybridge couple who spent more than four decades together and are considered one of America’s earliest documented same-sex couples. Their story has been brought to life through the work of acclaimed graphic novelist Tillie Warden in her forthcoming graphic novel Charity & Sylvia, selected as the 2026 Vermont Reads book. Through archival documents, artifacts and Walden’s illustrations, the exhibition creates a fascinating conversation between history and contemporary storytelling.
The museum has also refreshed its historic rooms and launched a full slate of exhibitions including Remembering the American Revolution, & Icy Artifacts of the Everyday. And don’t miss the museum’s summer auction. You can browse and bid online, but honestly, some things deserve to be seen in person.
The Henry Sheldon Museum has always been a treasure. This year it feels especially vibrant — full of fresh ideas, new voices, local history, art, storytelling and community pride. It is one of those places that reminds you how lucky we are to live in a town where a museum can surprise, delight and challenge you all at the same time. If you haven’t been yet this season, make some time. Bring a friend. Wander slowly. Look closely. You’ll be glad you did. *Featured artwork courtesy of Luciana Frigerio