History Happens Here

The Champlain Islands are rich in history but many of these buildings are rarely open to the public. This tour offers a unique opportunity to step inside places where island life unfolded from its 19th century.

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August 9, 2026 • Noon - 5pm

Benefit for the North Hero Fire Station

Support the North Hero Fire Station!

The town approved funds for construction, but cash donations are needed for interior items to complete the new station, such as appliances and furniture.

Help equip the new station by supporting the North Hero Historical House Tour.

Explore the Rich Architectural
and Cultural History of North Hero

For generations, North Hero has been the civic and cultural center of the islands. Farmers, merchants, travelers, and families shaped the landscape through agriculture, lake commerce, and community life.

The North Hero Historical House Tour is a one-day community event celebrating the historic buildings, families, and traditions of the Champlain Islands. This is a self-paced driving tour where visitors will have a unique opportunity to explore historic homes, landmarks, and community spaces in North Hero and Grand Isle. Docents at each stop will share stories about the Island’s development, agriculture, commerce, faith traditions, and community life.

The tour will take place on August 9th, 2026 with a check-in at Hero’s Welcome. This year’s beneficiary is the North Hero Volunteer Fire Department. The intention is that this will become an annual event.

This Year’s Tour: Featured Buildings

(in chronological order)

Click to preview tour:

Special thanks to John O'Neill and Roy Cutler for producing the tour videos!

The Dodds House
1780 - 1810 (log house), 1843 (brick)
This pioneer family cleared forests and maintained this homestead for 7 generations. One branch of the Dodds family eventually built the North Hero House in 1891.
The Courthouse
1824
Situated in the heart of North Hero, the Courthouse is one of the oldest surviving courthouses in Vermont. Built in 1824, come see what makes North Hero a “Shire Town”
Stumble Inn
1860
Represents everyday life along the road before the Civil War when the Islands were becoming more connected by road travel.
Hookenspoon Museum
c. 1890
The museum, home to the North Hero Historical Society, highlights the town’s rich past and historical legacy. Built in 1890, the “Hookenspoon” is a good example of how affluent city visitors established summer residences along Lake Champlain.
Cedar Tops at Hibbard Point
Early 1900's
Once undeveloped and agricultural, Hibbard Point's scenic views have attracted generations of summer residents. Cedar Tops remains largely unchanged since being built in the 1920's, offering stunning views from a rustic wrap-around porch built from cedars harvested from the property.
The Lady Chapel, Grand Isle
1911
A Chicago family brought their faith and pump organ to the Islands. And the music is still heard by the faithful when the family visits today!

Presenting Sponsor:

Legacy Sponsors:

Heritage Sponsors

Historic Sponsors

Major Donors

Anonymous
Lesley Beal
Timothy Beal
Walter Blasberg and John Dewane
Claire Dekar
David Ehrich and Chris Shyer
Ron Fierstein and Dorsey Regal
Will Heise
Gail Horne
Bryan and Claire Haynes

Diana Henriques
Les Holben
Betsy Jaffe and Roy Cutler
Roni Lee and Charlie Dekar
Siobhan Mannion and Dave Greenough
Kim and Bob Muncil
Cynthia McGeoch
Bettina Speyer
Kathy and Ed Taylor
Lynda Thorslund
Gary West and Jay Seitz

Volunteers

And a very special thank you to the small army of volunteers needed to make this event a great success!

Judy Ayres
Dave and Diane Bahrenberg
Kenney Bassett
Lesley Beal
Timothy Beal
Brad Blanchette and Tim Bourne
Connie Boutin
Linda Cantrell
Lori Chalmers
Pat Cox
Doug Disabito
DavId Ehrich and Chris Shyer

Mike Murdock
Sherrie Potvin
Jackie Sainsbury
Carolyn Shields
Bernie and John Skutel
Christian Slotter
Nick Spengler
Bettina and Tom Speyer
Pamela Strohmeyer
El Towle
Susan Tranby
Tracy Tyler-O'Reilly and Tim O’Reilly

Ron Fierstein
Diane Gayer
Tracy Giroux
Cathy Goodfellow
Robin and John Hadden
Mary Jane Healy
Evanthia Hill
Joanne and Kevin Holcomb
Susan Kaminski
Jacqueline Kenney
Roni Lee and Charlies Dekar
Kim and Bob Muncil