Rokeby (Ferrisburg, Vermont) facts for kids
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Rokeby Museum
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 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
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| Location | 4334 US 7, Ferrisburgh, Vermont |
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| Area | 85 acres (34 ha) |
| Built | c. 1780s |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000201 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 20, 1974 |
| Designated NHL | December 9, 1997 |
The Rokeby Museum is a historic farm and museum located in Ferrisburgh, Vermont. This special place covers about 90 acres of land. It includes an old farmstead from the 1780s and eight farm buildings. These buildings have exhibits that teach you about life long ago. You can also explore over 50 acres of hiking trails.
Rokeby Museum is open every year from mid-May to mid-October. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1997. This is a very important title given to places that tell a big part of American history. Rokeby is famous because of Rowland T. Robinson. He was a Quaker and a strong supporter of ending slavery. He bravely helped people who had escaped slavery find safety here. Rokeby was a secret stop on the Underground Railroad. Rowland Robinson's many letters are a key source of information. They help us understand how abolitionists worked and how the Underground Railroad operated.
Exploring Rokeby's History
Rokeby Museum is located on the east side of United States Route 7 in Ferrisburgh. The main part of the property has several buildings. These include the main house, which was built in the 1780s. There are also farm buildings like a smokehouse, hen house, and a creamery. You can also see where an old barn and school used to be.
The main house is a two-story wooden building. It has a classic American style called Federal. An older, smaller house from the 1780s is attached to the back. This smaller house was first built by the Dakin family. They were the first to clear the land here. In 1793, Thomas Rowland Robinson bought the property. He was a Quaker from Newport, Rhode Island.
The Robinson Family's Story
For nearly 200 years, the Robinson family lived in this house. They were farmers and also worked as millers. But they were also very important abolitionists. This means they worked to end slavery. Some family members were also authors, naturalists, and artists.
In the 1830s and 1840s, Rokeby became a safe place. Rowland Thomas Robinson and his wife, Rachel Gilpin Robinson, were devout Quakers. They were also radical abolitionists. Their letters mention fugitive slaves by name. These letters give us important details about how abolitionists helped people. They also show how the Underground Railroad worked.
Famous Family Members
Rowland Robinson was a son of Rowland T. and Rachel Robinson. He spent most of his life at Rokeby. He grew up to become a celebrated author. His stories often shared details about Vermont life and nature.
Rachael Robinson Elmer was Rowland Robinson's daughter. She also grew up at Rokeby. Rachael became a well-known artist. Her artwork captured the beauty of the world around her.
Rokeby was first listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This means it's a place worth protecting for its history. Later, in 1997, it was declared a National Historic Landmark. This shows its even greater importance to the history of the United States.
