The Middlebury Historical Society is located inside the Middlebury Academy. The Academy opened in 1817, and was the first academy of higher learning, at that time, west of Canandaigua.

Silas Newell, a life-long resident, raised money by subscription to build and charter the academy. 

The school, in its prime (1850's-1860's) had about 200 students.  They boarded with local residents for $1.50 per week.

It was a co-educational, non-denominational institution.  It specialized in preparing young men and women for college and teacher training.  Courses included Latin, Greek, Astronomy and Calculus.

The Academy became a public school in 1884.  In 1912, the building was sold. Due to many factors, it fell into a state of disrepair and was eventually offered to the Middlebury Historical Society.

The Society, formed of local citizens, took on the monumental task of restoring the building.  It reopened in 1951 as the musuem.  It houses many beautiful collections donated by the people of Middlebury and the surrounding communities. 

Hours of operation are:

• Open Sunday - June through September, from 2PM - 5PM.
• Or by appointment.