Turner Hill Interpretive Center

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Turner Hill Interpretive Center We share key parts of the Turner Family story with you, and direct you to the many ways you can explore Grafton, Vermont

Turner Hill in Grafton VT is the southeastern gateway to Vermont’s African American Heritage Trail. Home to Alec Turner, his wife Sally, and their 13 children, including celebrated storyteller Daisy Turner, the family homestead is no longer standing, but the foundation remains along with a cabin the Turner’s called Birchdale Camp. Alec was born into slavery in Port Royal VA, escaped to join the 1st NJ Calvary during the Civil War, and made his way to Grafton VT in 1872. Daisy Turner tells us “The home place was named Journey’s End cause Father never wanted to go no further after he got up there on that hilltop”. The State of Vermont, the Preservation Trust of Vermont, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Windham Foundation, the Turner Hill Interpretive Center, and the Grafton History Museum are all partnering to bring the Turner Hill site, and the story of Alec Turner and his family, to life for visitors to the village of Grafton.

03/20/2026
Did you know that both Daisy and her sister Zebbe spent some years at their homes along the Hinkley Brook Rd. ( in the p...
08/17/2025

Did you know that both Daisy and her sister Zebbe spent some years at their homes along the Hinkley Brook Rd. ( in the photo, center right, just below the large open field)?
Zebe's home "Wildwood" hosted famously delicious dinners to vistors!

Grafton Historical Society has a new website! Nice work Patsy...
https://www.graftonhistoryvt.org/

As part of that organization's multi-year IDEA project in 2024 (Initiative for Digitization and Electronic Access), the site is now an expanded (and expanding) digital resource, giving visitors access to collections and research materials - like cemeteries, and historic buildings.
https://www.graftonhistoryvt.org/onlineresource...

〰️ Antique Tractor, Truck, and Car Show/ Food Show on Aug 30th at Grafton Trails 〰️ Antique Tractor, Truck, and Car Show/ Food Show on Aug 30th at Grafton Trails Featured Exhibit Upcoming Events Coffee Stories Online Resources African-American Heritage Trail All Museum Exhibits Our Museum: E...

06/12/2025

🎶 COMING UP — Rhythm & Resistance: Black Sonic Rebellion from Plantation to Playlist

🗓 Saturday, June 28, 2025
🕑 2 PM – 4 PM

Join us for an afternoon of live music and powerful conversation as we explore how Black music in Virginia has always been more than sound—it’s been survival, celebration, and a voice for freedom. Through live performances and dialogue, we’ll reflect on how Black music continues to carry stories across generations.

Special guests include:
Panelists: Dr. Michael Sawyer & Dr. A.D. Carson
Performers: Sam Reed (Soul/Funk), Freedom Imani (Gospel), Break Dancers (Hip Hop), Soulegacy (Blues/Folk/Rock), Zuri (Hip Hop)

Free and open to the public. Registration is required — link in bio.

#804 #757 #434

06/11/2025

Government investment in the arts safeguards history and builds cultural continuity. Museums, archives, and historical performance troupes rely on public support to conserve artifacts, traditions, and oral histories that define who we are. Your taxes help ensure that future generations inherit the same rich tapestry of stories, symbols, and creative practices we value today. Learn more about how government funding for the arts makes a positive difference in our communities: https://www.vermontartscouncil.org/blog/why-should-the-government-fund-the-arts/?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

Image: A colorful painting, “Light Can Do Love Can Do” by artist Dan Gottsegen, depicting scenes of family and nature in Vermont (Art in State Buildings).

05/22/2025
05/22/2025
05/22/2025

Join National Geographic Explorer in Residence Tara Roberts for an extraordinary evening as she shares the powerful journey behind her memoir, Written in the Waters: A Memoir of History, Home, and Belonging.

Roberts dives into the depths of history, identity, and belonging. As the first Black female explorer to grace the cover of National Geographic and the 2022 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year, Tara’s work brings history to the surface—both literally and figuratively. Through deeply personal storytelling and historical reflection, she invites audiences to consider the resilience of the human spirit, the significance of remembrance, and the power of discovery.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Tara’s inspiring story firsthand.

Doors will open at 5:30pm for a brief reception. The program will begin promptly at 6pm.

Address

31 Townshend Road
Grafton, VT
05146

Telephone

(617) 470-4223

Website

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