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The Westminster Massacre Reenactment, March 13-15
March 13 @ 7:00 pm - March 15 @ 8:00 pm
One month before the shot heard ’round the world rang out in Lexington, Mass., Loyalists killed two patriots protesting British policies. Known as the Westminster Massacre, it ended provincial New York government in eastern Vermont.
The Westminster Historical Society will host three gatherings to commemorate the Westminster Massacre with brief recognitions each day of the events 250 years ago. On March 13-15, 2025, they will document the significance of this forgotten, foretelling, tragic uprising. The Historical Society plans to welcome a crowd to its cemetery vigil on Saturday, March 15. Events on Thursday, March 13, and Friday, March 14, will appeal to descendants and locals.
The Westminster Massacre Reenactment
On March 13 at 4 p.m., attendees will gather at the house site of Azariah Wright and walk to the cemetery. Outdoors only, no bathroom. The patriots (anti-Yorkers, but not necessarily against monarchy) gathered at Wright’s. They then took a stick of firewood (for a wide 1775 fireplace) from his woodpile and walked 10 minutes up to the courthouse–technically unarmed, as planned.
On March 14, at 4:00 p.m., attendees will gather at the DAR monument on Shattuck Road. They will then celebrate taking the courthouse back nonviolently with help from well-armed Walpole Militia under Capt. Benjamin Bellows standing by. They ousted New York and British control from nowadays Eastern Vermont, never to return. Our museum exhibit highlighting the Westminster Massacre will open at 3:00 p.m.
On March 15 at 7 p.m., a vigil will be held at young William French’s gravesite on the anniversary of his well-attended burial. The museum will open at 6:00 p.m. with a Westminster Massacre exhibit, refreshments and a bathroom. Park behind the Post Office, roughly across the road from the Town Hall Museum.
The Westminter Historical Society
The Westminster Historical Society, Inc., collects and preserves information and objects of particular interest to Westminster, Vt. The society’s collection will be used to actively communicate the rich historical heritage of the town. It will show the relationship between the past and present and how it influences today’s societies.
In addition to maintaining their museum and archives, the Westminster Historical Society preserves and interprets the Bradley Law Office. It allows people to experience the business office of a lawyer in the first half of the 19th century.
The Westminster Historical Society strives to stay current with accepted museum practices to ensure the fulfillment of its mission.