The Sheldon Museum presents a tour of eight houses of worship in Middlebury, featuring many of the most significant buildings in Middlebury. The tour is organized by Glenn Andres, Middlebury College Professor Emeritus of History, Art and Architecture. Participants may visit the eight sites in any order between 1 and 5 p.m.

The eight houses of worship represent two centuries of ambition and dedication by their congregations. Stylistically, they illustrate changing architectural tastes – from Federal to Gothic, to Italianate, to Queen Anne, to Arts & Crafts, to Colonial Revival, to the contemporary – warranting state and regional recognition. Their forms reflect the concerns of their faith communities, often adjusted over time to altered religious practices or emphases. The buildings contain a wonderful collection of organs, bells, and stained glass. Beyond the aesthetics, embodied in the houses of worship are stories of politics, patronage, vicissitudes, and personal histories, all contributing to Middlebury’s precious historic heritage.

Many residents and tourists have not had the opportunity to enter and view these local cultural treasures. This tour offers the chance to enjoy architecture, music, furnishings, decorations, and eight unique histories of these Middlebury houses of worship.

The tour concludes with a reception at the Henry Sheldon Museum, One Park Street in Middlebury from 4-6 p.m. On display and for sale will be paintings by local, accomplished artists featuring their interpretations of the buildings or specific portions therein.

Tickets are $25/person and are available at the Sheldon Museum in advance and on the day of the tour and also online, www.HenrySheldonMuseum.org. Please call the Sheldon for more information at 802-388-2117.