Snowflake Bentley Exhibit

Open to the public free of charge
Wilson Bentley was born on February 9, 1865 in the town of Jericho, Vermont. A farmer by trade, he attracted worldwide attention with his pioneering work in the area of photomicrography. Most notable in his life long work with rain, dew and frost, was his extensive work with snowflakes. On January 15, 1885 he became the first person to photograph a single snow crystal. He would go on to photograph well over 5000 snow crystals (never finding two the same), and his documentation of this work advanced the study of meteorology in his time.
Picture of Wilson
Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley at his camera
His photomicrographs were acquired by institutes of higher learning all over the world and his writings on these subjects were published in many journals and magazines including Scientific American, National Geographic and The National Weather Service Research Journal. In November of 1931, his book “Snow Crystals” was published by McGraw/Hill and is still in print today. Shortly after, on December 23, 1931, Wilson Bentley died at the family farmhouse in Jericho where he lived his entire life. Because of his wonderful work with snow crystals, he became affectionately know as “Snowflake” Bentley.
University of Vermont Extension Feature
The exhibit at the Old Red Mill contains many Bentley artifacts including:
  • His actual cameras and microscopes;
  • His actual photographs of snowflakes and other precipitation;
  • A quilt which was hand sewn by Bentley’s mother;
  • A video describing Bentley’s life and work.
Guided tours of the exhibit conducted by a Bentley ancestor are available by appointment.  Request a date at [email protected].