Snowflake Bentley

Exhibit open to the public free of charge
Picture of Wilson Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley at his camera
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.

​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.
Want to learn more about Snowflake Bentley or JHS?  Just ask!
Reach out to JHS to find out what might be right for your group.  Here are some of Sue Richardson's recent activities to give you an idea of what's possible:
Podcasts: Snowflake Bentley presentations
For Organizations - 
  • Bristol Elder Eagles, Bristol, VT (05-09-25)
  • Converse Home senior community, Burlington, VT (03-11-25)
  • February 12 – UVM Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (02-12-25)
  • Johnson Public Library/Johnson Historical Society, Johnson, VT (10-27-24)
For Schools –
  • 2nd Grade – Noblesville, IN (01-08-25)
  • January 22nd – 3rd Grade – Little Falls, MN (01-22-25)
  • 3rd Grade – Roswell, GA (04-02-25)
Other events
  • “Making Connections” Historical Society & Museum Showcase (Sponsored by the Milton Historical Society, 04-12-25)
Picture
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].

Snowflake Bentley's 150th Birthday Celebration - 2015

On February 10th the Jericho Historical Society sponsored a symposium that  featured Snowflake Bentley's contributions to photography and science. Highlights included:
  • Mark Breen, director of the Fairbanks Museum  moderated a panel on Bentley's contributions to science and photography.
  • Members of the panel included Paul Sisson of the National Weather Service, John Miller Professor of Photography, and Dr. Bruce Berryman Professor of Atmospheric Science.
  • Local poet Mary Jane Dickerson created a special poem  for the occasion.
  • Live music by Jericho members of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra John Dunlap and Laura Markowitz honored Bentley's musical talents.
  • Bentley's birthday cake was served at the end of the symposium to the nearly 300 in attendance.
  
When Snowflake Bentley gave a presentation of his work in Jericho in the early 1900's only 6  members of the town's people attended.  How pleased he would have been to see 300 people attend a symposium on his work nearly 100 years later.
View the entire envent.  Video by
​Mt. Mansfield Community TV.

University of Vermont Extension Feature

Bentley Exhibit