Moon Rocks Discovered in Vermont

Decades-old lunar samples found in the Green Mountain State

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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More than 50 years after the first moon landing, a few fragments of lunar material have been discovered in the town of Barre, Vermont. The Vermont Historical Society is now in possession of the rare moon rocks, which were obtained by the state in the 1970s.

Why it matters

The discovery of these moon rocks in Vermont is a remarkable find, as only a small number of lunar samples collected during the Apollo missions are known to exist outside of government custody. Their presence in the Green Mountain State provides a unique connection to humanity's historic first steps on the moon.

The details

The moon rocks were obtained by the state of Vermont in the 1970s, though the details of how they ended up there remain unclear. The Vermont Historical Society is now the caretaker of the rare lunar material, which consists of a few small fragments.

  • The first moon landing occurred in July 1969.
  • Vermont obtained the moon rocks at some point in the 1970s.

The players

Vermont Historical Society

The organization that currently possesses the moon rocks found in Vermont.

Steve Perkins

A representative of the Vermont Historical Society who spoke about the moon rocks.

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What they’re saying

“Over five decades ago, humans touched down on the moon for the very first time, scooping up handfuls of its surface. A few bits and pieces ended up in Barre, Vermont.”

— Sophia Thomas, Reporter (WCAX)

What’s next

The Vermont Historical Society plans to display the moon rocks for the public to view, providing a rare opportunity to see a piece of the lunar surface.

The takeaway

The discovery of these moon rocks in Vermont serves as a reminder of the enduring fascination and scientific importance of the Apollo missions, even decades after humanity's first steps on the moon.