VPT ~ Facilities
If you or your group is a VPT member or donor, the lodging facilities are available for $15.00 per person per night. For others, the lodging rates are $25.00 per person per night. There is a $150.00 per building per night minimum.
The A.J. Muste Conference Center may be rented for day use, with use of the kitchen for an additional fee. VPT generally does not provide catering for groups renting the facilities; however, we can provide catering referrals upon request. Additional rates for rentals may apply. The main room is approximately 29' by 39'.
Reservations can be made up to one year in advance. Please call (860) 376-9970 and/or email voluntownpeacetrust@yahoo.com with any questions and/or if you wish to book a stay with us.
Ahimsa Lodge
Amidst the pines at the back of the VPT property, the rustic Ahimsa Lodge is the perfect escape from busy traffic and the daily grind. Situated a few yards from Bliven Brook which runs through the center of the property, the back deck of the lodge offers a place to contemplate the natural beauty of Southeastern Connecticut. Formerly part of a Finnish camp, the Lodge continues to be used as a retreat space and a summer camp for youth. Camp Ahimsa was purchased in 1993 following the acquisition of the rest of the property by Equity Trust, Inc. and the Lodge was renovated in the late 1990’s under the supervision of Chuck Matthei, Equity Trust Executive Director. The Lodge features a fully operational kitchen, dining room, and wood paneled living room, as well as two bedrooms. Dormitory style sleeping accommodations allow for a maximum of 20 people. Two bridges crossing Bliven Brook and a short trail through the woods connect Camp Ahimsa to the main property. Ahimsa Lodge can also be accessed by car by using a separate driveway off of Forge Hill Road.
Please click here to see interior images of the Lodge.
Click on this for a video so you can see the interior and hear Bliven Brook from the deck.
Rachel Corrie House
Named after activist Rachel Corrie, this facility was designed and built by Bob Swann in 1966 as a model for affordable housing. It was built with volunteer labor for $3000. The house features a fully furnished kitchen with gas stove and refrigerator, living room with a cathedral ceiling, one and a half bathrooms, a loft and two bedrooms. There is bed space for up to 16 guests.
Muste Conference Center
Named after socialist A.J. Muste active in the pacifist, labor and the US civil rights movements. The A.J. Muste Conference Center was built in 1969 by the New England Committee for Nonviolent Action. The Muste Conference Center features a large meeting hall with skylights, industrial kitchen, accessible bathroom, covered outdoor porch, and the historic Eugene V. Debs Memorial Library. A stereo system and large television with DVD/VCR are also available for groups to use.
Chuck's Cabin
Originally built as a Finnish sauna, the Cabin was renovated in the late 1990s during Chuck Matthei’s tenure as president of Equity Trust, Inc. The cabin is situated on the edge of the woods near the farmhouse and features a futon sofa-bed and sleeping loft, a small wood stove and a small refrigerator. This is a great space for contemplation and reflection.
The Campbell Farmhouse
Built circa 1750, the Farmhouse was built for Dr. John Campbell, the local physician, and is the central building as you enter the VPT property from Beach Pond Road (CT-165). The farmhouse is said to have been a stop on the underground railroad, with slaves hiding in the secret rooms built into the central stonework of the basement. The farmhouse features a traditional central chimney with a main hearth in the kitchen and fireplaces in a number of the bedrooms.
The Farmhouse has been renovated on numerous occasions, most recently in the mid-90s under the direction of Chuck Matthei, Equity Trust president. Please call 860-376-9970 to express interest in reserving a space or to receive a tour.
