Welcome to the Brattleboro Historical Society

There’s Always Something Happening in History

Here We Are, with BHS Trustee Lee Ha

Lee Ha is a deep-dive researcher at the Brattleboro Historical Society. She talks about the thrill of the chase, unearthing surprises, and also shares scenes from her early life, including travels to Viet Nam.

Watch Lee on Here We Are, Brattleboro’s Talk Show with Wendy O’Connell.

Do you look at the Retreat Meadows and say, “why is that pond called “Meadows?” Do you drive along Canal Street and think, “where’s the canal?” Do you ever think to yourself, “has anyone ever looked into these perplexing questions?”

We have good news: the answer to your final question is, “yes.” And the answer to all your other questions can be found in the Brattleboro Historical Society Newsletter.

How do you get this fantastic source of knowledge nuggets timely updates from the Brattleboro Historical Society? Join us!

BHS in Action!

Watch this short video introduction to the Brattleboro Historical Society

Telling The story

Brattleboro Historical Society was founded in 1982 as a non-profit organization by a group of local historians and civic leaders interested in Brattleboro’s past. The Society’s mission is to collect and preserve historical artifacts, documents, photographs, and data of persons, places, and events significant to Brattleboro from its earliest days to the present, and to disseminate Brattleboro’s history through research, exhibits, and interpretation of the collection for the education and enjoyment of the community. Join us!

A Look Inside the archive

Lee Ha started scanning the historical society’s negative collection in 2014 when the BHS board of trustees approved purchasing a negative scanner.

That first day she scanned 20 images, not seen since they had been developed some 60 years prior, thus beginning the massive scanning project.

The project continued and new volunteers have taken over the process.

Today the digital archive includes approximately 10,000 photos, most are not online, but we endeavor to upload as many as we can. Click yonder button and see how things are progressing.

Old News & New Notes

Stories from Brattleboro history that you may have missed the first time.

New Bridge!

New Bridge!

Intro Excerpts from local newspapers concerning the replacement of the covered bridge connecting Brattleboro with Hinsdale.March 7, 1902 The old Connecticut River Bridge in Brattleboro, known as the old toll bridge, had the closest call in its history and it is now in...

Updates on the doings of the Brattleboro Historical Society.

Feature Exhibits

How Did Flatboats Work?

How Did Flatboats Work?

This week in Brattleboro history we are going to focus on early trade and transportation.  Before interstate highways and train rails there was the Connecticut River.  The Abenaki used the river to trade tools and goods throughout New England.   When Europeans arrived...

Membership

Join Us

Brattleboro Historical Society was founded in 1982 as a non-profit organization by a group of local historians and civic leaders interested in Brattleboro’s past. The Society’s mission is the telling of Brattleboro's story. Join us!