About
Brattleboro Historical Society
[email protected]
802-258-4957
Research Room
230 Main Street
Municipal Center, 3rd floor
Thursday, 2 – 4 PM
Saturday, 10 – noon
Other hours by appointment
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.
Over the years, the Society has acquired approximately 50 organs manufactured by the Estey Organ Company. Information about the company and the individuals who built the industry is available at the Society.
The Society has bound volumes of local newspapers dating from 1833 to 1981 including the Daily Evening Times, the semi-weekly Eagle, the Vermont Phoenix, the Windham County Reformer, and the Brattleboro Reformer.
The Society possesses an outstanding collection of over 4,000 photographs, some dating back to the mid-19th century and the early days of photography. These images capture valuable historical moments and speak to us in a manner more powerful than words alone can convey. In addition to encapsulating the photos in protective mylar sleeves, the Society has embarked on a program of digital imaging the collection for storage in the computer, thereby providing efficient and safe access to photos without disturbing the original prints.
Research Room
The Brattleboro Historical Society Research Room is located on the third floor of the Municipal Center.
BHS has been in this historical location since 1988. The Victorian Gothic edifice with a mansard roof at the north end of Main Street was constructed in 1883 and served as the Brattleboro High School until 1951. The Society has preserved the last remaining classroom as its History Room.
Artifacts
The Research Room has Brattleboro research and reference material, administrative space, and some local artifacts. Historic Brattleboro photos, letters, posters, maps, records, newspapers, postcards, business records, and other items are part of the collections.
There is elevator access at the rear entrance. The Municipal Center is located at 230 Main Street, next to the Brooks Memorial Library.
Records
Photos
Physical Archives
Special Events
12 Feb 2019
Brattleboro: The Defining Decades 1870-1920, event at the River Garden
This exhibit showcases Brattleboro from 1870–1920’s when the Main Street we recognize today began to take shape; industry and commerce expanded and arts and culture began to flourish.
John Carnahan discusses the origins on the Brattleboro Historical Society
The Latest…
We add new content almost daily. Check back here to see it all bundled up nicely.
1993 Brattleboro Union High School Yearbook
A MAIN STREET WALKING TOUR OF ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORIC SITES
Juneteenth
JuneteenthTwo years ago, on June 19th, 2022, three young people honored seventeen African American soldiers who represented Brattleboro during the Civil War. Making a CorrectionThe town installed a corrective plaque next to the Civil War Soldier's Monument on the...
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!