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.
George Bemis and the Phone Message
Intro In the General Store...In 1954 George Bemis became the owner and manager of Hotel Brooks. In 1976 he was honored as the Chamber of Commerce's Man of the Year. During his time in town he was a big supporter of the Brattleboro Outing Club. At the dinner, held at...
Updates on the doings of the Brattleboro Historical Society.
Unveiling Moments in Brattleboro History
The Brattleboro Historical Society will unveil its historic markers project at a ceremony behind the Wells Fountain at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 28, 2025. The project is titled ‘Moments in Brattleboro History’.The public is welcome to join the Historical Society’s...
Feature Exhibits
Hinsdale Bridge History – Eight and Counting…
Saturday, March 28, 1920 the Hinsdale Bridge between Brattleboro and Island Park collapsed into the Connecticut River. The winter had produced a great deal of snow, a warm spell caused a quick melt, and eight to ten inches of ice were still on the river. The...
Fort Dummer and the Vernon Dam
In 1976 the Brattleboro Reformer reported on the archeological dig that occurred at the Fort Dummer site along the Connecticut River. The site is about 1 mile south of downtown Brattleboro, along the Connecticut River. Fort Dummer was built on...
Development and Indigenous Burials
In 1922 the business community was pretty excited. Companies along Vernon Road were having a great deal of success. The White River Chair Company, Crosby Milling and Fort Dummer Cotton Mill had all settled into the southeast corner of town and caused a housing boom....
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!