The Bennington Historical Society's mission is to research the history of Bennington and surrounding communities and share our insights with the public. We hope to foster a greater understanding of our common heritage.

Our members conduct oral history interviews, and collect and transcribe diaries, letters, and other documents that provide insights into life in and around Bennington. Recently, the society has produced a series of educational DVDs on topics related to local history, including Baseball in Bennington and Postcards from Bennington.

The society conducts approximately 8 monthly meetings per year in the Bennington Museum’s beautiful Ada Paresky Education Center. Programs typically consist of a presenter who addresses a topic concerning Bennington's rich history. Recent meetings have included the solo historical character actor Jim Cooke, best known for his rendition of Calvin Coolidge, and Brian Donelson, author of “The Coming of the Train,” who gave a presentation on the fascinating history and the impact of the Hoosac Tunnel and Wilmington Railroad (HT&W). 

On

June 16th and 17th

be sure to visit the

Bennington Historical Society's booth

at the

Vermont History Expo

This year’s theme is

"Vermont in the Civil War"

Upcoming Presentations:

Our monthly presentations are usually on the third Sunday of the month (be sure to check the specific days and dates) at 2:00p.m in the Ada Paresky Education Center at the Bennington Museum, located at 75 Main Street in Bennington. 

February 26th:  Ted Bird, “The History of The Opera House/ General Stark Theatre”

March 18: Dan Cohen, “Musical Instruments from the Bennington Museum: Exploring the Nineteenth-Century Soundscape”

April 15:  Tyler Resch, "Daniel Webster and the Founding of the Bennington Banner"
Special Guest: Michael Gabriel will be on hand to sign copies of his book, "The Battle of Bennington: Soldiers and Civilians" in the lobby after the presentation.

May 19 and 20:  Bus Tour -- "Bennington in the Civil War"   Anne Bugbee and Bill Morgan

June 24:  Jamie Franklin  “Rockwell Kent's "Egypt": Shadow and Light in Vermont"

July 15:  Jane Radocchia, "North Bennington in 1856"

SATURDAY, Aug. 18:  Michael Gabriel, "The Battle of Bennington: Soldiers and Civilians" 

Sept. 16:  Tony Marro, "Governor Philip Hoff"

Oct. 21:

Nov. 18:  Ken Clarke: "The Church in 1762" 

Dec. 16:  Don Miller: "Ethan Allen: Hero or Heel?"

JOIN US!