The Bennington Historical Society exists 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).

 

SEASON OF MYSTERY PRESENTATION!

As part of Bennington's Season of Mystery 2010, the Bennington Historical Society is excited to offer "Unsolved Mysteries of Bennington."  This evocative look into Bennington's rich history will be presented by local historian Ted Bird.  The presentation will be offered twice; first on Sunday, July 25th and again on Sunday, August 22nd.  Both presentations will be at the Bennington Museum at 2:00p.m.   Admission is free.

 

JOIN US!

You can help the Bennington Historical Society preserve Bennington's rich History by becoming a member for as little as ten dollars.  Just click here!

 

Upcoming Programs:

We are excited to announce that beginning in January we will be hosting our monthly presentations on the third Sunday of each month at 2:00p.m.  We hope that this day and time will be more convenient for people and will also provide an opportunity to enjoy the museum before and after the presentation.  Below is our tentative schedule through May.  As soon as we have our presenters and dates confirmed will update this page.

 

JANUARY 17th:  The Graded School Fountain & its Restoration; Anne Bugbee & Jerry Albert.

FEBRUARY 21st :  The Travels of Lizzie McCullough; Patricia Michaels.

MARCH 21st: “The Unknown Rockwell”, book written by Buddy Edgerton & Nan O’Brien.           

APRIL 18th: “The Irish in Vermont”; Vince Feeney.

MAY 16th: Gov. Tichnor: The Jersey Slick; Bob Guarino

June 26th-27th: Visit the Vermont History Expo 2010 on the Tunbridge Fair Grounds in Tunbridge, Vermont.

July 25th:  "Unsolved Mysteries of Bennington"; Ted Bird

August 22nd:  "Unsolved Mysteries of Bennington"; Ted Bird

September 19th: Bus Tour   “So You Think You Know Bennington”

October 17th: Annual Meeting – Allison Bell – “Grace Greylock Niles”.

November 21st: Jamie Franklin – “Vt. Furniture”.

January. 16th: John Hall – His book “The Meadow”.