Vermont’s story is shared, celebrated, and preserved by the over 190 local historical societies and museums found in all corners of the state. Working hard, often only with volunteers and excellent apple pie recipes, these organization foster a sense of community that bridges generations, provides a sense of place, and helps define Vermont’s unique identity.

Lively and Local: Historical Societies in Vermont, a new exhibition opening at the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier on April 7, 2021, explores the work of these essential community organizations through images and stories curated by a selection of participants from around the state.

Visitors of the exhibit will learn about the missions and goals of 14 local institutions and the incredible work they do to safeguard our shared history, from the Pownal Historical Society’s preservation of their town’s last one-room schoolhouse, to hosting hands-on archaeology programs for students in Waterford, and much, much more. In addition to the featured societies, visitors can find information on hundreds of local history groups around the state via an online directory kiosk and “build their own” historical society by choosing objects from participating organizations and the Vermont Historical Society.

Text description of Big Heavy World images in the exhibit

Dedicated stewards of our shared experiences, local historical societies and museums serve an essential community role, and this exhibit seeks to communicate the value and necessity of this task. In the words of the Lincoln Historical Society, “Understanding our local history brings our community together through the shared stories of people, events, and enduring materials. Learning the stories of a community’s past can change the way you think about the present.”

Printed description of the Big Heavy World exhibit

This exhibit showcases the photographs and stories of Big Heavy World (Burlington), Cabot Historical Society, Colchester Historical Society, Dorset Historical Society, Enosburgh Historical Society, Estey Organ Museum (Brattleboro), Greensboro Historical Society, Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home (Manchester), Lincoln Historical Society, Pownal Historical Society, Shelburne Historical Society, Shrewsbury Historical Society, Waterford Historical Society, and Williston Historical Society.

The Vermont Historical Society (VHS) provides support for local historical societies through newsletters, roundtable discussions and workshops, listservs, and community outreach. Chartered in 1838, the Vermont Historical Society is a private, nonprofit organization that engages both Vermonters and “Vermonters at heart” in the exploration of our state’s rich history. VHS has two sites: the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier and the Vermont History Center in Barre, which houses the Leahy Library. VHS sponsors educational programming, publishes books, and creates online resources for history lovers and students at home. Visit VHS online: https://vermonthistory.org/

Lively and Local: Historical Societies in Vermont is on view through July 31, 2021, at the Vermont History Museum. Please visit vermonthistory.org for information on opening hours and visitation limitations related to COVID-19.

Contact: Eileen Corcoran, Community Outreach Manager at the Vermont Historical Society, eileen.corcoran@vermonthistory.org

New Exhibit Celebrates Vermont’s Local Historical Societies