Vermont Historical Society facts for kids

Seal of the Vermont Historical Society, with the motto non pro nobis laboramus.

Vermont History Museum

Location	109 State Street The Pavilion Montpelier, Vermont, United States
Type	History
Owner	Vermont Historical Society

The Vermont Historical Society (VHS) was started in 1838. Its main goal is to save and share the amazing history of Vermont. Think of it as a super-cool detective agency for the past!

The Society has two main spots. In Barre, you'll find the Vermont History Center. This is where the main offices are, plus the special Leahy Library and a small book shop. In Montpelier, the Society runs the Vermont History Museum. It's located in the Pavilion building, right near the Vermont State House.

Discover the Vermont Historical Society

The Vermont Historical Society is all about keeping Vermont's past alive. It helps people learn about the state's culture and what life was like long ago.

Quick Facts About VHS

• The Vermont Historical Society began in 1838.
• Its mission is to protect and share Vermont’s history and culture.
• A group of 22 trustees and five officers lead the Society.
• These leaders are chosen by the members each year.
• About 2,500 people are members of the Society.
• The Society has 11 full-time and 4 part-time employees.

Explore the Leahy Library

The Leahy Library is a fantastic place for anyone who loves history. It opened in 2002 and is named after Howard and Alba Leahy. It's perfect for doing your own research projects!

What You Can Find at the Library

• Over 50,000 books and magazines.
• Thousands of old letters and documents.
• About 30,000 photographs showing Vermont's past.
• More than 1,000 maps to explore.
• It has the biggest collection of family history records in Vermont.
• You can also search for items using their online catalog.

Visit the Vermont History Museum

The Vermont History Museum is located in Montpelier. It's inside the Pavilion building, right next to the state capital building. This museum is like a giant treasure chest filled with Vermont's history!

What's Inside the Museum?

• The museum has about 20,000 historical items.
• These include beautiful artworks and handmade crafts.
• You can see old household items and clothing.
• There are also farming tools and early industrial products.
• The items show Vermont life from ancient times to today.
• You can also see many of these exhibits online.

The Vermont History Center in Barre

The Vermont History Center is in the old Spaulding school building in Barre. It's a beautiful historic place!

What the Center Offers

• It has the Vermont Heritage Galleries.
• These galleries show different exhibits about Vermont history.
• The exhibits change often, so there's always something new.
• The Center also holds the Society's library and museum collections.
• It has offices and a public meeting space too.

Fun Programs and Events

The Vermont Historical Society offers many programs. These include workshops and conferences about Vermont's past.

Vermont History Expo

From 2000 to 2016, the VHS hosted the Vermont History Expo. This was a big weekend party celebrating Vermont's heritage. It took place in Tunbridge, Vermont.

• The Expo had many themed attractions and events.
• Over 150 local history groups showed their exhibits.
• There was live music and fun family activities.
• You could enjoy tasty food and watch performances.
• Experts also gave presentations about history.

Programs for Families and Schools

The education team at the Vermont Historical Society has lots of programs. These are for families, teachers, and students.

• Students and teachers can take free field trips to the museum.
• They can also borrow history kits to use in class.
• Vermont History Day lets students dive deep into a historical topic.
• The Society also has a special website for kids called Vermont History Explorer.
• This website has maps, documents, and many photos.
• It also has over 200 articles about Vermont history, written for kids.

Vermont Women’s History Project

This program shines a light on the important roles women have played in shaping Vermont's history. It helps everyone learn about their amazing contributions.

Helping Local History Groups

Since 1943, the Vermont Historical Society has helped local history groups. They do this through the League of Local Historical Societies and Museums.

• The League works with 192 public libraries in Vermont.
• They also partner with 200 local museums and heritage groups.
• They offer free advice on how to care for old collections.
• They also help groups use technology to share history.
• This help includes tips on caring for items and e-newsletters.
• They also have an awards program and an annual conference.
• The League publishes a list of all local historical societies in Vermont.