Reason, the Only Oracle of Man, 1784
Ethan Allen (1738-1789)

The museum’s collection of rare books, manuscripts, and archives begins with documents relating to the founding of Bennington and the settlement of Vermont and extends to artists’ archives from the mid-20th century. It includes an important group of imprints by Anthony Haswell, a letter from George Washington to General John Stark, and a rare first edition of Ethan Allen’s Reason, the Only Oracle of Man.

Haswell Slave Deed, 1803
John Hayner (1775-1853)
Harwood Diaries, 1805-1837
Benjamin Harwood (1762-1851) and Hiram Harwood (1788-1839)