Art History Innovation

Bennington Museum presents and explores the rich culture of southern Vermont, eastern New York State, northwestern Massachusetts, and southern New Hampshire in all its forms, from the 18th century to the present. We connect you with objects of art and history, and put them into context across time and place through innovative exhibitions and programming, virtually and in-person, year round.

We are proud caretakers of the largest public collection of paintings by the great American folk artist Anna Mary Robertson “Grandma” Moses who lived in nearby Eagle Bridge, NY, as well as the defining collection of 19th‐century Bennington stoneware. “Creative Collisions” are becoming popular at the museum, so we also have on view works by major 20th‐century modernists including Rockwell Kent, Paul Feeley, and Jules Olitski, as well as works by contemporary and outsider artists such as Gayleen Aiken, Duane Michals, Jessica Park, and Jarvis Rockwell. The permanent collection includes superb furniture and paintings from Vermont, one of the oldest “Stars and Stripes” in existence – the famous Bennington Flag, with its arch of 13 stars encircling the number “76” – the renowned 1863 Jane Stickle Quilt featuring an astounding 5602 pieces, and a 1924 Martin Wasp Touring Car, the only automobile manufactured in Vermont. All are fine examples of art, history, and innovation that represent the creative mind at work, the spontaneous expression of the human spirit.

Regional History Room

The museum’s Regional History Room is the region’s most comprehensive genealogical and biographical resource on New England and Vermont families, as well as the history of Vermont. It includes over 8,000 published books along with many unique documents and primary sources relating to local history. The Regional History Room is a free resource.

George Aiken Wildflower Trail and Hadwen Woods

Set on ten acres of property, the museum is complemented by the Hadwen Woods and George Aiken Wildflower Trail. Open dawn to dusk, this trail traversing woodland and meadow is being developed to present the native species of wildflowers and plants found in Pioneering with Wildflowers, one of the first books on gardening with native plants, published in 1935 by Vermont governor, and later US senator, George Aiken.

Grandma Moses Schoolhouse

Attended by Grandma Moses and other members of her family in Eagle Bridge, New York, the Grandma Moses Schoolhouse was moved to the grounds of the Bennington Museum in 1972. Today it serves as a gallery for student and teacher art exhibitions, and sometimes as a meeting and makers space for our young visitors.

Museum Notes

Bennington Museum is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that depends on support, contributions, and donations from members, individuals, corporations, and grants to operate.

The museum has been continuously accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) since 1983, and is one of only a few accredited museums in the state of Vermont.