The mission of the Bennington Historical Society (BHS) at Bennington Museum is to recover and preserve information about the history of the Bennington region and share this information with the community through projects, publications, programs, and other activities.

The Society is a volunteer-operated program of Bennington Museum and serves to support the Museum’s mission by fostering a greater understanding of our common heritage.

BHS volunteers conduct oral history interviews, and collect and transcribe diaries, letters, and other documents that provide insights into life in and around Bennington. The BHS also assists in the management of Bennington Museum’s Regional History Room which is a most comprehensive resource on the history of Vermont and genealogy of New England and Vermont families.  The library’s collection includes resources not found online including rare books, family history files, maps, newspapers, and archival resources in the Museum’s collection.

The Regional History Room is open Monday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons, 1-4pm and you can contact [email protected] for more information. The History Room is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers who will be happy to help you with your Bennington-related research. The library is non-circulating and access is free.

The BHS organizes and presents free public programs throughout the year, both virtually and in person. The group meets on the first Monday of every month and these meetings are open to all.  If you want to get involved, send a note to [email protected]. Check the museum calendar below for upcoming events and meetings.