Welcome to the Vermont Historical Society

Celebrating 175 years, the Vermont Historical Society is the only organization in Vermont that collects artifacts, books, and documents that reflect the entire history of the state, including every geographical area and every chronological period. We have been preserving the history that makes Vermont a special place to live, work, and visit since 1838.

Visit the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier
and the Vermont History Center in Barre

Learn about Vermont's exciting past in our Montpelier museum exhibit "Freedom & Unity: One Ideal, Many Stories." The award-winning 5,000 square foot exhibit tells the story of Vermont's people from 1600 to the present. You’ll see how Vermont's motto, "Freedom and Unity," is truly the cornerstone of our state, balancing individual freedoms and community. Visit the online exhibit.

You can also visit our three history exhibits in Barre at the Vermont History Center. The newest, Service & Sacrifice honors our Vermont Civil War heroes. There is also The Granite City and Icons, Oddities and Wonders highlighting treasures from the VHS collections. Click here to find out more.

Also in Barre is our Howard and Alba Leahy Library offering access to thousands of books, manuscripts, photographs, broadsides, maps, audio, video and film recordings, and many other items of ephemera which shed light on the lives and times of past Vermonters. A geneaologist's delight, the library opens the door to unique family stories.

Come to events, programs & workshops

Fun history events, school programs or scholarly presentations—our education programs and calendar give you many interesting ways to learn about Vermont and its history.