The Brattleboro Historical Society Podcast

Brattleboro may have had a few men at the first Vermont public reading of the Declaration of Independence. This is the story...

Susannah Willard Arms has been identified as providing "Patriotic Service" during the American Revolution by both the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. This is her story...

The Centerville Covered Wooden Bridge was built in 1879. Eight years later the Brattleboro Creamery Association constructed a plant nearby that converted local dairy cream into butter. The business operated until 1911 and produced more than 200,000 pounds of butter a year.

Long before European powers fixed their gaze on the Connecticut River Valley, the region that would become Brattleboro was part of a broader Abenaki homeland. The Connecticut River and its tributaries—especially the West River and Whetstone Brook—were more than waterways; they were transportation corridors, food sources, and cultural anchors...here's the story...

Hosea Beckley wrote a Vermont geography/topography/history book in the 1840's. The book has wonderful descriptions of our region and gives examples of how geography impacted early settlement in Windham County.

Spencer M. Clark was born in Brattleboro. Eventually, he moved to Washington, DC and became the first Superintendent of the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing. In 1866 he placed his own image on United States currency, a five-cent note, and had the notes circulated as legal tender. US Congress had not authorized this action and a scandal ensued. This was not Spencer M. Clark’s first scandal....

Nellie and Patrick McCarthy married in St. Michael Roman Catholic Church in 1893. They were a hard-working couple and well-respected by their peers. Here's their story...

The Hopkins family moved to Vermont in 1879. Both parents were immigrants and their thirteen children sought better lives in the Green Mountain State. Here's a bit of their story...

After months of initial planning, the Brattleboro Historical Society Board of Trustees is thrilled to announce our latest project – bringing this town’s history out of storage and into the land of the light, with a museum. As you may know, BHS has developed exhibits and displays in numerous locations over the years and even in Montpelier at the Vermont Historical Society. This new project continue...

In 1936 George Aiken campaigned for Vermont Governor and also wrote a book entitled, " Pioneering with Fruits and Berries". Ninety years ago he was elected to office and also operated one of the largest plant nurseries in New England. This is the story...

Brattleboro's Little League began in the early 1950's. Larry Robinson played during the inaugural year of the league and remained involved in the development of youth baseball for many years. Here's the story...

In 1830 the E.A. Stearns & Co. Rule Manufactory began in Brattleboro. The owner would go on to become the President of Stanley Tools. Here's the story...

Charles Eddy was a local bottler of carbonated beverages and "Temperance" beer who found himself in court during Vt. Prohibition. By 1900 the company was the largest bottler in Vermont. The business was located on Flat St. With various owners, it continued to operate into the 1970's.

Vermont’s baseball history expert, Dana Sprague, has recently placed local highlights of his baseball artifact collection in the display case on the first floor of the Municipal Center. We hope you will find time to visit the display next to the Town Clerk’s Office. Here's the story...

In 1907 fifteen local women met to organize the Mutual Aid Association. It's goal was to help neighbors in need of support during times of medical challenges. This is their story...

For nearly two decades Belinda Lashway was a Brattleboro PD dispatcher. In this episode she shares stories of some of the intense moments with the job.

For more than 40 years Clara Antonetti was a major contributor to the local community. This is her story...

June, 1954 the Chamber of Commerce declared "Mel Ferrer Day". The actor visited town and helped raise money for a children's local mental health clinic. This is the story of how a Broadway actor had connections to Brattleboro...

In 1991 Nick Collins received "45 Year Service" pin from Brattleboro Ski Patrol Leader Ruth Lane. Nick would then regale the banquet with stories from the ski patrol's past. Here's some of what he had to say...

Ruth Lane joined the Brattleboro Ski Patrol in the 1950's and volunteered at local ski areas up until last year. A little while ago, she came into the Municipal Center and helped us create a Ski Patrol display. While she visited, we asked her a few questions...

Ruth Lane volunteered for the Brattleboro Ski Patrol in the 1950's and continued to volunteer at various local ski areas until she retired her skis in 2025. Here's her story...

The Clark family has donated many artifacts to the historical society. Their family lineage traces back to the Mayflower...Allerton Avenue is named after one of their ancestors...here's the story

In 1942 Torger Tokle was the first to retire the Winged Ski Trophy at the Brattleboro Outing Club Ski Tournament. Tokle would join the US Army and serve in the 10th Mountain Division. Many local skiers also joined the mountain fighting unit. This is the story...

After World War II there were millions of refugees displaced by the war. The subsequent scramble for control of Eastern Europe between the Soviet Union and the Allies brought about more upheaval. The Refugee Relief Act of 1953 gave some refugees a chance to come to the United States. Here's the story...

1920's New England Wrestling Champion George "Farmer" Bailey was also a successful horticulturalist who developed a new chrysanthemum and named it after his wife. He was also a hypnotist, Vaudeville, and circus performer! Here's the story of one of Brattleboro's most famous showmen!