Poultney Historical Society was established in 1935 to preserve the history of the Town. It continues to strengthen that mission and seeks new ways to nourish interest in local history and to serve the Poultney community.
Three historic buildings on-the-green in East Poultney serve as the organization’s museums. They house the Society’s large and varied collections of household, farm and early industrial equipment, as well as military memorabilia, clothing, two restored melodeons, and document and photo archives. The museums are open every Sundays from 1-4 pm in June, July, and August and by appointment during the rest of the year. Genealogy research and assistance is available.
In August 2003, the Society launched an Oral History Project and was awarded a grant by the Hills and Hollows Fund of the Vermont Community Foundation for the purchase of recording equipment. Interviews began in January 2004. Several Green Mountain College faculty, students, and Society members are interviewing a wide cross section of Poultney residents to gather a folk history in the oral tradition, a picture of the Town with a real sense of place.
History comes alive on East Poultney Day during the Historical Society’s annual August festival on-the-green. An 18th Century schoolmaster conducts class in the 1791 Union Academy (Vermont’s second oldest school) while a British Army Regular periodically disturbs the peace with musket fire. Outside the museum doors are demonstrations in traditional needle arts, slate splitting, and candle making. Black Welsh sheep will be present as a favorite highlight. Poultney Area Artists Guild will exhibit and sell original art work.
For more information:
Visit the Poultney Historical Society website at www.poultneyhistoricalsociety.org
Phone: 802-287-5252
Or write to: Poultney Historical Society, PO Box 605, East Poultney VT 05741
Richard E. Hanson, President
rnchanson@aol.com
2751 Vermont RT 140, Poultney VT 05764
Gail Vreeland, Membership Secretary and Co-Chair, East Poultney Day Committee
vreeland@sover.net
PO Box 21, Poultney VT 05764
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