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The Rutland Historical Society was founded in 1969 to serve the original town of Rutland which includes the present towns of Proctor, Rutland Town, West Rutland and the City of Rutland.

The original Rutland was chartered in 1761 as part of the New Hampshire Grants by the Provincial Governor Benning Wentworth. The first settlers arrived in 1770 led by Colonel James Mead. Almost immediately a controversy arose with New York claiming the same land grants under the name of “Socialborough.” This controversy ultimately led to the Vermonters forming the Republic of Vermont from 1777-1791. Vermont became the fourteenth state in 1791.

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Old Fort Rutland

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During the early 1800’s the Rutland area was known for agriculture and for the sheep industry. By the mid 1800’s the development of the marble industry and the arrival of the railroads created an industrial and retail boom which brought many immigrant workers to the Rutland area. Rutland has continued to grow in industry and population to become the largest city in Southern Vermont.

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From modest beginnings the Society has progressed to a very active organization. It has received awards of excellence from the Vermont League of Local Historical Societies for its quarterly magazine and for its monthly television series “Historically Speaking”. The Society has produced over 99 episodes in this series that airs on the local public access channel. A companion newsletter about Society activities is mailed to members with the Quarterly magazine.  A weekly Rutland Historical Society column entitled “Tidbits From Then and Now” is featured in “Sam’s Good News”, a local weekly newspaper. The Society also offers live programming for groups of all ages from kindergarten to senior citizens both at the Society and at other locations.

The Society collects and preserves all manner of artifacts including books, manuscripts, photographs, textiles, special collections i.e.: an extensive collection of Rutland newspapers including the Rutland Herald, municipal court records, cemetery records and much more.

The Society has nearly 600 members from 32 states and the District of Columbia. All the activities of the Society are the work of volunteers. We welcome all gifts of items and collections of historical value and bequests or donations so that we may preserve the past and enrich future generations. Your participation is requested, through volunteer work, being a member or just visiting us at 96 Center Street to do some research or see the changing exhibits. Please drop by; we would love to see you.

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