| 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.
Old Fort Rutland
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.
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 80 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. |
