BRATTLEBORO — On Thursday, Oct. 18, at 6 p.m., the Brattleboro Words Project's Roundtable Discussion will gather representatives who work with the unique, rare, important, and humorous historical treasures and archival collections that reside within Windham County's numerous historical societies, public libraries, and museums. The discussion, in recognition of National Archives Month, will take place at 118 Elliot, across from the Central Fire Station.
The Roundtable event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be available.
In a news release, Mary Ide, an archivist and member of the Brattleboro Words Project Leadership Team, said Windham County “has more than 45 historical societies, libraries, and museums, many of which hold local historical photos, artifacts, diaries, personal papers, business documents, and much more that tell part of the rich history of Windham County from its earliest years through the 20th century.”
Representatives from institutions will speak and show slides and some actual examples of their holdings at the event.
The discussion will include a short talk by Rachel Onuf. She is the coordinator of the Vermont Historical Records Program at the Vermont State Archives, and her work includes improving the care and preservation of historical records and creating digital and other public access options.
Teachers participating in the Brattleboro Words Project, or those who simply wish to learn more, are invited to come at 5 p.m., an hour before the public presentation begins, to learn how using primary resources can enrich student work. Professional development hours will be offered for attending.
Several Windham County institutions have created online access to a portion of their collections. For instance, the Rockingham Public Library has a robust online collection of historic photos and glass plate negatives of Bellows Falls and the surrounding towns (rockinghamlibrary.org/history).
The Windham County Historical Society hosts online access to information about the impact of the Civil War in Southern Vermont, the West River Railroad, and documents relating to Royal Charters and Land Grants in the very early years of Windham County.
The Brattleboro Historical Society has an online collection of photos at brattleborohistoricalsociety.org/photos, and since 2016 has been producing podcasts about local history with the Brattleboro Area Middle School. available at brattleborohistoricalsociety.org/category/recordings.
The Brooks Memorial Library has an extensive local history collection. Access to some material is available at brookslibraryvt.org/search/subject-guides2/local-history-and-genealogy. Many more Windham County historical societies, libraries and museums have online access to parts of their larger collections.