Book Launch for “Putney Then & Now: A Vermont Town in Photographs, 1885 – 2025” with author, Bill Darrow
Sunday March 22, 2026 at 2 pm at next Stage, (doors open at 1:30)
For more info: https://www.nextstagearts.org/events-calendar#/events/172251
Join the Putney Historical Society for a book launch with local historian Bill Darrow celebrating the publication of Putney Then and Now: A Vermont Town in Photographs, 1885–2025. This handsome softcover volume pairs rare historic photographs from the 1880s and early 1900s with contemporary images, revealing how Putney has changed over the past 100–140 years.
Through detailed commentary, Darrow places these images within their broader historical context, highlighting Putney’s buildings, landscapes, and notable residents. Bill will be joined by his brother Evan, who assisted in exploring many of the historic sites featured in the book, as they discuss their research and discoveries.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase for $35, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Putney Historical Society. Bill Darrow will be on hand to sign books.
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
2026 Annual Meeting
January 17, 2026, 2 pm, at Next Stage, Kimball Hill, Putney
After a brief business meeting, diver Annette Spaulding will give a presentation on her discoveries in the Connecticut River in Putney, focusing on the “Elephant Bridge” she and her daughter located in 2001.
Renovate and Relocate!
The Putney Historical Society will be relocating to the Town Hall but we first need to rehabilitate the upstairs and make it accessible. This is a major undertaking and we are working with the town to raise the funds needed for renovation of the entire building.
Click here to learn more about the Putney Town Hall Renovation Project.
Click here to donate to the Putney Town Hall Renovation Fund.
New Book to Benefit the PHS!
Putney Then and Now, A Vermont Town in Photographs
Bill Darrow’s new book features historic photos of Putney from the 1880s and early 1900s. Many depict structures that still stand in Putney and are juxtaposed with current photos of those structures. Great gift idea for anyone who loves Putney! All profits go to the Putney Historical Society.
Order here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G47T8DJQ?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520
Fall 2025 Newsletter
Our Fall 2025 Newsletter features an account of the early days of Putney, a compilation of details about Putney’s Revolutionary War Veterans, the story of the founding of the Green Mountain Spinnery, an homage to the Historical Society’s past presidents and their impact on the town, a glimpse into our collections and more!
2026 Calendars are now available
Our 2026 Calendar is now available! The 2026 calendar features gatherings in Putney photographed by Adelbert Corser around the turn of the 20th century.
Get yours at the Putney General Store, the Putney Coop, or order here for $15 plus $3.75 shipping (via first class mail within the USA).
More Mystery Photos!
Can you help us identify these places? Click on a photo to see a larger view. Contact us at putneyhistory@gmail.com if you think you know the place!
(Photo by A.M. Corser)
(Photo by Mary Thwing)
(Photo by A.M. Corser)
Did You Know?
- PHS has a collection of over 2000 glass plate negatives from 1880s -1930s
- PHS owns and preserves the Putney General Store building – now leased to the current proprietors: Mike & Kim Cosco
- PHS was instrumental in preserving and adaptively re-using the former Congregational Church into Next Stage Performing Arts Center
- PHS has a long-term lease to have its home in the upstairs of Town Hall & is currently partnering with the Town to renovate and make it accessible & energy efficient
Please support our work with a donation or membership and join our mailing list!