Articles

The Washburns in Putney, Chapter 1

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The opening chapter of a narrative by William B. Darrow tracing the story of the Putney Washburn family. The Washburn brothers were grandchildren of Asa and Sally (Upham) Washburn, early Putney settlers present for the first United States Census in 1790. For four or five generations members of the family did extraordinary things. It is … Read more

A Historical Walking Tour of Putney

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The Putney Historical Society has published a beautifully illustrated brochure featuring pre-Civil War architecture of the downtown, Kimball Hill and Westminster Road area of Putney. The brochure is available at the Putney Historical Society, the Putney General Store, the Putney Coop and other locations around town. More information can be found here.

Putney General Store Update, March 2017

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The Putney Historical Society is working on re-opening the store ourselves with the help from community and expert advisors. We hope to open in March or as soon as possible…stay tuned! (PS many many thanks to Hotwheelz for the upcoming fundraiser to benefit the reopening of the general store. Information regarding the fundraiser is at … Read more

Many Community Donations and Grants Help Putney Historical Society Successfully Complete Improvements at Next Stage/15 Kimball Hill

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Contact: Lyssa Papazian, PHS Board Member, Chair Development Committee–802) 387-2878, mobile (802) 579-3698, papazian@gaw.com The new bathrooms (including one ADA accessible) and rear fire exit at Next Stage/15 Kimball Hill are now complete. The Putney Historical Society is pleased to be able to say that the building is now in compliance with fire and life-safety … Read more

PHS Works with Others to Rebuild Store: Plans Community Meeting Feb 1

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The longest-running general store in Vermont, dating to the mid-1790s, was lost to arson on November 1. Now, with grants from Chittenden Bank and the Harris and Frances Block Foundation as well as strong community donation and sustained support from the Preservation Trust of Vermont and the Windham Foundation, the Putney Historical Society is firming up plans to rebuild on the foundation in the center of town, and plans a community meeting to update the community on its progress.

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Rutland Herald reports positively on PHS work

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Putney aims to save itself by taking over fire-damaged store, closed church
By Kevin O’Connor Staff Writer – Published: August 16, 2009

PUTNEY — First the centuries-old general store went up in flames. Then the big church across the street closed. In response, the Putney Historical Society has decided the best way to preserve its community isn’t to scrapbook old photos, but to acquire the buildings and bring them back to life.

Could the precedent-setting example, as experts believe, help other small towns save similar landmarks?

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Press Release–PHS and East Putney Community Club successful in grant application

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PIERCE’S HALL RECEIVES GRANT FOR A NEW ROOF

by Anne Kerrey

EAST PUTNEY–Pierce’s Hall, a favorite venue of contra dancers and bands for the last 35 years, has passed a milestone on its path toward a new roof in the New Year. The Vermont Division of Historic Preservation has awarded the Putney Historical Society the full $12,500 that it and the East Putney Community Club requested to save the historic East Putney community building, built in 1832 as a Methodist meeting house.  This state grant will provide half of the amount needed for a new standing seam metal roof for Pierce’s Hall.

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Yes, Virginia, the Putney Historical Society does own the General Store!

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After strong community support, a loan, and some legal back and forth, the Putney Historical Society closed on the General Store on November 7. Very exciting! Bob Stevens, a respected Brattleboro engineer, helped us complete a structural analysis in September and October to determine feasibility and costs, which were higher than we had hoped. Immediately, … Read more