The VTRC believes it's important to start understanding the state's history by looking at our own families. When you research your family history, you can learn a lot about where you come from and how your family fits into Vermont's story. It's a way to honor the past and learn about how it affects us today. Below are some resources to start your journey.
VT Historical Society
Website: Vermont Historical Society — Vermont Historical Society (vermonthistory.org)
Location: 60 Washington Street, Barre, VT
Hours: Tues-Friday & Second Saturdays 9-4 pm
Wednesday 9 am – 8 pm
Cost: $9 per day, free to members and students
Description: From the VT Historical Society website, “The VHS library is a place to explore Vermont's rich heritage. The curious researcher will find a variety of resources documenting the history and people of Vermont, including a collection of books and pamphlets dating from the 1770s to the present. The voices, ideas and commerce of the past are preserved here in unique letters, diaries, ledgers and scrapbooks. Some of Vermont's earliest maps and planning documents are available here. Extensive photograph and broadside collections create a visual record of the state's past. With a special interest in family history, the library has the largest printed genealogical collection in the state.”
Archives
Website: Vermont Secretary of State - Vermont State Archives & Records Administration
Location: 1078 Route 2, Middlesex VT
Hours: 7:45 – 4:30 pm M-F
Reference Room – 9 am to 4 pm M-F
Cost: No cost for usage (may be a charge for copies)
Description:
VSARA manages statewide records relating to enduring value to the State of Vermont. Appointments recommended and if you have questions about collections, please email sosarchives@vermont.gov. Researchers must conduct their own research in the archives. Items from their collection include:
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Rights of citizens
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Decisions of government
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History of the state
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Town Reports
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Eugenics records
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Free account from the State of VT records and newspapers
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Archival copy request form: Archives Copy Request Form (vermont.gov)
Free Subscriptions: Ancestry and Newspapers
Website: https://secure.vermont.gov/myvermont
Cost: Free
Description: The State of Vermont allows free and online access to Vermont vital records and historical documents through accounts to Ancestry.com and Newspapers.com. The subscriptions are for Vermont records only and can be accessed via the Vermont.gov website.
Family Search
Website: FamilySearch.org
Cost: Free
Description: Family Search is a tool that houses billions of records that includes vital records, ancestor profiles, family trees (check for accuracy), and historical documents. Vermont records and collections can be accessed on this site.
Vermont Life
Website: Vermont Life Magazine : Free Texts : Free Download, Borrow and Streaming : Internet Archive
Cost: Free
Description: The State of Vermont issued this quarterly magazine meant to document the “people, places and culture” of Vermont. The issues of the magazine spanned from 1946 to 2018.
Town/Cities: Vital Records
For vital records, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and land records please visit your local town or city. Appointments may be required.
Cost: Free but there may be a cost if you make a copy or ask for a certified copy
Topics of Interest:
Virtual Speaker Series: Mercedes de Guardiola - YouTube
The Home for Destitute Children | Mapping American Childhoods (uvm.edu)
Virtual Talk: Whose History is Preserved? (youtube.com)
Vermont Historical Society - YouTube (Series of lectures on a wide variety of Vermont topics)
Lessons from the Big Red Chair | Judy Dow | TEDxBurlingtonED (youtube.com)
C-SPAN Cities Tour - Montpelier: Vermont State Archives' Eugenics Study (youtube.com)