WELCOME TO THE NEWBURY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
We seek to engage everyone in Newbury in exploring our town’s rich cultural heritage. We believe that understanding our past builds a better future. We invite you to join us!
ABOUT
The Newbury Historical Society is a non-profit organization in Newbury, Vermont, dedicated to preserving, protecting, and sharing the rich history of our town and its people.
Founded in 1866, the Society maintains a museum and archives featuring an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and historical documents that tell the story of Newbury from its earliest days to the present.
Our team of volunteer curators and researchers works diligently to make these collections accessible to the public through exhibitions, educational programs, and community events. Whether you are a resident, a visitor, or a student researching Vermont history, the Newbury Historical Society offers a welcoming space to discover and connect with the heritage of Newbury.
👉 Explore our events, scholarship opportunities, and ways to get involved — and join us in preserving Newbury’s history for future generations.
What's Happening?!
This year is especially significant as we begin gearing up for Newbury’s 250th celebration in 2026. Our theme, Resilience: Past, Present, and Future, will guide our programming and events as we honor the strength, perseverance, and community spirit that have shaped Newbury for generations—and will continue to do so. We hope the year ahead brings continued growth and connection to you and your families.
The Newbury Historical Society, along with the Wells River Action Program, Daughters of the American Revolution – Oxbow Chapter, Tenney Memorial Library, Baldwin Memorial Library, Newbury Conservation Commission, Newbury Woman’s Club, and Newbury School of Weaving, is proud to share this collaborative calendar of events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States in Newbury. More information can be found on the Newbury Town website at https://www.newburyvt.org/222/Newbury-Celebrates-the-250th-Anniversary
Vermonters Imagine - How Will We Weather the Next 25 Years?
As Newbury continues to celebrate our country’s 250th founding anniversary, we’ve focused on our town’s resilience since 1776.
Newbury folks may be most familiar with Bill Mares for his collaboration with Newbury native son Frank Bryan on the iconic “Real Vermonters Don’t Milk Goats” and other books of “Vermonty” humor. But Mares never met a subject that did not interest him, and he published works on everything from the U.S. Marines to beekeeping.
His latest, “2050: Vermonters Take a Swipe at the Future”, published posthumously, was a collection of short essays and poems by 37 Vermont authors, farmers, politicians, historians, activists, students, artists, educators, scientists, and many whose titles jump all over the map. Some pieces are fantastical, some prescriptive, and some tongue-in-cheek, but each imagines how Vermont might look 25 years from now, and that fit right in with Newbury’s celebration of resilience for the country’s 250th birthday.
The Historical Society, the Newbury Woman’s Club, and the Tenney Memorial Library co-hosted several of those writers for an afternoon of readings and conversation on May 2 at the library.
Photo by Linda Bryan
Left to Right: Eric Duncan (farmer, beekeeper & retired Marine from E. Corinth), Brett Ann Stanciu (author & editor from Hardwick), Chris Hadsel (married to Bill Mares for 53 years & steward of this book), Mark Breen (meteorologist & planetarium director at Fairbanks Museum), Jane Kitchel (former Caledonia County Senator with 40 years of additional service in state government), Scudder Parker (poet, retired from service as minister, energy consultant, and state senator), and Ben Doyle (president of Preservation Trust of VT, former Peace Corps volunteer and educator).
Copies of the “2050” book may be borrowed from Tenney Library. And Chris tells us that “Real Vermonters Don’t Milk Goats” is soon to be re-issued for a 43rd anniversary edition!
The McClintock Scholarship Fund
This spring, the Newbury Historical Society will introduce the Gilbert H. McClintock Memorial Scholarship, a $500 award for a graduating Newbury resident planning to pursue a career in surveying, history, or community service. The scholarship is available to students from Oxbow High School and Blue Mountain Union School. Gilbert McClintock, a beloved and self-taught surveyor who served as a Lister for Newbury for many years, was known for his deep knowledge of the town's landscape and history. His contributions to the community are remembered fondly by his family. The new scholarship expands on the legacy of the McClintock Memorial Fund, which has supported young history enthusiasts for over three decades.
The full details and application process can be obtained through the schools' Guidance Departments. Follow this link for more information.
It truly takes a village to preserve and illuminate Newbury’s history. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the institutions, charitable donors, and community members who have supported us over the years—through financial contributions, in-kind donations, and the sharing of photographs and materials that help bring our programs and events to life. Your generosity and commitment ensure that Newbury’s story continues to be preserved and shared for generations to come.
