Leahy Library, Vermont History Center, Barre
In 2000, the Society acquired the old Spaulding School in Barre, which was been renovated to house the library, collections and administrative offices. In July 2002 the Society's library opened to the public on the second floor of the Vermont History Center. In November 2007 the library was named the Howard and Alba Leahy Library.
The VHS library is a place to explore Vermont's rich heritageThe Leahy Library of the Vermont Historical Society, open to the public four days a week, is a center for individualized research and discovery. 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. This is the place for genealogists, researchers and students to leave the present behind and explore Vermont's rich heritage.
Library Hours
Click here for regular hours; click here for holiday hours.
Support the Library
The operation of a professionally staffed research library with an archival environment has many costs associated with it. Please consider donating to help maintain this important Vermont resource. Make a donation or become a member now!
Additional Library information
Learn about the resources we have to offer by visiting the sections below.
- Library resources describes the different collections housed in the Leahy Library.
- The online catalog is the most effective way to search our holdings from off—site.
- Vermont History Journal provides full text access to articles published in our journal since 2000 and selected articles before that date.
- Online research resources provide access to our collections through your computer.
- The genealogy section explains our family history collection and genealogical research in Vermont.
- Civil War research resources.
- Sponsor-a-Book provides an opportunity for the public to help preserve the books in our genealogy collection.
- Image collections provide a photographic glimpse of Vermont's past.
- Moving images collections of films, videos and DVDs.
