Readsboro Historical Society
Contact Information
- Location: 7009 Main St, Readsboro, VT 05350
Hours
- Open for Special Occasions and by Announcement Only
Please visit the Readsboro Historical Society Facebook Page for more information:
Officers
Al Scaia, President- skybar7@att.net
Mitchell Holland, Vice President- chappee1968@gmail.com
Rhonda Smith, Treasurer/ Secretary- lotamacs@myfairpoint.net
Sally Rubesam, Trustee- scruebesam@gmail
About the Historical Society
The Readsboro Historical Society was formed by a small group of people in town in 1972. The group came together to form the Society in part to save the First Wesleyan Methodist Church, the oldest building on Main Street, from being demolished to make a planned parking lot on the site.
The former First Wesleyan Methodist Church was built in 1840 and served as a church until 1911 when the group of worshipers disbanded. It was transferred to the Town of Readsboro for use as the Town Hall and Office until 1962 when the new Town Office was established in the new school building on Phelps Avenue.
There is a current membership of about 50 Life Members and about 30 people who join on a yearly basis.
The Readsboro Historical Society remains an active organization that preserves and celebrates the Town’s history. The Society operates a museum located in the converted First Methodist Wesleyan Church on Main Street. Exhibits of the Readsboro Chair Shop, Hoot Toot & Whistle Railroad ( the recent books by Brian A. Donelson, The Coming of the Train were researched in part at the Readsboro Historic Society). The Society organizes guest speakers and summer program, presentations via DVD’s and other media.
Over the years the officers of the society have raised funds for repair and upkeep and with funds budgeted by the Selectboard, have had some major work performed each year. The Wesleyan Building is still the property of the Town of Readsboro.