Local History Resources

A collection of resources, funding, and programs from VHS, alongside links to other resources and organizations.

Vermont Community Immigration History Grants

The Vermont Historical Society (VHS) is partnering with the Lost Mural Project to award (5) Community Immigration History Grants in 2025-2026, each in the amount of $500.00. Details and application link available here. 

LLHSM Lending Library

The Vermont Historical Society maintains a collection of publications and resources to assist local historical societies & museums. The list below represents the most current and/or relevant publications. Additional books are available, please contact Eileen Corcoran, director.outreach@vermonthistory.org to request publications or if you are looking for additional titles or topics.

Books will be leant to VHS member organizations. Non-member organizations may make an appointment to read the books at the History Center in Barre. An organization can borrow up to 3 books at a time for a total of 8 weeks.

Books may be picked up and dropped off at the History Center in Barre, or they can be shipped (via media mail) to the organization. Up to 5 lbs of books can be shipped to an organization for free at a time. Organizations are responsible for any fees for return shipping.
Organizations are responsible for returning books in the same condition they arrived. Loss or damage of a book may be charged to the organization. Please email director.outreach@vermonthistory.org to request titles. Supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency, through the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Vermont Department of Libraries

LLHSM Lending Library Book List

Active Collections Online Resource Center

This resource center builds on our Activating 21st Century Local History Training Program. Local historical societies and museums are encouraged to use these guides and resources to implement Active Collections in their organizations. 

Active Collections ORC

LHS Handbook

We've created a handbook for new trustees and volunteers at local historical societies & museums to help them learn more about museums, board service, and creating an engaged community organization. Download a digital copy below.

Local History Handbook

Resource Links

Featuring select articles, handouts, templates, recordings, and more resources organized into these topics:

• Management/Boards
• Collections Care & Management
• Exhibits
• Development/Fundraising
• Operations/Facilities
• Outreach/Programming
• Education
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Archives
• Marketing/Communications
• Emergency Management
• Vermont 250th Resources

You can also visit the VHS Youtube Channel for our ever-expanding playlist featuring programs for local historical societies & museums.

Links to Other Vermont Organizations

• The Preservation Trust of Vermont
• Vermont Department of Libraries
• Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, including Historic Preservation Grants
• Vermont League of Cities & Towns
• Vermont Old Cemetery Association
• Vermont State Archives and Records Administration, including the Vermont Historical Records Program
• Vermont Arts Council, including the Cultural Facilities Grant Program
• Vermont Humanities, including their Speakers Bureau & Humanities Grants
• Vermont Covered Bridge Society

Other Resource Websites

• Institute of Museum & Library Services (grants)
• National Endowment for the Humanities (grants)
• American Association for State & Local History (annual conference, training, resources)
• Connecting to Collections Care (resources, training, forums)
• American Alliance of Museums (Museum Assessment Program)