Braintree Historical Society

The Braintree Historical Society, Inc is a private 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to collect, preserve and share Braintree’s past. The organization is run by an eight person volunteer board of directors elected by the members of the Historical Society. Membership is open to anyone with dues paid annually. The society owns and maintains the iconic Braintree Hill Meetinghouse.

Brief History of the Braintree Hill Meetinghouse

Built in 1845 and dedicated in 1846, the Braintree Hill Meeting House was erected to take the place of the town’s original meetinghouse built circa 1807. When the original meetinghouse was deemed too large for the town’s populace, an arrangement was made between the town and officials from the Congregational Church, whereby the old building was given to the church providing they build a new structure and allow town meetings to be held there. This arrangement lasted until 1936 when town meetings were moved to the West Braintree Town Hall.

By the 1880’s the church’s membership was shrinking and beginning in 1924, the building was used only once per year for Old Home Day service, (a tradition which continues today). With the death of the last member of the church in 1969, the structure became the property of the Vermont Congregational Conference. Subsequently, Braintree Historical Society Incorporated was formed and took ownership of the building and grounds. Today the society works to preserve and share the history of Braintree through a museum in the Meetinghouse’s basement as well as through occasional public programs and by carrying on the tradition of Old Home Day.

Current Use

In recent years, the Braintree Hill Meetinghouse and grounds have become the home for a very popular series of events known as the “Braintree Bluegrass Brunches,” which have featured local music, local food vendors, farmers market stalls, kids activities and general community-building. Each of these events have brought 100’s of people to the Meetinghouse to support local vendors, musicians and farmers and to help raise money for the Braintree Historical Society. Chandler Center for the Arts advertises these events now and they are co-hosted by the Braintree Historical Society, Ridgeline Outdoor Collective, and the Chandler Center.

The Meetinghouse hosts several weddings, receptions and family gatherings each year.

To contact the Braintree Historical Society, you may email braintreevthistoricalsociety@gmail.com or call 802-728-6170.

Braintree Historical Society
273 Woodchuck Hollow Road
West Braintree, VT 05669