Welcome

This is the website of the Barre Historical Society, owner of the Socialist Labor Party Hall National Historic Landmark, known as the “The Old Labor Hall”. Here you can find information about the history of the Hall, about renting the Hall for your event, and about how you can help the Barre Historical Society preserve the Hall and the Union Cooperative Store bakery building.
 
 “Rough Blazing Star,” a new experimental documentary film from new Old Labor Hall board member Christopher Wiersema, premieres on Vermont Public’s “Made Here” series on Thursday, October 10th at 8:00pm. The film, which begins with a visit to the Old Labor Hall, examines anarchism, local history and memory, Emma Goldman’s writing, and a shared love of flowers. Participants include long-time Barre residents 105 year old Italian elder, Alba Rossi and Giuliano Cecchinelli, renowned Italian stone carver. “Rough Blazing Star” won the 2024 Vermont Public Award for Best Documentary at Made Here Film Festival in Burlington, Vermont.
Made Here Series on Vermont Public:

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The Feb. 1st Labor Heritage Power Hour podcast features the Old Labor Hall, with contributions from our own Ruth Ruttenberg & Karen Lane. Catch it at https://yourrightsatwork.podbean.com/

Happenings at the Hall:

  • Thomas C. Davis: A Life in Vermont

    Oral history recollections by a 17th generation Vermonter, the son of a former governor, and himself a life-long public servant.

    Tom Davis was a political activist, public speaker, storyteller, author, and statesman. Also known as “Tom Terrific,” he was widely admired for his quick wit, humor, humility, kindness, wisdom, and generosity. Read more →

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History:

  • The Bakery from the Beginning to 2004

    Union Cooperative Bakery BuildingHistory of the Union Cooperative Bakery building, constructed in 1913 as an extension to the cooperative store located in the basement of the Socialist Labor Party Hall. It provided Italian and French baked goods to the community of italian granite workers in the area in the first decades of the twentieth century. Read more →

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Action, Camera!

Check out the Old Labor Hall YouTube channel for video excerpts from events at the Hall.