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.
 
After a 35-year hiatus, Bread and Puppet Theater’s “The Christmas Story” returns with a performance at the Old Labor Hall on Saturday, December 21, 7 p.m. Created in 1962 by B&P founder Peter Schumann “The Christmas Story” was performed in various versions annually until the mid-1980s, by B&P and other affiliated theater groups in Vermont, Maine, New York, and Boston. According to Bread and Puppet, the revived show has been updated “to reflect the horrors of the current political situation, and contains a strong anti-war message.” Admission to “The Christmas Story” is by a $15 suggested donation at the door. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

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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.