Friday, May 1 beginning at 12:01 AM right here!
Barre’s historic Socialist Labor Party Hall (The Old Labor Hall) may be closed due to Covid-19, but the Barre Historical Society will still celebrate Primo Maggio 2020 (May Day) with the launching of its first oral history project on the website.
To enjoy virtual Primo Maggio 2020, all you need is a glass of wine or grappa and a plate of antipasti and a computer, tablet, or smartphone to sit back and enjoy the history of Barre, Vermont, and the nation as it was lived.
“Thomas C. Davis: A Life in Vermont” is a tribute to the Barre-born former Vermont Secretary of Human Services, long-time public servant, and BHS board member, who died in 2017.
You can choose from 18 audio segments on topics ranging from family history, to reminiscences of Barre, baseball, politicians, and public service.
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.
The Board of the Barre Historical Society has determined that we are closing the Hall for our own events and for rentals until further notice because of the risks posed by the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
The Old Labor Hall is hosting a special film event celebrating the life and music of Chilean musician and political activist Victor Jara.
This feature-length film documents the extraordinary life and legacy of iconic Chilean singer-songwriter, Victor Jara, executed in 1973 following a right-wing military coup.
Followed by a Q&A with writer and producer John Summa.
Saturday, November 23 at 8:00 pm (doors open at 7:00 pm)
WORST. SONG. EVER. returns to the Old Labor Hall. This annual live music event celebrates decades & decades of really bad pop music for the benefit of the Old Labor Hall.
The winners (the worst) are based solely on audience voting, the victor is the act that gets the most $$$$. The WORST. TROPHIES. EVER. are awarded to the winners as decided by YOU. The event itself is FREE, but if you don't bring your money, you will miss half the fun, and the Hall won't benefit, so bring your $1s, $5s, $10s, and maybe even a $20 to vote with!
Calling all "musicians"! The fun can't happen without you.
The competition is open to performers of all styles, levels, and abilities: from musicians, to hobbyists, to hacks! If you can carry a tune, strum a few chords, or better, (or worse)…then this event’s for you. Advanced sign up is required if you want to perform.
UPDATE: The Bakery Window has extended its hours it is now open on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12:30 to 6:00 pm
How can bread be both fresh and historic? If you buy it directly from the "Rise Up Bakery" window at the historic Union Cooperative Store bakery building—now restored as a modern wood fired bakery.
You can now purchase bread right from the wood fired oven.
Friday, October 4, 2019 at 7:00 pm Mother Jones In Heaven the musical will receive this Vermont premier as part of a nationwide tour. The story of Mother Jones forcefully reminds us how powerful one person can be in service to the betterment of others. The topic is as timely today as it was when Mother Jones was organizing the working class at the turn of the last century.
The production stars Vivian Nesbit in a rousing one woman performance as the infamous labor organizer who led the charge for better working conditions and fair pay for miners, mill workers and child laborers.
For 65 years the 251 Club has challenged "the native born and those born elsewhere but with Vermont in them" to visit every town in the state—all 251 towns. After all those decades, the monumental endeavor has been memorialized in a film by director Mike Leonard, who not only talked the talk, but walked the walk—twice!
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with a concert by Magpie, a duo featuring Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner, who sing songs of the working class, justice, and the environment, combined with songs of romance and relationships.
Sunday, August 11, 2019 1:00 to 4:00 pm Rise Up Bakery,48 Granite St, Barre, VT
Legendary bakers, Jules and Helen Rabin will be treating friends of the Bakery to the story of their nearly 50 year love affair with wood-fired bread baking.
Jules will give the history and Helen will demonstrate how its done. Smell the bread baking and eat it when its done.
Seating is limited and reservations are required. Please do not come unless you have a confirmed registration. The event is currently booked up. If you would like to be put on a waiting list, please email bakery@oldlaborhall.org.
Admission is by donation for the benefit of the Bakery (suggested donation of $15-$20, low income or student $10).
