History Center
28 N. Main Street
Open to the public
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Located in the two-story historic home of Civil War surgeon, Dr. Henry Janes, the Waterbury Historical Society History Center contains documents, photos, and artifacts from Waterbury's rich history in such areas as manufacturing, public service, farming, medicine, education, tourism, and transportation.
All visitors and researchers are invited to take self-guided tours of our exhibits during municipal business hours. The museum can be accessed by entering through the main doors of the complex and turning right, passing through the Town Offices. Ask at the front desk for accessibility to the second floor. Special Saturday open house events are also offered throughout the year. To arrange a visit outside of municipal hours, send an email to waterburyhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
WHS is here first and foremost to tell the story of the people of Waterbury. Volunteers and donors are the backbone and lifeblood of our society. Without such folks, the Waterbury story would be incomplete. Your support matters.
Let's get local history into everyone’s hands and hearts!
Be a History Center Host!
We have committed to opening the museum on select weekends during 2025 from 11am-3pm.
Memorial Day: May 24-25
July 4th: July 5-6
Labor Day: August 30-31
Indigenous Peoples: Oct. 11-12
Hosts greet visitors, staff the information table, and generally be a presence in the exhibits to answer questions. Training and support will be provided - No special knowledge or experience is necessary!
Collections Scope & How to Donate
Adopted by Waterbury Historical Society, March 27, 2017.
Adopted by Waterbury Selectboard, September 18, 2017.
Scope:
The Waterbury Historical Society collection consists of three-dimensional artifacts, documents, published materials, photographs, films, audio recordings, and digital files that illuminate the history of the Town of Waterbury, Vermont. Collection items should be made in Waterbury, have a strong connection to the town, and document one or more of the following themes:
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prominent residents
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local families
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civic and professional groups
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local businesses
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industries
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agriculture
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historic buildings/architectural features
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local events
Dr. Henry Janes Collection
The WHS collection includes artifacts, documents and other materials related to or directly from Dr. Henry Janes, Civil War Surgeon. Any action concerning the Dr. Janes collection will take into consideration his last will and testament, dated October 26, 1912. Any provisions in the collections policy for loaning or deaccessioning artifacts, documents and other material shall not pertain to the Dr. Janes collection.
The collection of Dr. Janes shall not leave the Municipal Building.
acquisition criteria & procedure
The Society and the Town of Waterbury seek to collect: (1) items related to filling gaps identified in the collection; and (2) items that have the potential for future historical interest.
Have something you would like to gift to our collection? Does the item meet the criteria below? If the answer is yes to both questions, please download the Temporary Custody Form and bring this form and your item(s) to the History Center during operating hours.
NO DROP-OFFS, PLEASE!
Items missing proper documentation or left without meeting with a History Center staff member or volunteer will not be accepted into the collection and will be removed to the trash. Questions? Please email our Collections Manager.
RELEVANCE
Item should be relevant to and consistent with the Society's mission and scope of collection.
NON-DUPLICATION
Item should fill a unique gap in the collection. WHS does not acquire items that duplicate existing holdings.
(Check if we already have the item in our online catalog.)
DURATION
Items are accepted only if the intent is to officially add them to the collection. The Society keeps items as long as they retain their physical integrity, authenticity, and relevance to the mission.
TITLE & PROVENANCE
Items should be obtained free and clear through the form of a deed of gift, with no doubt as to legality of the item's ownership or origin.
RESTRICTIONS
Items should be obtained free and clear of any restrictions as to their use, display, or future disposition, with the exception of extraordinary cases approved by the Board.
PHYSICAL CONDITION
Items must be in good physical condition and should not require extensive conservation.
RIGHTS
Items shall be transferred to the Town with all pertinent literary rights, property rights, copyrights, patents, or trademarks.
TAX LAW COMPLIANCE
Items should be gifted in compliance with applicable tax law and subject to applicable review or audit.