Heritage Tracks

Alice Evans, an author and historian based in Waitsfield, presented her research on Civil War soldiers with a verified connection to the little town in the Mad River Valley. It began in 2013 with the number 87 and became a nearly decade-long quest, navigating archives, rosters, and the perils of the publishing world along the way.

A brutal 1926 murder. A rushed trial. And an unexpected defender—Clarence Darrow. Join us for a fascinating conversation with author and former Vermont Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeffrey Amestoy as he unpacks one of the state’s most sensational true-crime cases.

Did you know America’s oldest ski patrol started on Mt. Mansfield? One snowy accident in 1933 sparked a movement that led to the National Ski Patrol—and even helped inspire the legendary 10th Mountain Division.

The artifact presented at the Waterbury Senior Center this month was the Purple Heart awarded to World War II paratrooper and medic Robert (Bob) Haseltine Jr. upon his death behind enemy lines in France.

Members approved the 2026 budget and slate of candidates for the historical society board of directors at the annual meeting in October.

The Colby Little Wringer revolutionized laundry by reducing the effort needed to wring the extra water out of clothes.

Vermont Historical Society staff Eileen Corcoran and Hannah Kirkpatrick, who run the Activating 21st Century Local History project, wrote this article about the 2025 project cohort, of which Waterbury Historical Society is a participant.

The monthly history artifact and pop-up library visits at the Senior Center continued through the summer, with our Outreach Education Committee focusing on objects related to three successful businesses in Waterbury: Roby's Cider Mill, Derby & Ball, and WDEV.

The annual meeting and fall program on October 18 will include stories about the life and legacy of longtime Waterbury resident Dr. Daniel Marshall. Join us in person or remotely via Zoom.

The historical society and Town of Waterbury have partnered to establish a special committee to coordinate and support local activities celebrating the 250th of the founding of the United States and the Republic of Vermont.