Bristol Historical Society
The Bristol Historical Society was formed on June 5, 1977, by Dorothy and Win Trudo, Howard and Anna Gladding, John and Elizabeth Hise, Barbara and John Kennedy, Leland and Nina Landon, and several other interested citizens.
In the spring of 1978, a workforce made up of mostly volunteers began to convert the old jail in the basement of Holley Hall into a headquarters and museum, which was dedicated on July 7, 1979.
The museum was relocated to quarters in the Howden Hall Community Center in August 1991.
Howden Hall was named for its previous owners, William S. Howden and Susan Hall, who purchased it for the Advent Christian Society in 1891.
Donations of photographs, diaries, genealogies, and artifacts with a Bristol history are welcome.
We are always grateful for the many donations to the museum.
EVEN IF YOU CAN'T BE AN ACTIVE MEMBER,
WE WELCOME YOUR SUPPORT
Meetings
Meetings are held in Howden Hall, 19 West Street, at 7:00 pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month, May through October. See the Addison Independent or our Facebook page for changes. Meeting are open to all.
Tentative Schedule for 2026
May 22 - Elissa Cobb - 'Dude Prince and African Americans in Bristol'
June 18 - Jim Jones - 'Trolley Tires to Rubber Tires'
July 16 - Kevin Hanson - 'Reminisce with local Postcards'
Aug. 20 - Reg Dearborn - 'Bristol Casket Factory'
Sept. 17 - TBD
Oct. 15 - Katie Male-Riodan - ‘History of the Library’
Collections
The Bristol Historical Society has artifacts, photographs, books, manuscripts and documents, period clothing and quilts available for viewing at the Howden Hall Museum, 19 West Street, Bristol, VT. The museum is open anytime by appointment with a board member. Feel free to contact any of our Executive Board members by phone or email with your inquiry.
The Society also has periodic open houses throughout the year.
You can learn more about our history by checking out the booklets we produce on various topics or by buying one of the books we sell on the history of Bristol.
Early History of Bristol by Harvey Munsill — $10
History of Bristol (2012 - 4th edition) — $20
History of NH Munsill Hose, Hook & Ladder Co. — $15
Our Goal
The goal of the Bristol Historical Society is to discover, collect, preserve, and share information and materials related to the history of Bristol.
To help meet that goal, we maintain an archive, run a museum, conduct open houses, and host programs with speakers on various topics.
We also award scholarships to local high school students, place Historical Society plaques on houses around town, and help with various projects of historical significance to the town.
Follow Us On Social
Feel free to follow us on facebook where you can see photos from the archives, post your own Bristol photos, and interact with fellow Bristol enthusiasts.