Roundtable discussion on historical treasures

BRATTLEBORO- Unique, rare, important, and humorous historical treasures and archival collections reside within Windham County’s numerous historical societies, public libraries, and museums.  The Brattleboro Words Project will host a roundtable discussion gathering representatives who work with these treasures in recognition of National Archives Month in October.
The discussion will include a short talk by Rachel Onuf, coordinator of the Vermont historical records program at the Vermont state archives, whose work includes improving the care and preservation of historical records and creating digital and other public access options.    
Teachers participating in the Brattleboro Words Project, or those who simply wish to learn more, are invited to come at 5 pm, an hour before the public presentation begins, to learn how using primary resources can enrich student work. Professional development hours will be offered for attending.
Several Windham County institutions have created on-line access to a portion of their collections. For instance, the Rockingham Public Library  has a robust online collection of historic photos and glass plate negatives of Bellows Falls and the surrounding towns at www.rockinghamlibrary.org/history/.  The Windham County Historical Society hosts online access to information about the impact of the Civil War in southern Vermont, the West River Railroad, and documents relating to royal charters and land grants in the very early years of the county.  
The Brattleboro Historical Society has an online collection of photos at www.brattleborohistoricalsociety.org/photos/, and, since 2016, has been producing podcasts about local history with the Brattleboro Area Middle School, available at www.brattleborohistoricalsociety.org/category/recordings/.  
The roundtable event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be available.  The discussion will take place Thursday, October 18, at 6 pm, at 118 Elliot Street.