Community Resources

© Photograph Courtesy Seth Butler Media / Barnard Community Trust

There are many volunteer organizations doing excellent work to provide valuable services that help make Barnard and East Barnard a thriving small-town Vermont community, including:

Barnard Bulletin

Richard Lancaster, publisher
info@barnardbulletin.info

The Barnard Bulletin was launched in 1986 with the goal to keep the voting residents of the town informed about the issues of the time. Read the latest publication or subscribe to the bulletin here.

Barnard Community Trust

James Clarke, president
jclarke86@icloud.com / PO Box 262, Barnard, Vermont, 05031

The Barnard Community Trust (BCT) is a local nonprofit organization with a mission to maintain and enhance the rural quality of life in Barnard in a positive and sustainable way. The BCT was formed in 2012 to save the much-loved Barnard General Store, which had temporarily closed. It was a two-step process:

First, the BCT rallied the community to chip in enough money to buy the building and surrounding property. As owners, the BCT is responsible for property taxes, insurance, and upkeep of the historic structure.

Second, the BCT found Joe and Jillian Minerva to run the business. The store itself functions as a separate business entity operated by independent leaseholders. The store reopened in the Spring of 2013.

Read about the BCT’s ongoing efforts here.

Barnard Educational Endeavor Society (BEES)

Amelia Lennon, president
barnardacademybees@gmail.com

The BEES is a network of people who support Barnard Academy and includes parents, community members, and school staff. The group was originally called The Parents’ Club, but in 1990 the BEES acronym was adopted as a reminder of the role Barnard Academy played in making the honeybee the state insect.

Barnard Education Fund

The Barnard Education Fund (BEF) was established in 2000 at a time when school budgets were under considerable pressure and tax revenue could not cover enrichment activities. The BEF is funded by private donations and directly benefits Barnard Academy students.

Barnard Helping Hands

Linda Beaumariage, co-chair
letvt@mac.com / (802) 234-5624

Barnard Helping Hands is an ever-expanding group of volunteers that match the community’s skills with its needs. Helping Hands also keeps a food donation box next to the register at the Barnard General Store, distributes holiday food baskets and gift cards during the holidays, and collects gifts for local children. Visit the Helping Hands website for more information.

Barnard Historical Society

Paige Gibbs, president
historicalbarnard1761@gmail.com

The Barnard Historical Society was established in 1977 with the goal to keep the vital history of the town and the region alive. In 2005, the former Barnard Village School (built in 1858) was donated to become the home of the society. It is located on Route 12, less than 1/2 mile from Silver Lake.

Barnard Silver Lake Association

Ellen Miles, president
ellenmiles.vt@gmail.com / PO Box 142, Barnard, Vermont, 05031

The Barnard Silver Lake Association (BSLA) was formed in 1983 with the mission to protect Silver Lake from degradation, to preserve its beauty and environmental integrity, and to encourage safe and responsible enjoyment. The BSLA monitors the lake for invasive species and water quality and informs residents of the same.

Barnard Volunteer Fire Department

Stuart Hull, chief
barnardvtfire@gmail.com / PO BOX 146, Barnard, VT 05031

The Barnard Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) was formed in 1956, and in 1998 a First Response group was formed within the department. The BVFD responds to all emergencies in town, approx. 70 per year.

Broad Brook Volunteer Fire Association

Art Lewin, chief / 166 East Barnard Road, South Royalton, VT 05068.

The Broad Brook Volunteer Fire Association (BBVFA) was formed in 1955 to provide fire service to the East Barnard area and the Broad Brook watershed, which traverses Pomfret, Barnard, South Royalton and Sharon.

Charles B. Danforth Library

East Barnard Church

The East Barnard Church was built in 1834 and was originally known as the Church of the Broad Brook Union Society before the name was changed in the 1970s. Church services are held in the summer and on Christmas Eve, and community activities and events are held year-round. Visit the church facebook page to learn more.

East Barnard Community Club

Greg Sanders, president
travelingyet@gmail.com

The East Barnard Community Club (EBCC) was formed in the 1930s. In 1984, the club took over the local Grange Hall, which was then renamed the East Barnard Community Hall. The EBCC brings the village together for potlucks, porch concerts, work parties, and the lighting of the annual Christmas memory tree.

East Barnard Village Crier

The Crier was launched in 2005 with the goal for the EBCC to keep in touch with neighbors. Read the latest publication or subscribe to the Crier here.

First Universalist Church

The First Universalist Church and Society of Barnard was founded in 1802. The church was constructed in 1844 and sits on the southern shore of Silver Lake. The society hosts summer services, weddings, and other special events throughout the year.

Silver Lake Progressive Club

The Silver Lake Progressive Club is a community-based ladies’ club in Barnard, Vermont, that started as a farmers’ wives’ guild one hundred years ago. Since 1986, the club has fundraised and made an annual scholarship award to a Barnard high school senior.

Vital Communities Email Discussion List

The Barnard community list was launched in 2011 as an easy way for residents to request or post information about any topic relevant to the town. It is not an official town government service, but a voluntary, non-profit driven effort. Residents are encouraged to subscribe and post; non-residents may subscribe, but are asked not to post. Visit the Vital Communities website to subscribe.