Barre Granite Association

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Barre Granite Association The BGA is comprised of Barre area granite quarriers and manufacturers of memorials and other products.

Granite, the earth’s most plentiful and durable stone, finds new and surprising applications in a modern world millions of years after it was formed deep within the earth. Granite can be used to achieve a warm or cool look; it can be rustic or refined, casual or elegant. Because it is one of the hardest materials available, it is also virtually maintenance free. Vermont’s Barre Gray – quarried in Graniteville is the standard of the world for monumental grade granite. Its durability, strength and moisture resistance along with its consistent gray color, free of impurities makes it the most sought after stone for the fine detailed designs and patterns of the memorial and monumental industry.

Past and Present Polishing Techniques. Much of the work still being done by hand, this is just a small example of them a...
10/16/2026

Past and Present Polishing Techniques.

Much of the work still being done by hand, this is just a small example of them and now!

Working tools of a craftsman:His hands, chisels, dust-suction system, and pneumatic tools just to name a few tools. ...
10/14/2026

Working tools of a craftsman:
His hands, chisels, dust-suction system, and pneumatic tools just to name a few tools.

More Than Just Hammers and Chisels: The Sound of Music in Barre’s Granite Era! When thousands of skilled Scottish, Itali...
10/13/2026

More Than Just Hammers and Chisels: The Sound of Music in Barre’s Granite Era!

When thousands of skilled Scottish, Italian, and European stonemasons poured into Barre, Vermont, during the late-19th and early-20th-century granite boom, they didn't just bring their unmatched craftsmanship—they brought their deep-rooted cultural traditions in music, song, and community bands.

Life in the "Granite Capital of the World" was hard, physical, and dust-filled, but the community found joy, solidarity, and connection through sound:

The Shed Choirs & Working Songs: It wasn't uncommon to hear traditional folk melodies, operatic snippets, and choral harmonies echoing across the cutting sheds as artisans worked blocks of world-famous Barre Gray.

Immigrant Brass Bands: Cultural societies and unions formed vibrant local musical groups, marching bands, and social clubs that performed at community gatherings, festivals, and celebrations throughout Central Vermont.

Keeping Spirits Alive: Music served as the heartbeat of the immigrant community—bridging the gap between the old country and their new home in Vermont, and providing comfort through the industry's toughest times.

The legacy of Barre isn't just carved into the stone monuments standing in cemeteries and city squares across America; it's written in the rich cultural soundtrack of the generations who built them.

Unearthing Central Vermont's Stone Heritage: Did you know about the Excelsior Granite Company? Founded in April 1888 ri...
10/12/2026

Unearthing Central Vermont's Stone Heritage:
Did you know about the Excelsior Granite Company? Founded in April 1888 right here in our region, this historic enterprise played a fascinating role in the booming late-19th-century monumental trade.

As the greater Barre district rapidly became the granite center of the world, Excelsior established operations nearby in Montpelier (Vermont's capital), crafting high-grade memorials and impressive civic commissions, including Civil War soldiers' monuments honoring our veterans.

Like many capital-intensive manufacturing outfits of the era, they navigated plenty of twists and turns, including notable corporate and receivership proceedings by 1894 as the industry weathered shifting economic times.

While short-lived compared to many of the era's multi-generational titans, companies like Excelsior helped cement central Vermont's legendary reputation for precision stonemasonry and monumental art.

Way back before the days of modern heavy rigs, local quarrymen in Barre were pulling massive pieces like these Mountain ...
10/09/2026

Way back before the days of modern heavy rigs, local quarrymen in Barre were pulling massive pieces like these Mountain King columns straight out of the hillside.

It's always amazing to look back at these old photos and realize just how much sweat went into pulling our little corner of Vermont onto the maps as the Granite Center of the World. Imagine trying to move something this size over dirt roads with horse-drawn wagons, and eventually the trains like in this photo.

Anyone else have stories they would like to share?

Craftsmanship that stands the test of time. Backed by the unmatched assurance of the Barre Life Guild Seal warranty, ev...
10/08/2026

Craftsmanship that stands the test of time.

Backed by the unmatched assurance of the Barre Life Guild Seal warranty, every detail is crafted to endure and protect your legacy forever.

O.J Dodge on the left and countless hands that built Barre's granite legacy.
10/07/2026

O.J Dodge on the left and countless hands that built Barre's granite legacy.

The art and precision of the trade.
10/06/2026

The art and precision of the trade.

If you get a chance, swing through Elmwood Cemetery or Hope this timeof year. It is breathtaking to see the beauty that ...
10/05/2026

If you get a chance, swing through Elmwood Cemetery or Hope this time
of year. It is breathtaking to see the beauty that watches over the beautiful monuments, you see.

10/02/2026

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, waves of these highly skilled Italian artisans called scalpellini emigrated to North America. Employers heavily recruited them for their unmatched expertise in shaping marble and granite for landmark civic buildings, monuments, and intricate architectural elements.

Key destinations for these immigrant artisan communities included:
Barre, Vermont: Known as the "Granite Center of the World," where generations of Italian scalpellini settled to work the deep veins of Barre Gray granite in the local sheds and quarries.

New York City: Where families like the famed Piccirilli Brothers (who carved the iconic marble lions at the New York Public Library and the massive seated statue for the Lincoln Memorial) set up their renowned studios after leaving Italy.

Address

7 Jones Brothers Way
Barre, VT
05641

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 7am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 7am - 3:30pm
Thursday 7am - 3:30pm
Friday 7am - 3:30pm

Telephone

(802) 476-4131

Website

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