Pownal Historical Society

06/12/2026

UPDATE 6/13/26- Thank you all of you Extraordinary Women & Exceptional Men for your interest in the Witches’ Walk. I know there are some of you who don’t know the story of Widow Krieger, (Kriger), so I will be posting it soon. Please watch for it and please “follow” our page to keep informed as the 4th Annual Witches’ Walk comes together! Looking forward to seeing you all September 12th!

4th Annual Witches’ Walk—-
The Witches’ Walk is in Remembrance of Pownal’s Widow Krieger, who was accused of being a witch. It was Vermont’s only Witch Trial.
We dress up & walk in defiance of those who feel they have a right to condemn those they feel don’t look, act, speak, dress, etc in a way “they” feel is the norm. Widow Krieger was accused of being an “Extraordinary Woman”. It is our belief that all women are extraordinary in their own way!
Mark your Calendars for Saturday, September 12th and plan on joining the 4th Annual Witches’ Walk at Strobridge Park, by the Dean Road Bridge in North Pownal! Come at noon to spend the afternoon with Music, Dancing, Food and Surprises 🧹

06/12/2026

We have a new Website!! WWW.pownal.org

Member David Dubov-Flynn and Board Member Tom Zolper redesigned the PHS website over the past year.
Tom said, “We want the site to be alive with stories and news about Pownal past and present. Here you can find upcoming events, announcements, and other current material. The site also gives visitors information about the History Center, and how PHS spearheaded the addition of the old Pownal Center schoolhouse to the new Town Hall. Also, a section called "From the Archives" on the website will share stories from the past, often from our records at the History Center, or from past publications, etc. Please also follow PHS on Facebook, ( https://www.facebook.com/PownalHistoricalSociety?), where Joyce Held constantly is sharing stories, photos and news."

05/26/2026

Stephentown Historical Society has a very interesting talk coming up on June 7th.

05/26/2026

Our Friends at the Stephentown Historical Society are having their 44th Annual Strawberry Festival on June 21st!

05/24/2026

This is number 9 in a series of random popup Pownal photos that I will write a story about. Hope you enjoy reading it. (Please follow the Pownal Historical Society’s page so you will be notified when the next story photo pops up.) JH

Recently, I’ve been asked about the old “Honor Roll” sign that once stood, on a small island, at the intersection of North Pownal Road and Route 346 following World War II.
As you can see from the photos, the sign was made of wood and painted white. It listed the names of Pownal men and women who served in the Military during WWII — some names still very familiar to us today, while others have slowly faded from memory over the years.
The sign also honored three young men who made the ultimate sacrifice: LeRoy Baker, Charles Pettibone, and David Powell. Their families received the heartbreaking notice that their loved ones would never return home.
Each year, Pownal held parades honoring those who served, with local Military members proudly participating. Over time, the Honor Roll sign slowly deteriorated and was eventually taken down. It has been said that the Town stored it away somewhere, though I do not know what became of it. Sadly, it is most likely gone by now. The island was removed for better traffic flow.
I pray that every person who gave their life protecting our freedom — as well as all who bravely served to keep us safe from harm —will receive a special place in Heaven.
Perhaps someday our community will once again have an Honor Roll sign and parade to show our gratitude, respect, and remembrance for those who served our Country so courageously.
(Thank you Doug Wilcox Sr. From Pownal Past and Present for adding color to the photos). JH

05/09/2026

This is number 8 in a series of random popup Pownal photos that I will write a story about. Hope you enjoy reading it. (Please like the Pownal Historical Society’s page so you will be notified when the next story photo pops up.) JH

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day and when this photo popped up, I immediately thought of this extraordinary woman, Helen Renner, who became a “Mother” to so many people in Pownal, both young and old.
When we first moved to Pownal and I was in my early 20’s, I found Helen — and many lifelong Vermonters — a bit intimidating. They were often quiet and reserved, and at first I thought perhaps they didn’t like me. Over time, I realized it was simply a New England way of life. You had to prove yourself before being fully welcomed in.
It took years before I found myself taken under Helen’s wing, but it was worth every moment of waiting. She shared not only her deep love for Pownal and its history, but also a quiet, motherly kindness that touched so many lives.
Her farm was always filled with neighborhood children listening to stories about growing up in Pownal. There were her beautiful, well-behaved Collies, along with horses and chickens that made the farm feel like a place from another time. Helen and her “Boyfriend” — the affectionate nickname she had for her beloved husband, George — were known for their generosity, hospitality, and willingness to help the town in countless ways. They helped build the first Fire House, donated land for the Pownal Rescue Squad, and supported the Pownal Historical Society, where Helen proudly served as its first President.
Through my friendship with Helen, I not only learned to love Pownal and its history, I also learned how to be a stronger, more caring Christian woman. One piece of advice she once gave me still makes me smile: “Be careful what you say about people in town, because most of them are cousins.”
Helen never had children of her own, but perhaps God had an even greater plan for her. In so many ways, she became Pownal’s Mother.
Happy Mother’s Day ❣️

05/05/2026

We see that it’s under contract. May the new owners protect the history and character of this piece of Pownal History.

05/05/2026

Volunteers Needed- the Pownal Historical Society owns several old Friendship Quilts. We are looking for volunteers to help organize a Quilt Show! Please contact us if you would like to help…[email protected]

04/28/2026

A year ago we were honored to have the “New England Legends Pownal Witch story” be nominated for an Emmy! Although we didn’t win the Emmy, it was so much fun visualizing the acceptance speech! Widow Kriger is still a Star to us and we are asking you all to Save The Date - September 12, 2026 and join us for the 4th Annual Witches’ Walk! Follow us to learn more!

Learn about a witch trial in Pownal, Vermont

04/26/2026

Help Needed- The Pownal Historical Society is looking for Volunteers to enter data, (Excel spreadsheet), and do other clerical work 2 to 3 hours per week at the History Center. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Pownal and its history. Please, won’t you consider helping us out. Thank you. Contact Joyce at [email protected] to learn more.