A Place for Community
The joy of being together | by Jenny Crowell
WE ALL HAVE DREAMS — whether they come to us in late-night conversations with good friends, when we first rise in the morning, or when we see something that demands our creative attention. For so many years, the North Barn project has been a dream held by our community. And this year, our shared vision will finally come true.
In a few weeks, a large construction fence will be placed around our beloved North Barn as it transforms into the community space we’ve all been waiting for. As the construction team begins restoring the beautiful 190-year-old barn, we’re collaborating with the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center, River Gallery School, Stone Church, HatchSpace, and other community partners to create a welcoming space that celebrates our community and gives Brattleboro another place to gather.
Restoring the North Barn into a year-round gathering place will breath new life into our community.
From casual exchanges in the Forest Playground to the sea of smiles at Food Truck Roundup, the benefits of social interaction and community bonding at Retreat Farm reach from the deeply personal to societal. Though you might just be having fun, the cumulative effects of spending time with dear friends and neighbors you’ve just met, sharing joyful experiences in nature, and watching kids run together are profound. Bringing the community together in space and time builds empathy, increases civic engagement, and improves countless community wellness markers.
The North Barn will be a place for community. A place for high school proms, non-profit fundraisers, meetings, presentations, music, art, dance, and any reason to bring us together in meaningful ways. Yes, there will be weddings and celebrations. There will also be so much more. Brattleboro has been longing for a gathering place accessible to everyone. With a seating capacity of 250 for dinner and 600 for concerts and lectures, the North Barn will finally fill the void.
It’s been a long journey to arrive at this moment. We couldn’t have done without your encouragement and the support of initial donors who helped leverage federal and state funding. The loving restoration of the historic North Barn is made possible with grant funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, Northern Borders Regional Commission, Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, a low-interest loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, and private donations.
The effect of spending time with friends, even strangers you’ve just met, is profound.
We can’t wait for you to experience the cathedral-like ceilings and hand-hewn beams encircling a wide expanse of people as you sit at one of the hand-crafted HatchSpace tables and delight in local food and drinks and the joy of being together.
We need gathering places to overcome widespread isolation and polarization, and gracefully navigate our daily challenges. Restoring the North Barn into a year-round gathering place will breathe new life into our community and give this iconic building a new purpose by hosting concerts, fairs, lectures, weddings, reunions, galas, conferences, and all of the community-building events that we’re desperate to return to our lives.
Skillfully navigating the disturbances of this project, we have an incredible lineup of summer events planned. So put your fears aside, and tell your friends and family that Retreat Farm is open this summer!
From Food Truck Roundup to Farm to Ballet and Music Under the Stars, we’re bringing back all your favorite events. With new programming from the Vermont Theater Company, a Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem kids concert, and countless other events — Retreat Farm will be a place to experience this summer. Gather with us on Farmhouse Square and be a part of the historic transformation of our most iconic barn.