Walking Tour: How Windsor Changed the World, and How the World Changed Windsor

Local resident Jim Briand will explore the legacy of Windsor’s Robbins, Kendall and Lawrence Armory from a fresh perspective. Attendees will learn how the story of RKL, a groundbreaking firm in the field of weaponry, fits into the broader context of water-powered industry that transformed New England prior to the Civil War. Particular focus will be given to the social impact of new technology, and how the lives of Vermont workers were altered as traditional artisans moved into centralized, mechanized workplaces. The tour will visit a series of sites around Windsor Village related to key developments in the RKL story, followed by a talk inside the Armory. Bring your walking shoes! Length is about 2 miles

Briand, who moved to Windsor this past year, has a long term interest in urban history in both large cities and rural factory towns. He previously developed walking tours on the history of Boston’s “lost neighborhood,” the immigrant enclave of the West End, the Civilian Conservation Corps in Greater Boston, and the building of Route 128 through Boston’s urban forest, the Blue Hills.

Tickets are $20, or free for Members when you use your member discount code. Sign up here