Socialist Labor Party Hall, National Historic Landmark in Barre, United States
The Socialist Labor Party Hall is a two-story brick building in Barre featuring a granite medallion with a hammer symbol and SLP initials on its facade. It now serves as a community center maintained by the Barre Historical Society for meetings, cultural events, and educational programs about labor history.
Built in 1900 by Italian volunteers, the building quickly became a central meeting point for labor unions and political movements. It hosted speeches from prominent labor leaders such as Eugene Debs and Samuel Gompers.
The building served as a gathering place for the Italian immigrant community, hosting political meetings, social dances, boxing matches, and wrestling events. It functioned as a center for community life and political expression beyond formal labor activities.
The building is accessible to visitors during regular hours and offers guided tours to learn about labor movement history. Check with the Barre Historical Society ahead of your visit to find out about current events and programs being held.
During the 1912 textile strike in nearby Massachusetts, the building provided shelter and coordination for children of workers involved in labor protests. This episode reveals how the hall served as practical support for working families during labor disputes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
