The Dorset Historical Society Museum is located on Route 30, within the Dorset Village Historic District in Bennington County, Vermont. It is across the street from the Dorset Village Public Library, near the Village Green, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The first floor of the Museum is accessible to the disabled.

Other days and times - Open by appointment
by calling Pat Carmichael at 802-362-6254.

The Museum is housed in the former residence of Elsa Bley, a long time Dorset artist and art teacher who left her home to the Society. A remarkable amount of volunteer help by the Dorset citizens, in the form of both monetary and hands-on contributions, helped renovate the house for museum occupancy. The Society took possession of the structure in 1991. Before moving to this permanent home, the museum collection had been housed in several quarters within the Village of Dorset.

The permanent collection focuses on artifacts from the town's marble industry past, stoneware from the local Fenton Potteries of 1800-1830s, iron items from the 19th century foundries in East and North Dorset, a Vermont coin collection featuring coins minted in 1785-1787 when Vermont was a Republic (prior to 1791 when it became the 14th state), paintings by Dorset artists working during the town's golden age of art (1885-1950), photographs, postcards, local textiles and clothing from Dorset's earlier days. One of the five galleries is devoted to special exhibits. Here, three or four presentations are prepared each year, one of which is reserved for the showing of works by one of Dorset's artists.

Manuscripts, maps and other research materials make the museum a valuable resource for those tracing family relationships or other local research topics. A genealogical prize consists of a massive work containing many family histories prepared by the Rev. Parsons S. Pratt, D.D., pastor of the Dorset Congregational Church from 1856 to 1896.

A walking tour tape is available at the Bley House Museum for those wishing to become acquainted with the homes and buildings in the historic village. A modestly sized gift shop is maintained within the museum.