The Brown-Knight Memorial VFW Post 8268 building in Bennington reopened after a year of repairs and renovations, the VFW announced last week.
The Town of Bennington, which owns the former train depot at 9 Hancock Rd. now used by the VFW, closed the building in November 2025 after the furnace stopped working. That led the town to do a full renovation.
Bennington Select Board member Tony Parisi said the building was in “desperate need of an overhaul.” Donations allowed the town to complete the repairs.
“I am so happy that the VFW is open and can be used again,” Parisi said. “The Select Board went in and took a look at all the problems, and were able to completely overhaul the building.”
Repairs to the building include fixing the heating and cooling system, replacing and adding insulation, repairing the foundation and adding new floors, doors, windows and electrical and plumbing systems. Renovations included widening the hallways and restrooms for accessibility, installing upgraded technology, and replacing the kitchen.
“We are especially excited that there is a brand new kitchen with a griddle and that everyone from the Conservation Commission to the Girl Scouts and other clubs in town, as well as VFW members, can now use this building, and they will have everything they need for all of their events and meetings,” Parisi said.
Brown-Knight Memorial VFW Post 8268 gifted the former train depot to the Town of Bennington in 2008, with the understanding that the VFW would always have access to the building and that the town could also use the space for events. The town maintains the building with funds allocated for town-owned buildings.
Post Commander Josh Moreen said that while he hasn’t toured the completed building yet, he’s happy with the project.
“It’s been coming along nicely. It’s a beautiful building. We’re very glad the Select Board decided to take this on, and we are very grateful to the community for their support and donation,” Moreen said.
Upcoming events
The first event in the newly renovated space will be a free steak and lobster dinner for all veterans and their families on Friday, Nov. 6.
On Nov. 7-8, Brown-Knight Memorial VFW Post 8268 will participate in the Poppy Drive at the Peterborough Shaw’s in remembrance of American veterans who sacrificed for their country.
On Nov. 20, the VFW’s annual Turkey Raffle returns to the newly renovated VFW. Funds from the Turkey Raffle support Operation Santa in partnership with the Grapevine Family Resource Center.
On Jan. 2, the post will host the first of the year’s free monthly pancake breakfasts, which are open to the public. All are welcome to attend.
For more information about Brown-Knight Memorial VFW Post 8268, please email
vfw8268@gmail.com, visit vfw.org, or find the Post on Facebook.