About Us

History

The Lightning Jar is a collaboration of business, non-profit, community, and government leaders from Bennington and across Vermont.

The major sponsor for The Lightning Jar is VSECU, a not for profit banking alternative for all Vermonters offering a full range of affordable financial products and services to its member owners. VSECU is collaborating with The Lightning Jar to host the coworking space within VSECU's Bennington retail branch that will forward our shared principles of membership participation, autonomy, independence, education, cooperation, and community sustainability.

What's with the Name?

The Lighting jar is located at 194 North St. in Bennington. Historically, this was the home of Henry W. Putnam, one of Vermont’s greatest entrepreneurs. Putnam used his success in business to build up those around him, leaving lasting marks on the Bennington community, including: the local hospital, the public water system, and some of the area’s most iconic buildings.

Much of Putnam’s business success came from manufacturing, particularly one product - a small mason jar with a easy-to-close lid that used a clasp which Putnam had patented early in his career.

He called the product: The Lightning Jar.