Presidents’ Day program reveals encounters with nation’s top executive

Dateline: February 6, 2012

Montpelier, VT – Whether through birth, personal relationships, campaign stops or “just passing through,” Vermont has held unusual and interesting relationships with America’s presidents. On February 21 at 7:00 pm, President’s Day will be commemorated at the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier.

Vermont Historical Society Executive Director Mark Hudson will share stories of Vermont’s encounters with the nation’s chief executives with the illustrated presentation “Hail to the Chief: The American President in Vermont. Hudson says, “The nation’s top executive has always held intrigue, and we hope to open up discussion and reflection about them with this special presentation.”

Two presidents, Chester A. Arthur and Calvin Coolidge claim Vermont as their birthplace, while the parents of others, including Rutherford B. Hayes and William Howard Taft, were born in Vermont. Prior to their election as presidents, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison visited the newly admitted state, taking particular interest in the state’s sugar maples. In official capacities, on campaign, and on vacation, many others have visited the Green Mountain State. In each case, their visits were historic events.

This event is free and open to the public. The Vermont History Museum is located at 109 State Street, right next door to the Vermont State House. Please contact Mark Hudson at (802) 479-8515 for more information or look online at www.vermonthistory.org.

Justin Morrill addresses the State House on Farmers’ Night 150 years later

Dateline: January 23, 2012

Montpelier, VT – Justin Morrill of Strafford was a Representative (1855–1867) and a Senator (1867–1898) from Vermont. He will again make an appearance at the Vermont State House in Montpelier on February 8th, 2012 at 7:30 pm. His wife, Ruth, will join him.

The Vermont Historical Society will team up with the Justin Morrill Homestead in Strafford to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Morrill Land-Grant Colleges Act and present an evening with the Senator and his wife. Justin Morrill, portrayed by Curt Albee, and Ruth Morrill, portrayed by Amy Sholk, will entertain the audience with the backdrop from chapters in Morrill’s life: American architecture; horticulture; education; and the early Republican party.

Tess Taylor, Vermont Historical Society Program Director, says, “Please join us for a delightful evening with this icon who is remembered for the Morrill Land-Grant Colleges Act, which established federal funding for many of the public colleges and universities throughout the United States.” The event will be highlighted with music from the time performed and arranged by Susan Reid.

The Farmers’ Night series began in 1923, long before the interstate was built, when many legislators lived in Montpelier during the session and organized mid-week entertainment for themselves.

This event is free and open to the public thanks to our sponsors The University of Vermont and Denis, Ricker & Brown, Inc. Please call Tess Taylor at (802) 479-8505 for more information or check online at www.vermonthistory.org/calendar.

Save the date for the Vermont History Expo 2012

Dateline: January 11, 2012

Tunbridge, VT – The Vermont Historical Society returns to the Tunbridge World’s Fairgrounds with the Vermont History Expo on June 16 and 17, 2012. A unique country history fair, the Vermont History Expo features workshops, crafters, musicians, authors, local Vermont historical societies and museums, reenactors, and many more opportunities to step back in time. Now an every-other-year event, and this year’s theme is Vermont in the Civil War.

Tess Taylor, Director of Education and Public Programming, says, “6,000 past participants can’t be wrong! The History Expo is down-home fun whether you are 8 or 88.” The Expo is a popular two-day event that showcases stories and exhibits from our local Vermont historical societies and museums. Added to that are offerings from cultural heritage organizations, genealogy and research organizations, experts on Vermont history topics, heritage animals, fabulous food, 19th-century children’s games, music, reenactments, a live country auction, presentations and authors make this country fair dedicated to our state’s heritage.

Half-price admission is offered for those in period dress as well as special pricing for families. Advance discounted tickets are available for Vermont Historical Society members. Please contact Tess Taylor at (802) 479-8505 for more information or look online at www.vermonthistory.org/expo.