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12-1PM
Included with Museum Admission
The Mount Independence Coalition, the site friends group, is sponsoring a series of brown bag lunch discussions about the Revolutionary War and Mount Independence. Different topics each month, call 802-948-2000 for details. Bring your picnic lunch and perhaps a lawn chair to Mount Independence on these Saturdays, hear from knowledgeable Coalition members and invited experts, and join in on the discussion. Outside if the weather permits.
Event included with museum admission: $6 for adults, children under 15 free
12PM-4PM
Green Mountain Timekeepers Society members are in residence on the Chimney Point porch to keep time and talk with you about the history of your clocks and watches and how they can be repaired. Bring your old clocks and watches or photographs and learn more about your timepieces. Clock repair demonstrations throughout the afternoon.
Included with museum admission
July 25- July 31
10AM-5PM
The Orwell Free Library is hosting a “trail tale,” featuring the book Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus. Book pages with its colorful illustrations will be posted around the accessible Baldwin Trail for all to enjoy.
The Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site is celebrating President Coolidge’s favorite soda – Moxie! It’s “wickedly good” and “distinctly different.” The site, in collaboration with the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, will reenact President Coolidge’s oath at 2:47 p.m. on the porch of the Coolidge homestead where Col. John Coolidge administered the unexpected oath to his son on August 3, 1923 at 2:47 a.m. Following the reenactment, visitors are invited to enjoy Moxie floats. Wear your Moxie apparel or pick up something new from East Coast Printers who will be on site to show off all the latest in Moxie gifts.
The Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site is celebrating President Coolidge’s favorite soda – Moxie! It’s “wickedly good” and “distinctly different.” The site, in collaboration with the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, will reenact President Coolidge’s oath at 2:47 p.m. on the porch of the Coolidge homestead where Col. John Coolidge administered the unexpected oath to his son on August 3, 1923 at 2:47 a.m. Following the reenactment, visitors are invited to enjoy Moxie floats. Wear your Moxie apparel or pick up something new from East Coast Printers who will be on site to show off all the latest in Moxie gifts.
Included with museum admission
1PM-4PM
On this guided tour, walk in the footsteps of Revolutionary War soldiers. Mount Independence Coalition president Stephen Zeoli is your guide. He will tell you about some events leading up to the Revolution, as you look at traces reflecting the importance of Mount Independence in 1776 and 1777. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather. Co-sponsored by Mount Independence Coalition.
Ages 8-14
Mon-Fri, August 5-9, 9AM-12PM
$150 per child (financial assistance available)
Learning photography is a great way for young people to explore outdoors and appreciate nature. World Story Exchange teacher Scott McClure Miller has taught photography to children in 11 countries for the past decade. Join Scott this summer on the lovely grounds of the Morrill Homestead. Each day will be a fun mixture of practicing photography skills and learning to apply artistic principals through the camera, all while exploring the Homestead and the Strafford village. The week will culminate with a photo exhibit of campers’ work in the Strafford Post Office. Cameras kits are provided.
To register, contact director@morrillhomestead.org
June 12-October 16
10AM-5PM
The Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site’s resident farmer will be on hand each Wednesday to demonstrate historic farming tools and techniques. Visitors may witness such activities as sheep shearing, rye harvesting, blacksmithing, or cider pressing, and if lucky, will have an opportunity to meet Fred’s special farmyard animals.
$45, For Adults and Teens
12PM-4PM
In the workshop, “Making Morrill’s Pink” we will take inspiration from the iconic pink shades of the Morrill Homestead, using natural dyes and watercolor paints. With natural materials like madder, loquat leaves, amaranth, cutch, and sumac, we will dye fabrics various shades of pink together. While the dye baths do their magic, we will turn to our water color paper and continue to study the color pink as well as its complement and analogous colors.
Pre-mordanted cotton bandanas will be provided for the dye portion of the class, but students are welcome to bring small natural fiber items or a skein of undyed yarn to experiment with. A materials list will be provided for the watercolor portion.
Katie is a natural dyer who works with plants foraged from the hills of Northern California and around the Upper Valley, where she grew up. She is passionate about using natural dyes to extend the life of clothes & fabrics that might otherwise be retired or thrown away. Jennifer teaches painting with watercolors at the Morrill Homestead and AVA gallery.
To register, contact director@morrillhomestead.org
11:00 AM
The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation in partnership with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and the District Court of Vermont will host a naturalization ceremony at the Calvin Coolidge State Historic site. New citizens to the United States will take an Oath of Allegiance before a federal judge, receive a certificate of naturalization, and immediately have the opportunity to register to vote and attain a passport. Members of the public are welcome to witness this joyful and moving ceremony.
Friday, August 16th- Free Admission at All State Historic Sites
DAR Marker Dedication
10AM-2PM
To commemorate Bennington Battle Day, the Bennington Monument State Historic Site and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will be dedicating a Revolutionary War Patriots marker at the site.
Saturday August 17th-
Bennington Battle Day 5K
Celebrating it's 20th year is the Bennington Battle Day 5k!
Registration for the race:
www.benningtonbattlemonument.com sponsored by the Friends of the Bennington Battle Monument
Shirt pick up at 7:30 AM
Race and Kids Fun Run Start at 8:30 AM
Moodus Drum & Fife Concert
Free Performance starts at 12:00 noon until 2:30 on the lawn in front of the Monument.
Saturday August 17th - Sunday August 18th
Reenactor Encampment
10AM-5PM
Reenactors will be on site with cannons, rifle muster and educational programs.
Sunday August 18th
History in Style
2pm
This free program on 19th century style will take place in the OFC Barn on Monument Circle.
Celebrate Bennington Battle Day with Free Admission at all State Historic Sites in regular open hours!
Free Event
7:00 PM
Pack a picnic! Summer is at its peak in the historic village of Plymouth Notch. Harold Lloyd’s 1925 silent comedy film, The Freshman will be screened in the historic Wilder Barn at the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site. Come early to explore the grounds, picnic, and purchase concessions in the Cilley General Store. Folding Chairs will be available, but visitors are encouraged to bring a comfortable lawn chair. This event will be held rain or shine and admission is free.
Friday, August 16th- Free Admission at All State Historic Sites
DAR Marker Dedication
10AM-2PM
To commemorate Bennington Battle Day, the Bennington Monument State Historic Site and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will be dedicating a Revolutionary War Patriots marker at the site.
Saturday August 17th-
Bennington Battle Day 5K
Celebrating it's 20th year is the Bennington Battle Day 5k!
Registration for the race:
www.benningtonbattlemonument.com sponsored by the Friends of the Bennington Battle Monument
Shirt pick up at 7:30 AM
Race and Kids Fun Run Start at 8:30 AM
Moodus Drum & Fife Concert
Free Performance starts at 12:00 noon until 2:30 on the lawn in front of the Monument.
Saturday August 17th - Sunday August 18th
Reenactor Encampment
10AM-5PM
Reenactors will be on site with cannons, rifle muster and educational programs.
Sunday August 18th
History in Style
2pm
This free program on 19th century style will take place in the OFC Barn on Monument Circle.
$45, all materials included
9AM-12PM
Come make block prints inspired by the gardens and architecture of the Morrill Homestead. We’ll start off with a brief tour of the grounds, and then we’ll meet in the education center to work on making art from what we discover. In this class you will learn basic design, carving, and printing techniques in a relaxed, supportive, and playful atmosphere. You will come away with a completed print, suitable for framing, embellishing and/or mailing as a card.
To register, contact director@morrillhomestead.org
Included with museum admission
10AM-1PM
On this 13th annual driving tour, Jim Rowe, historian of the Crown Point Road Association, is your leader to look at the first stretch of the 1776 Mount Independence-Hubbardton Military Road. Meet at the Mount Independence State Historic Site with your own vehicle for orientation. The tour will end up at the Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site. Co-sponsored by Crown Point Road Association.
Saturdays June 15, July 20, August 17, and September 21
$5, children under 12 free.
11AM leaving from the Justin S. Morrill State Historic Site
Historical tours of Strafford’s village which remains much the same as in Morrill’s time. Tours include Morrill’s birthplace, his father’s blacksmith shop, two libraries, the Strafford Town House, and the mausoleum where Morrill is buried.
For more information please contact: director@morrillhomestead.org
In August 1924 Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone visited President Coolidge in Plymouth Notch as part of a leisurely car trip throughout New England. The meeting was highly publicized because the president was campaigning for the 1924 election and the automotive entrepreneurs were touting the superiority of their products. Amateur actors will reenact the meeting using the quotes recorded by 1920s journalists who witnessed and documented the occasion.
$55 All materials included
9AM-5PM
Come learn the art of basketry with Dona Nazarenko of Country Spirit Baskets. The Traditional Bread and Biscuit Basket has many uses for storage and organizing or can be a valuable catch-all for every table. Option of adding colors if you would like.
To register, contact director@morrillhomestead.org
Friday, August 16th- Free Admission at All State Historic Sites
DAR Marker Dedication
10AM-2PM
To commemorate Bennington Battle Day, the Bennington Monument State Historic Site and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will be dedicating a Revolutionary War Patriots marker at the site.
Saturday August 17th-
Bennington Battle Day 5K
Celebrating it's 20th year is the Bennington Battle Day 5k!
Registration for the race:
www.benningtonbattlemonument.com sponsored by the Friends of the Bennington Battle Monument
Shirt pick up at 7:30 AM
Race and Kids Fun Run Start at 8:30 AM
Moodus Drum & Fife Concert
Free Performance starts at 12:00 noon until 2:30 on the lawn in front of the Monument.
Saturday August 17th - Sunday August 18th
Reenactor Encampment
10AM-5PM
Reenactors will be on site with cannons, rifle muster and educational programs.
Sunday August 18th
History in Style
2pm
This free program on 19th century style will take place in the OFC Barn on Monument Circle.
Included with museum admission.
1PM-3PM
Mushroom expert Meg Madden leads a walk to look for and learn about mushrooms on Mount Independence. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Limited spaces; call 802-948-2000 well ahead of time to reserve your spot. Included in regular museum admission. Sponsored by the Mount Independence Coalition.
Time: 2:00 PM – Seating starts at 1:30
Location: The OFC Barn on Monument Circle
Sponsored by the Friends of the Bennington Battle Monument Admission: Donations are gratefully accepted.
“STYLISH TIMES” FASHION SHOW COMING TO THE MONUMENT
If the popularity of costume drama series such as “Bridgerton,” “The Crown,” and “The Gilded Age” are any indication, people love to see actors dressed up in the fashions of long ago. On August 18, 2024, at 2 pm, you can see historic costumes live and in person at the “Stylish Times” Historic Fashion Show presented by the Friends of the Bennington Monument at the Carriage Barn on Monument Circle. Phyllis Chapman, through her “Vintage Visitors” historic programs, will present historically correct, reproduction costumes from the late 18th century through the end of the 19th century. Live models will appear in a wide variety of ensembles. Fashionable dress of the period offers many surprising details and habits, not to mention—fads! What was a “lobster tail” and why did women want to wear one? Why were the fashions of the “Bridgerton” period considered so shocking? And-what did they wear underneath it all? The answers are entertaining and enlightening!
12-1PM
Included with Museum Admission
The Mount Independence Coalition, the site friends group, is sponsoring a series of brown bag lunch discussions about the Revolutionary War and Mount Independence. Different topics each month, call 802-948-2000 for details. Bring your picnic lunch and perhaps a lawn chair to Mount Independence on these Saturdays, hear from knowledgeable Coalition members and invited experts, and join in on the discussion. Outside if the weather permits.
August 31, 10AM-4PM
September 1, 10AM-3PM
Daily admission: $9 adults, $1 ages 6-14, under 6 free
Reenactors honor the 1776-1777 history of Mount Independence during this living history weekend. Saturday’s popular interactive Baldwin Trail Walkabout, 10:30 to 1:30, features experts at trail stations bringing the site’s history to life. Military tacticals, annual reading of Declaration of Independence, and camp life and skill demonstrations. Snacks and lunch, while it lasts. Call (802) 948-2000 for details.
Free Event
August 31 – September 1
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Stars from Vermont and internationally known musicians team up for the 19th annual Plymouth Folk and Blues Fest. This lively two-day, outdoor festival will feature the music of Hayley Reardon, Jay Psaros, Sister Speak, Rick Redington & Tuff Luv, Todd Thibaud, and Mikahely. Bring a lawn chair and picnic and enjoy the pure country air of historic Plymouth Notch. This event is free, and donations are appreciated. Non-perishable food donations will be collected in support of the Vermont Food Bank.
Free Event
August 31 – September 1
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Stars from Vermont and internationally known musicians team up for the 19th annual Plymouth Folk and Blues Fest. This lively two-day, outdoor festival will feature the music of Hayley Reardon, Jay Psaros, Sister Speak, Rick Redington & Tuff Luv, Todd Thibaud, and Mikahely. Bring a lawn chair and picnic and enjoy the pure country air of historic Plymouth Notch. This event is free, and donations are appreciated. Non-perishable food donations will be collected in support of the Vermont Food Bank.
August 31, 10AM-4PM
September 1, 10AM-3PM
Daily admission: $9 adults, $1 ages 6-14, under 6 free
Reenactors honor the 1776-1777 history of Mount Independence during this living history weekend. Saturday’s popular interactive Baldwin Trail Walkabout, 10:30 to 1:30, features experts at trail stations bringing the site’s history to life. Military tacticals, annual reading of Declaration of Independence, and camp life and skill demonstrations. Snacks and lunch, while it lasts. Call (802) 948-2000 for details.
June 12-October 16
10AM-5PM
The Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site’s resident farmer will be on hand each Wednesday to demonstrate historic farming tools and techniques. Visitors may witness such activities as sheep shearing, rye harvesting, blacksmithing, or cider pressing, and if lucky, will have an opportunity to meet Fred’s special farmyard animals.
Free Event
10AM
Archeologists from UVM’s Consulting Archaeology Program will share what they found and learned from their dig on the grounds of the Homestead. This excavation yielded some surprising results!
To pre-register, contact director@morrillhomestead.org
$5, 10AM-12PM
Come join local naturalist Micki Colbeck for a fairly easy walk around the Homestead. We’ll look at mosses, ferns, lichens, and flowers that have all been hiding in plain sight. Bring a magnifying loop if you have one, but it’s not necessary. Kids are welcome, but please leave dogs behind.
To register, contact director@morrillhomestead.org
Included with museum admission
12-2PM
Take a guided hike on the (Cambrian) beach with geologist Helen Mango. Mango, your leader, is an expert on the geology of Mount Independence and southern Lake Champlain. College leads this hike to explore Mount Independence, from the oldest rocks in the Potsdam Formation to the newer rocks of the Great Meadows Formation. Wear sturdy shoes or boots and dress for weather. Co-sponsored by the Mount Independence Coalition.
Free Admission
10AM-5PM
The site is open without charge on Patriot Day for those who wish to contemplate or to honor past heroes.
$9- Includes museum admission at Chimney Point and Crown Point State Historic Sites
1PM-3PM
Learn the history of what surrounds you as you walk across the Lake Champlain Bridge. Chimney Point State Historic Site administrator Elsa Gilbertson and Crown Point, NY, State Historic Site manager Sam Huntington lead this guided round trip walk. Meet at Chimney Point. Rain or shine, dress for the weather. Bring a picnic to enjoy before, if you like. Fee includes admission to both museums to visit before or after the walk. Light refreshments afterwards. Vermont Archaeology Month event.
Free Event
2:00 PM
University of Vermont Professor David Feurzeig will perform compositions for solo piano. David’s performance in Plymouth is part of his “Play Every Town” state-wide tour to promote climate-conscious travel and give back to communities. David will visit all 251 towns in Vermont by driving his electric vehicle which is charged using a solar panel at his home. He’s on a carbon-free mission to demonstrate that finding fun activities doesn’t require extensive journeys or plane travel. David will be performing on Grace Coolidge’s White House piano in the Museum and Education Center and Admission is free. A light reception will follow the performance.
$70 includes workshop and materials fee
12PM-5PM
Atlatl experts Bob and Cheryll Berg of Thunderbird Atlatl teach traditional and modern techniques of atlatl and dart construction, flint knapping, hafting stone points, and cordage making. Enjoy atlatl lore and coaching on the use of your new atlatl. Pre-registration required--call 802-759-2412. Fee includes instruction and materials. Vermont Archaeology Month event.
Competitors $12, pre-registration required. $14 day of competition
Visitors: $6.00 adults, free for children under 15
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Participate in or watch this annual atlatl championship testing skills in accuracy and distance. The sport of using the atlatl to throw darts is based on the ancient hunting technique. Newcomers to experts welcome. Flint-knapping and other demonstrations and lessons throughout the day. Pre-registration for competitors required. Call (802) 759-2412 to register. Vermont Archaeology Month event.
Food and snacks available for purchase, while they last.
Saturdays June 15, July 20, August 17, and September 21
$5, children under 12 free.
11AM leaving from the Justin S. Morrill State Historic Site
Historical tours of Strafford’s village which remains much the same as in Morrill’s time. Tours include Morrill’s birthplace, his father’s blacksmith shop, two libraries, the Strafford Town House, and the mausoleum where Morrill is buried.
For more information please contact: director@morrillhomestead.org
$5 adults, children under 12 FREE - please pay when you arrive
1-4PM
AWARD WINNER! “Top Ten Fall Events” —Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Bring the whole family to a harvest festival at the Homestead. Listen to live toe-tapping fiddle and accordion music. Meet farm animals—the kind that Justin Morrill would have had on his small 19th-century farm. Make your own cider in an antique press, taste heirloom apples, fine artisan cheeses, Vermont ice cream, and homemade apple pie. Play period games, and hike the lookout trail. Also includes wagon rides, gardens, basket-making demo, exhibits, an icehouse, and a historic Gothic Revival home.
For more information, contact director@morrillhomestead.org
June 12-October 16
10AM-5PM
The Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site’s resident farmer will be on hand each Wednesday to demonstrate historic farming tools and techniques. Visitors may witness such activities as sheep shearing, rye harvesting, blacksmithing, or cider pressing, and if lucky, will have an opportunity to meet Fred’s special farmyard animals.
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sure to be a family favorite, the Fall Festival in Plymouth Notch will feature many popular fall activities. Enjoy a hayride with Farmer Fred, taste multiple varieties of Vermont-grown heritage apples, and watch cider pressing. Fall foliage in Plymouth traditionally reaches its peak in early October. With luck, the maples growing across the 360-degree hills surrounding Plymouth will be at their brightest. The Plymouth Fire Department will be cooking up BBQ chicken dinners for sale on site. Please support our local community.
Free event
1-2PM
Most Vermonters might be surprised that among the 30 men killed at the Battle of Bennington was a black man, Sipp Ives, a member of Seth Warner’s Continental regiment of Green Mountain Boys. And Ives was not the only patriot of African descent who played a role in the fighting and its aftermath. In this illustrated talk, teacher and author Phil Holland explores military records and early town histories to present a more diverse picture of Vermont’s iconic battle and its Green Mountain Boys than typically depicted. Holland will also reflect on historical memory and how it is preserved and constructed. A Vermont Humanities Council event hosted by Mount Independence Coalition.
Free event, 1-3PM
Assist our Master Gardeners with the annual autumn “putting the garden to bed” day at the Justin Morrill State Historic Site in Strafford, Vermont. Tasks include cutting back perennials and pulling annuals, raking, mulching, weeding, bringing old plants to the compost area—generally cleaning up the kitchen garden and ornamental garden beds and preparing them for the winter and the next growing season. (Master Gardeners can earn outreach hours with us.)
All Welcome. No experience needed.
For more information, contact director@morrillhomestead.org
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Winter is ready to fall upon the quiet village of Plymouth Notch. Before the snows deepen, join the residents of the village as they celebrate the holiday season. The Coolidge birthplace will be festooned with fresh greenery as it would have been during Christmastime in Calvin Coolidge’s childhood. The greenery continues throughout the village where wreaths don the doors of the homes. Throughout the day pianist Steve Morse will perform everybody’s favorite holiday tunes on Grace Coolidge’s piano in the Museum and Education Center. At 1:00 p.m. a tree lighting ceremony will call into remembrance the moment President Coolidge threw the switch on the very first lit National tree in 1923. Immediately following, the warmth of the village’s Union Christian Church will welcome visitors for a time of caroling as Steve plays the pump organ.