Chimney Point

Artist Lillian Kennedy shows you how to stay fearless and serene during the creative process while you make a small Lake Champlain landscape painting. She explains the fundamentals and demonstrates options. You’ll have plenty of room for individual expression. Take home a painting and the skills to continue on your own. You will learn the tricks to make a painting kit that fits in a baggie that you can carry with you on all your travels. Workshop suitable for all skill levels from rank beginner to seasoned professional. Adults and children 10+. Class fee is $35 (all materials included). See also August 8. Pre-register by calling (802) 759-2412.

The Chimney Point, Vermont, and Crown Point, New York, sites present, on the 10^th anniversary of the October 16, 2009, closing of the 1929 Lake Champlain Bridge, a day exploration of the rich history of the bridge area. In the morning at Chimney Point learn about the bridge project archaeological findings and talk with personages from the past. The afternoon at Crown Point includes a moderated panel discussion of stories and memories from the October 16, 2009, closing day and after, and reflections on the challenges and triumphs of the new bridge. Lunch included. Fee and program details to be announced. Pre-registration required, call (802) 759-2412.

The Addison County Amateur Radio Association sets up a radio station, to communicate with other operators elsewhere and to talk with the public about what they do and how you can get involved. How far away can they reach? The public is welcome to watch and ask questions.

Make your own birchbark basket with expert guidance from Barry Keegan. The bark is folded with the help of hot water and sewn together with pine roots and/or basswood bark strips, to make a basket about 10 inches by 10 inches. Pre-registration and payment required, call (802) 759-2412. 

Cost: $60.00

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. Children’s activities. Workshops and demonstrations on crafts and skills from ancient to early Contact period times. Try your hand at stone tool-making (flint-knapping) and Woodland pottery. Learn how the colonists made fire. Call (802) 759-2412 to register.

Cost: COMPETITORS: $7 PRE-REGISTERED, $8 SAME-DAY REGISTRATION * VISITORS: $5 ADULT, FREE UNDER 15

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. Fee includes instruction and materials.

Cost: $70.00

Learn the history of what surrounds you as you walk across the Lake Champlain Bridge. Chimney Point site administrator Elsa Gilbertson and Crown Point, NY, site friends group president Thomas Hughes lead this guided round trip walk. Meet at Chimney Point. Rain or shine, dress for the weather. Bring a picnic to enjoy before.

Cost: $8.00

Members of the Twist o’Wool Guild and Strands will be in residence on the Chimney Point porch to demonstrate a variety of fiber skills, including spinning, many weaving techniques, and other crafts and arts important historically and relevant today. Bring your project or ask questions. Light refreshments. 

Bring your pre-schooler to enjoy story and craft time at Chimney Point. Topics relate to the history of Chimney Point and may include archaeology, bridges, boats, clocks, post offices, or light houses. A parent or responsible adult must be with the child. Ages 3 to 5. Siblings welcome. Bring snacks if you like. Call (802) 759-2412 for topic.

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.