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Mount Independence

Muster on the Mount: Mount Independence from the Ground Up  

10 AM – 3 PM

In this total immersion into history day, we’ll look into significant perhaps less well-known aspects about Mount Independence using a variety of ways to learn. Historians, archaeologists, reenactors, and others will present illustrated talks, historic personages, reading the landscape, and a report on the site’s American Battlefield Protection Program collection stewardship project. The day is a special opportunity and suitable for all levels of interest—from beginners to avid experts. Call (802) 948-2000 for details on schedule, and how to pre-register. $25 fee with lunch included. 

Hike into History

1 PM – 4 PM

Enjoy Fall at Mount Independence with a guided hike into history. Stephen Zeoli is your guide. He will show you many points of Revolutionary War interest, as we gear up for the 250th anniversary in 2026 of the Declaration of Independence and Mount Independence.  Co-sponsored by Mount Independence Coalition. Included in museum admission--$6.00 adults, free for children under 15. 

Soldiers Atop the Mount  

Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM

Sunday, 10 AM – 3:30 PM

Reenactors honor the 1776-1777 history of Mount Independence during this living history weekend. 

Food and Snacks:  water in museum shop and from 11:45-2:00 (or while they last).  Hot dogs or sausage with rolls, chili, chips, water, soda, & snacks outside near museum

 

Saturday: 

10:00 - 5:00  Museum and site open. Reenactors on site to talk with public (encampment, near north section of Baldwin Trail)

 

10:30 – 3:30   Hands on children’s activities (in area above museum)

 

10:30 –1:30  Baldwin Trail Walkabout—meet experts at stations marked with stars on walkabout map. Learn about Mount Independence history—Mount Independence military checkpoint, the military road and importance of Lake Champlain, the role of a chaplain, making ash cakes, life of soldiers, food during the Revolution, gunsmithing, and the defenses.

 

2:30     narrated military tactical and woods skirmish, gather near encampment at top of hill, talk with the reenactors afterward.   

 

3:00     Visit the camps

 

5:00     Museum closes

 

Sunday

 

10:00   Museum and site open, reenactor encampment open

 

10:00 – 2:00  Visiting the soldier encampment

 

10:30   Historic Mount Independence sermon (above museum, near picnic area)

 

11:30 – 12:45  Revolutionary War history vignettes (near picnic area)

 

1:00        Annual reading of Declaration of Independence (near picnic area), followed by

military skirmish. Soldiers will lead you up the hill to the action.

 

2:00     Camps close

 

2:30     “Benedict Arnold” illustrated lecture, Paul Andriscin, (museum auditorium)

 

 Admission $9. Call (802) 948-2000 for details. 

Hike into History  

12 PM – 3 PM

On this guided tour, walk in the footsteps of Revolutionary War soldiers. Mount Independence Coalition president Stephen Zeoli is your guide. As you walk around he will tell you about some of the events that led up to Revolution—to get you thinking about the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and Mount Independence in 2026. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather. Co-sponsored by Mount Independence Coalition. 

John Trumbull and the Declaration of Independence

1 PM – 2:30 PM

In this illustrated talk, Stephen Zeoli, president of the Mount Independence Coalition, will focus on the epic painting, The Declaration of Independence by noted artist John Trumbull, in the US Capitol rotunda. He will discuss Lt. Trumbull’s important contributions to Mount Independence and provide background on his work and research to create this painting. 

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