Seminar

10 AM – 5 PM

The historic village of Plymouth Notch celebrates the 151^st birthday of President Calvin Coolidge and the 247^th birthday of the United States. 

The party kicks off at 11:30 with an adjudicated baking contest. Members of the public are invited to enter their version of Grace Coolidge’s Icebox Cookies to be tasted by members of the Coolidge family.

At 12:00 a processional led the Vermont National Guard will depart from the village to the cemetery for the laying of a wreath at the President’s grave. Cake will be served immediately following the cemetery ceremony.

Throughout the day the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation will be hosting the Coolidge Cup, a national speech and debate competition. The final round of debate takes place at 4:00. Members of the public are highly encouraged to listen in as young orators from across the nation make their voices heard.  For additional information please visit https://coolidgefoundation.org/debate/coolidge-cup/.

To enter the baking contest please contact the site administrator for a copy of Grace’s cookie recipe at rejoice.scherry@vermont.gov.

5 PM – 7 PM FREE EVENT!

The Morrill Homestead’s annual Gallery in the Garden art show and online auction is a highlight of the Upper Valley art season. The 2023 edition features works created in an array of styles by fine artists from the Strafford community, the Upper Valley, and beyond. Eighteen artists present their unique perspectives on the theme “Art as Voice” in ways that are moving, playful, profound, and inspiring.

Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

5 p.m. – Reception for the art show opening in the Carriage Barn. Sherry SaintGermaine and Mary Louise Pierson are the featured artists and inspiration for the “Art as Voice” exhibit.

“Minis for Morrill” paintings on view in the Education Center —magnificent 4″x4″ mini paintings by artists of regional and national reputation to be auctioned online.

“Art as Voice” also includes works by Gerry Bergstein, Todd Binzen, Gail Boyajian, Jennifer Brown, Matt Brown, Kelly Coffin, Dierdre Dennis, Kate Emlen, Oona Gardner, Jean Gerber, Jo Levasseur, Jeanne McMahan, Michael Moore, Andy Newman, William Ransom, Celia Reisman, and Enrico Riley.

11 AM

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.

$5.00; Children under 15 free, to register please call: 802-765-4288

10 AM – 5 PM

Beginning June 14th,  Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site’s resident farmer will be on hand each Wednesday of the season to demonstrate historic farming tools and techniques.  Visitors may witness such activities as sheep shearing, rye harvesting, or cider pressing. In addition to being an excellent educator, Farmer Fred is also a renown storyteller and is sure to entertain.

10 AM – 5 PM

Come kickstart the summer season at Calvin Coolidge’s hometown by enjoying free admission to the site. A ribbon cutting for the new special exhibit “Coolidge’s Contemporaries: The ascension of early 20th century world leaders” will take place on Sunday June 11 at 2:00 p.m.  The Orton Family, proprietors of the Vermont Country Store, will speak about the Coolidge legacy in Vermont and cut the ribbon. Refreshments to follow.

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. 

8 AM – 11 AM

Sue Wetmore, our bird expert, introduces you to the birds of spring and spring migration. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. No pets please. Meet in front of the Museum. Co-sponsored by Mount Independence Coalition.

1 PM – 4 PM

Revolutionary War expert Mike Barbieri, Mount Independence Coalition president Stephen Zeoli, and site administrator Elsa Gilbertson lead a pre-season guided walk on and off the trails to explore this Revolutionary War site. The focus is looking for traces of Lt. John Trumbull’s Mount Independence, his work, and the American plans to build independence on Lake Champlain in 1776. Meet at museum for orientation. Wear sturdy boots, be prepared for off-trail walking, and dress for the weather. This is the first of two programs about John Trumbull. The second, an illustrated talk on May 28, delves into his epic painting, The Declaration of Independence. Co-sponsored by Mount Independence Coalition.

12 PM – 2 PM

Wildflower expert Amy Olmsted leads her popular walk to discover the delicate flowers of spring. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Meet in front of the Museum. Co-sponsored by Mount Independence Coalition.