The Vermont Historic Sites are celebrating Vermont Days this year by offering free admission at the Bennington Battle Monument, Mount Independence, and the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Sites on Saturday June 12, and Sunday June 13. 

Join your guide Steve Zeoli for a 3-plus mile walk around Mount Independence to celebrate National Trails Day. We will walk in the footsteps of Revolutionary War soldiers who encamped here from July 1776 to July 1777, as well as British soldiers stationed her from July to October 1777. There will be a $5.00 entrance fee for adults over 15 years of age. Younger people and Mount Independence Coalition members enter free.

Bring water, a lunch or snacks, and dress appropriately for a day in the woods. The walk is expected to run from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Those who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a mask. If you have questions, please call 802-948-2000.

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 an ancient hunting technique. Newcomers to experts welcome. Be prepared to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Vermont Archaeology Month event. Pre-registration required. 

Time: 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Fee: Competitors $10, Visitors $5 (children under 15, free)

For more information or to register, call (802) 759-2412

Green Mountain Timekeepers Society members will be 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. Be prepared to practice social distancing and wear facial masks. 

Time: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Father and son author and educator, Joseph and Jesse Bruchac of the Nulhegan Abenaki Nation will address the continued presence and vibrant cultural heritage of the Wabanaki Nations of Ndakinna, with special emphasis on the years of the Vermont Eugenics project and the long struggle for government recognition. Pre-registration required. 

Fee: $5 (in person or via Zoom)

For more information or to register, visit morrillhomestead.org, or call (802) 765-4288,

Presented in collaboration with the Friends of the Morrill Homestead.

Using drum, flute, rattle, and vocals, father and son storytellers and musicians Joseph and Jesse Bruchac of the Nulhegan Abenaki Nation will share Abenaki stories for the whole family. Pre-registration required.

Suggested donation: $5

For more information or to register, visit morrillhomestead.org, or call (802) 765-4288.

Presented in collaboration with the Friends of the Morrill Homestead. 

This presentation for gardeners includes honeybee history, current threats to pollinator populations, benefits of honeybees in your garden, and best choices for pollinator foraging. We will discuss chemical v.s. natural weed & pest control. Questions encouraged! Presentation by Sheri Englert of Vermont Beekeeping Supply. Registration required. 

Time: 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Fee: $5

For more information or to register, visit morrillhomestead.org, or call (802) 765-4288.

This is a program of the Friends of the Morrill Homestead. 

Taught by Sheri Englert of Vermont Beekeeping Supply, this class is designed to get you ready to start your beekeeping journey. Sheri will begin with history and different types of Honey Bees. Then you’ll learn about the parts that make up a beehive and their functions. We’ll talk about the best place to put your hive, what the bees like to eat, and how they find & forage for food & water. Sheri will show you the process of installing a package of Bees vs a Nuc, including the pros & cons of each. You’ll learn about pest management, swarming, supersedure, and more! Pre-registration required.

Time: 10:00 a.m. - noon

Fee: $30

For more information or to register, visit morrillhomestead.org, or call (802) 765-4288

This is a program of the Friends of the Morrill Homestead.

Join Prof. Frederick Wiseman in a discussion of three critical, but little known cultural periods of Vermont Indigenous history. Misunderstanding of these periods is a major obstacle in social, economic, and racial equity of the modern Abenaki communities. Wiseman will conclude with how Vermont Abenaki communities are getting to know their incredible and unique cultural-ecological-historical experience. The lecture will be accompanied by a PowerPoint slide show, artifact demonstrations, and music.

Fee: $5 (in person or via Zoom)

For more information or to register, visit morrillhomestead.org, or call (802) 765-4822.

Presented in collaboration with the Friends of the Morrill Homestead. 

Jess Robinson, Vermont State Archaeologist, will present an overview of the archaeological history of Vermont’s Connecticut River valley and adjacent areas from the arrival of its first Native inhabitants approximately 13,000 years ago through to their contact with Europeans. Jess will focus on newly studied sites and will also discuss what we do not yet know about this region’s Precontact past. Pre-registration is required.

Fee: $5 (in person or via Zoom)

Presented in collaboration with the Friends of the Morrill Homestead.