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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. 

Fall Festival

10 AM – 4 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, watch cider pressing, and observe the handiwork of a diversity of craft demonstrators and hobbyists. 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 28th Annual Northeastern Open Atlatl Championship

10:30 AM – 4 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 demonstrations and lessons throughout the day. Depending on the pandemic situation, be prepared to practice social distancing and wearing facial masks if needed. Pre-registration mandatory. *COMPETITORS: $10 * VISITORS: $5 ADULT, FREE UNDER 15.

Call (802) 759-2412 to register. Vermont Archaeology Month event. 

Atlatl Workshop

12 PM – 5 PM

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. $70 fee includes instruction and materials. Vermont Archaeology Month event.

Points of Interest: Lake Champlain Bridge Guided Walk

1 PM – 3 PM

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 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. Fee includes admission to both museums to visit before or after the walk. Light refreshments afterwards. Vermont Archaeology Month event. 

Pittsford Ridge Hike

10 AM – 1 PM

Hike up to Pittsford Ridge, to experience the area many American soldiers withdrew from the July 7, 1777, Battle of Hubbardton. Learn about the importance of this natural area too.  Meet at the museum for orientation. Your guides are Jim Rowe, historian of the Crown Point Road Association, and Travis Hart, state and private lands biologist with the VT Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.  

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. 

Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival 

2 PM – 5 PM

September 2nd and 3rd (FREE EVENT!)

Stars from Vermont and internationally known musicians team up for the 18th annual Plymouth Folk and Blues Fest. This lively two-day, outdoor festival will feature the music of Dana and Susan Robinson, Jesse Terry, Danielle Miraglia, Krishna Guthrie, The Kennedys, and The Art of DonnCherie. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the pure country air of historic. This event is free and donations are appreciated. Non-perishable food donations in support of the Vermont Food Bank are also welcomed.

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