12:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Join us for the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence with Citizen Faye, and enjoy lively discussion and audience participation following the reading!

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.

7 PM

Enjoy golden hour on the scenic grounds of historic Plymouth Notch during Vermont’s most verdant time of year. Buster Keaton’s 1924 silent film, “Sherlock Jr.” and other short works will be shown on the Museum and Education Center lawn. Bring a lawn chair. Visitors are encouraged to come early to enjoy a picnic. In the event of rain, the screening will be in the museum.

10:30 AM – 12 PM

Hooray for summer outdoor play! Four Winds Nature Institute will bring seasonally-appropriate loose parts, science tools, a mud kitchen, and more to help nurture a sense of wonder, place, and well-being.

FREE EVENT! Please preregister: 802-765-4288

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 – 4 PM

This needle felting class with Neysa Russo of The Felting Studio will focus on creating a small tapestry with ‘Vermont Wildlife’ as the theme. Choose from an abundance of designs or create your own from scratch.  For Adults and teens - Beginners Welcome!

$60 includes materials for a 13″ x 13″ tapestry, to register please call: 802-765-4288

10 AM – 5 PM

Is your father a history buff? This self-driving tour starts at the Monument and will take visitors all the way to the Battlefield. Enjoy a scenic and historic drive with plaques and markers to read along the way and a historic covered bridge to cross! Driving tour information will be available at the Monument gift shop and includes a brief history of the Battle and the Monument.

11 AM – 4 PM

Learn the history of Flag Day and the meaning of symbols used in flags! Activities for children and information for everyone.

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.