Contact: Elsa Gilbertson, Regional
Historic Site Administrator,
Elsa.Gilbertson@state.vt.us
for Trail Project
ORWELL,
The Baldwin
Interpretive Trail is an extensive outdoor exhibit in the nationally
significant historic Revolutionary War landscape at the Mount Independence
State Historic Site. The project consisted of designing and building a 1.6-mile
long trail that provides better interpretation and protection of historic,
archeological, and natural resources and meets standards for handicapped
accessibility for outdoor trails. Directional
signs and engaging, colorful interpretive signage (including 12 large and 9
smaller panels) bring the history to life, with period quotes, images, and
documents. The trail was named after
Col. Jeduthan Baldwin, the chief engineer who
designed much of the fortifications and defenses at the Mount. It leads visitors around the southern half of
the Mount, past both obvious and subtle archaeological sites (general hospital,
two blockhouses, storehouse, soldier huts, cannon batteries, and other defenses).
“The trail is
integrated with the museum and its offerings, bringing the concept of
interpretation of history and place to a whole new level and dimension,” says
John Dumville, Historic Sites Operations Chief for
the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.
“We are deeply honored to receive this national award. It is an important validation of the work we
are doing at the
Key project
members include site administrator Elsa Gilbertson and John Dumville
of the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation; the Mount Independence
Coalition (friends group for the site); archaeology by Sheila Charles, Shearch, formerly of Rutland, Vt. and the University of
Maine at Farmington Archaeological Research Center; trail design by Openspace Management of Great Barrington, Mass., and the
Office of Robert A. White, Landscape Architect, of White River Junction, Vt.;
trail construction by Peter Jensen & Associates of Great Barrington;
history research by Don Wickman of Rutland, Vt.; sign
design by Chuck Gibson Design of Hanover, N.H.; and sign fabrication and
installation by
Awards for 2008
represent 57 organizations and individuals from across the
The AASLH awards
program was initiated in 1945 to establish and encourage standards of
excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and
local history throughout the