Special Exhibit: Art from the Light of Dawn
Revolving art exhibit from the Chimney Point State Historic Site featuring contemporary art of and inspired by Vermont’s Abenaki heritage.
May 8: Spring Wildflower Walk
Wildflower expert Amy Olmsted leads a walk to discover the flowers of spring. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Meet in front of the Museum. Regular admissions fees apply. NOON
May 28: Early Bird Nature Walk
Enjoy the traditional opening day bird walk with Sue Wetmore. Identify and talk to the spring birds on Mount Independence. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. No pets please. 8:00 AM
June 11 and 12: Vermont Days
Free admission at all Vermont State Historic Sites and State Park day use areas.
June 12: Medicinal Herb Hike
Join herbalist Julie Mitchell for a walk through the historic site of Mt. Independence. She will lead participants in identifying plants and trees, speaking about their traditional and modern uses in medicine. Bring appropriate clothing, ID books, lenses and a spirit of adventure. 1:00 p.m.
June 18: Ethan Allen: His Life and Times
Author Willard Randall speaks on one of Vermont’s best known historic figures, Ethan Allen, and Randall’s new book, Ethan Allen: His Life & Times. Copies of book will be available for purchase. 1:00 PM
June 26: Children’s Colonial Afternoon
Site interpreters host a fun colonial afternoon for children, with period games, dress up, stories, hands-on activities, and refreshments. Registrations suggested. 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM See here for more information.
July 13-15: Morning Day Camp for Children
Children will have fun learning about the American Revolution and Mount Independence, with hands on activities, walks, and more. For ages 7 to 12. Space is limited. Preregistration is required. $50. Call for details. 9:30 AM -12:30 PM
July 23 & 24: Soldiers Atop the Mount
This living history weekend honors the American, British, and German occupation of the Mount. Reenactors demonstrate military tactics, artillery, camp life, colonial crafts, cooking, and clothing. After military tacticals meet and greet the soldiers. Guided camp tours, trail tours, drilling lessons, and children’s history scavenger hunt and activities. Saturday afternoon enjoy the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence and music by the Seth Warner Mount Independence Fife & Drum Corps. Call for details. 9:30 AM. – 5:30 PM (admission $6.00 for adults, free for children under 14) Learn more, here.
August 7: Hike into History
Mount Independence Coalition president Stephen Zeoli leads a hike on the trails of the Mount. Walk in the footsteps of Revolutionary War soldiers. 2:00 PM
August 16: Bennington Battle Day
Free admission at all Vermont State Historic Sites to honor Bennington Battle Day.
August 20: Wild Mushroom Identification Workshop
Noted mycologist Sue Van Hook leads a daylong workshop on foraging for mushrooms, what to look for, what’s safe and what’s not. Workshop fee. Pre-registration required. See here for more details. Begins at 9:30 AM
September 3: An Investigation into the Revolutionary Mind: What Were You Thinking Jeduthan Baldwin?
Modern day historian Paul Andriscin turns the time machine back to the Revolutionary War to interview Chief Engineer Col. Jeduthan Baldwin and a common soldier. What was it like to plan and build the extensive fortifications 235 years ago on the “strong ground” at Mount Independence? 2:00 PM
September 4: Hike into History
On this guided walk archaeologist Allen Hathaway focuses on archaeology, and what was built and what remains from 1776—235 years ago. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Vermont Archeology Month program. 2:00 PM
September 16-18: 16th Annual Northeast Open Atlatl Championship Weekend
Moved for a second year to Mount Independence from Chimney Point due to the construction of the Lake Champlain Bridge.
September 16: Atlatl Workshop
Atlatl experts Bob and Cheryll Berg of Thunderbird Atlatl teach modern and traditional 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. Bob has taught primitive skills and the atlatl for many years—his 16th with us. $65 fee includes instruction and all materials. Pre-registration required. Vermont Archaeology Month program. Noon – 5:00 PM
September 17: 16th Annual Northeastern Open Atlatl Championship & Festival of Nations
Participate in or watch this annual championship, part of the Festival of Nations with the Crown Point, NY, State Historic Site. The sport of atlatl throwing is based on the ancient hunting technique of using the atlatl or spear thrower. Demonstrations and workshops on flint knapping, and Native American life and crafts. Co-sponsored by Vermont Archaeological Society. Vermont Archeology Month program. 10:30 – 4:30 PM
September 18: ISAC Atlatl Championship
Second day of atlatl International Standard Accuracy Competition. After ISAC, master class/coaching for boys and girls. 10:00 AM
September 24: Howard Burnham Presents "Cornwallis Burgoyned"
English actor-playwright Howard Burnham presents another acclaimed dramatic program in costume as the British Earl Cornwallis. He discusses his campaigning at New York and in New Jersey, and ruefully regrets his American experiences in the 225th anniversary year of the dramatic British surrender at Yorktown in 1781. See www.howardburnham.com 7:00 PM.
October 8: Hike into History
A Mount Independence site interpreter leads a leisurely walk on the Mount to enjoy history and the beauty of autumn. 1:00 PM
October 22: Shadow of War on the Revolutionary Frontier
Neil Godwin, author of the popular recent book, We Go as Captives: The Royalton Raid and the Shadow War on the Revolutionary Frontier, discusses the background of the Royalton Raid and some of the intrigues of the war in this region. Annual Robert J. Maguire lecture. 1:00 PM