We've put together a terrific slate of programs for the upcoming season, with bunch of nature hikes, history talks and activities for the whole family. The only item not set yet is this year's J. Robert Maguire Lecture.
MAY 2010
May 29 - 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. 7:00 AM
JUNE 2010
June 5 - Coalition Picnic: CANCELLED
June 12 and 13 - Vermont Days
Free admission at all Vermont State Historic Sites and State Park day use areas.
June 12 - Mad Matt the Democrat
Historian Vincent Feeney talks about Matthew Lyon, indentured servant, Green Mountain Boy, son-in-law to Thomas Chittenden, land speculator, entrepreneur, and Vermont congressman. Lyon served at Mount Independence and in 1785 bought its abandoned cannons and other scrap iron. Sponsored by the Vermont Humanities Council. 1:00 PM
June 13 - Wildflowers of the Mount
Join wildflower expert Ann Honan on another walk to discover the wildflowers of Mount Independence. What blooms in June? Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. 1:00 PM
June 25-27 - Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend
The SB Electronics Amateur Radio Club will set up a simulated emergency station, using emergency power supplies to practice emergency communications without relying on phone systems, internet, or commercial power sources, as part of amateur radio field days across the United States. The public is welcome. Friday Noon-5:30 PM, Sat. & Sun. 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
JULY 2010
July 3 - The Abenaki & Mount Independence in the Revolution & as First Inhabitants
Wes Red Hawk Dikeman speaks about Abenaki connections on the Mount during the Revolution and long before. Enjoy an informal afternoon with Red Hawk and a special discussion at 2:00 pm. 1:00 – 3:00 PM More information, here.
July 21-23 - Morning Day Camp for Children
At this morning camp, children will have fun learning about the American Revolution and Mount Independence. For ages 7 to 12. Space is limited. Preregistration is required. $60. Call for details. 9:30 AM -12:30 PM
July 24 & 25 - 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)
AUGUST 2010
August 1 - 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 7 - Ferns of the Mount
Join naturalist Marc Lapin on a walk to look for and identify ferns, and learn about their habitat, uses, and how they grow. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. 1:00 PM.
August 16 - Bennington Battle Day
Free admission at all Vermont State Historic Sites to honor Bennington Battle Day.
August 21 - Foray for Fungi
Skidmore College mycologist Sue Van Hook leads a forest walk to look for fungi. Learn the major groups of fungi, how to identify common edible species, and other uses for fungi. 2:00 PM
SEPTEMBER 2010
September 4 - An Investigation into the Revolutionary Mind: What Were You Thinking, Isaac Kendall and Benjamin McCool?
Modern day historian Paul Andriscin turns the time machine back to the Revolutionary War at Mount Independence and interviews two American soldiers, Isaac Kendall and Benjamin McCool, about their service and experiences on the Mount. 2:00 PM.
September 5 - Hike into History
Archaeologist Allen Hathaway focuses on archaeology on another of his popular guided hikes on the Mount’s trails. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Vermont Archeology Month program. 2:00 PM
September 25 - “Liberty now has a new Country!” –The Marquis de Lafayette on his 1825 Tour
British actor and playwright Howard Burnham gives another performance about a famous Revolutionary War character. At Camden, SC, on his tour of the United States, the aging Lafayette is laying the foundation stone for the Baron de Kalb monument. He reflects on his long and eventful life and eulogizes the Baron, with whom he arrived at Georgetown, SC, in 1777 as a young man to fight in the cause of American liberty. Lafayette traveled past Mount Independence on his 1825 tour. Question and answer period after. 1:00 PM
OCTOBER 2010
October 16 - Sidelined by History: Seth Warner, Green Mountain Boy
Clifford Mullen, a long-time Revolutionary War reenactor from Warner’s Regiment, will tell the story of Green Mountain Boy Seth Warner and his military career. Mullen shares his recent finds from his original archival research on Warner and his men. 1:00 PM Free