********Forwarded Message**********

CONTACT: William W. Jenney

Regional Historic Site Administrator
802-672-3773; [log in to unmask]
May 30, 3007

VERMONT DAYS CELEBRATED AT CONSTITUTION HOUSE

PLYMOUTH NOTCH, Vt. -- The Old Constitution House State Historic Site is
hosting two Vermont artisans during Vermont Days weekend - June 9 and
10, when all Vermont State-Owned Historic Sites and day use at State
Parks are open free of charge. 

     Guest artisans will be theorem painter Della Thompson and basket
maker Gail Barton.  Della Thompson, a resident of Mount Holly, studied
fine arts at the York Academy of Arts in York, PA.  Her art has appeared
at the Pennsylvania School of Art & Design, York Towne Gallery, Fletcher
Farm School in Ludlow, and the Chaffee Center in Rutland.  In addition
to baskets, Dr. Gail Barton of Windsor is a painter and works with
glass.  Thompson and Barton will demonstrate their respective skills and
invite hands-on participation both days, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.      

     Originally a tavern where Vermont's first constitution was adopted
on July 8, 1777, the Old Constitution House is now a state-owned
historic site.  Its exhibits and guided tours focus on the constitution
that was the first in America to prohibit slavery, and the first to
establish universal manhood suffrage and a system of public schools. 

    A new temporary exhibit, "Comforts of a Country Traveler," will be
on view through the season.  Eighteenth century travelers would carry an
assortment of items designed to make an arduous journey as comfortable
as possible.  This display examines the accoutrements of a
well-appointed traveler, as well as some of the amenities one could
expect (or hope) to find at an early Vermont tavern.  

     A number of special events are planned for the 2007 season.
"History Happens at Old Constitution House," a series of weekend
programs organized by 18th century reenactor Carl Malikowski, will
feature demonstrations of period activities including brewing, cooking,
woodworking, powder horn carving, and more.  The site will also be a
center of activities during "Windsor Heritage Days," July 7 & 8.
Selected as a "Top 10 Summer Event" by the VT Chamber of Commerce, this
town-wide festival features historical re-enactors, music, crafts,
carriage rides, house tours, and costumed interpreters at Old
Constitution House.  Other 2007 events include a guided tour of the
site's perennial gardens on Bennington Battle Day (August 16).     

     The Old Constitution House State Historic Site is located on Main
Street in Windsor, just north of the village.  The 2007 season is May 26
- October 8, Wednesday - Sunday and Monday holidays, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00
p.m.  For further information call 802-672-3773, or visit the
state-owned historic sites online at www.HistoricVermont.org
    
The Vermont State Historic Sites: History Where It Happened
-30-


John P. Dumville
Historic Sites Operations Chief
Vermont Division for Historic Preservation
National Life Building, Drawer 20
Montpelier, Vermont  05620-0501

E-Mail: [log in to unmask]
Telephone: (802) 828-3051

Visit our Web Site to learn more about the State-Owned Historic Sites:
www.HistoricVermont.org

The State-Owned Historic Sites: History Where It Happened 


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***********************************************************
Kristin Peterson-Ishaq
Coordinator, Center for Research on Vermont
     and Vermont Studies Program
University of Vermont
589 Main Street, Nolin House
Burlington, VT  05401-3439
Email: <[log in to unmask]>; Telephone: 802-656-8363
Fax: 802-656-8518; Web site: <www.uvm.edu/~crvt>