May 13, 2008

Contact: Elsa Gilbertson, Regional Historic Site Administrator, 802-759-2412

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STATE HISTORIC SITES IN THE CHAMPLAIN REGION OPEN ON MAY 24^TH

 

Addison, Vt. –The Vermont state historic sites of Chimney Point in Addison, Mount Independence in Orwell, and the Hubbardton Battlefield in Hubbardton will open for the 2008 season on Saturday, May 24, at 9:30 a.m. 

 

Chimney Point on Lake Champlain is one of the earliest, mostly intensely settled, and most strategic sites on the lake.  Exhibits and programs present the story of the three early cultures in the area —Native American, French colonial, and early American.  Highlights of the season include hands on Sunday afternoons, second Saturdays exploring the French Colonial past, the annual evening social on July 31^st, the 13^th annual Northeast Open Atlatl Championship weekend, September 12 to 14, and a problem on the Fameuse, an early French apple, on October 11.  Chimney Point is open Wednesdays to Sundays and Monday holidays, including Memorial Day, from 9:30 to 5:00. 

 

Orwell’s Mount Independence, named after the Declaration of Independence, was built in 1776-77 on Lake Champlain to protect the American colonies against British invasion from the north.  The museum’s exhibits include the talking hologram sculpture and exciting Revolutionary War artifacts from the site, including two huge logs from the Great Bridge and a cannon recovered from Lake Champlain.  Six miles of scenic walking and hiking trails wind past archaeological sites.  The season begins on Saturday, May 26, at 7:00 a.m. with the favorite annual Early Bird Nature Walk, led by bird expert Susan Wetmore.  No pets please.  The fee is $5.00 for adults.  On June 14^th the new interpretive signage on the 1.6-mile long Baldwin Trail, with compacted surfaces, gentle grades, will be unveiled.  Other special events include the annual Soldiers Atop the Mount encampment on July 19 and 20, and musical events on June 14, July 11, and July 19.   The site is open daily, 9:30 to 5:00.

 

The Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site is the location of Vermont’s only Revolutionary War battle.  The annual living history weekend, with the battle reenactment, is July 5 and 6.  Other programs include lectures, guided hikes on September 20 and October 5^th, and astronomy programs on August 16 and 30.  This year the site is open Thursdays through Sundays and Monday holidays, including Memorial Day, from 9:30 to 5:00.

 

All sites have scenic grounds for walking and picnics.  Each has a modest admission fee for adults.  Children under 15 are free.  Come visit the Vermont state historic sites--history where it happened! 

 

For directions, more information about the sites, or to receive a calendar of events, please call 802-759-2412 or visit www.HistoricVermont.org/sites. 

 

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For more information about the Vermont State Historic Sites contact John Dumville, [log in to unmask] (802) 828-3051).   

Elsa Gilbertson

Regional Historic Site Administrator

VT Div. for Historic Preservation

Chimney Point, Mount Independence, & Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Sites

 

Address:  Chimney Point State Historic Site

7305 VT Route 125

Addison, VT 05491

(802) 759-2412

Fax:  (802) 759-2547

www.HistoricVermont.org/sites

The Vermont State Historic Sites:  History Where It Happened