Events: Talks, Walks, Tours, Food,
Activities & More
Activities & More
coming soon with the Williston Historical Society, CCHS Board Member Elizabeth Allen on "Dangerous Characters: The Life and Crimes of Delia and Charlie Potter."
Saturday, March 22nd at 2pm at the Williston Library, DAML Community Room.
Recent Past Programs
Many of our past programs can be found on CCTV Channel 17. Did you miss a past program or whish to see one again? Just click here: CCHS programs
"The Other Brother--Ira Allen." A Talk by J. Kevin Graffagnino on his book. Co-Sponsored with the Winooski Historical Society. Speaker J. Kevin Graffagnino, author of Ira Allen: A Biography.
What former Vermont Governor James Douglas has to say: “Surveyor, speculator, author, revolutionary: Ira Allen led a colorful and complicated life that’s captured in all its glory by one of Vermont’s foremost historians. Kevin Graffagnino brings a lifetime of scholarship to this biography of a Founding Father of the Green Mountain State. Was Ira likeable? Maybe not, but he was a key player in Vermont’s early history. You’ll know a lot more about the state’s formative years after reading this book.”
Graffagnino, author of over 25 books on Vermont and America History, discusses his new book Ira Allen: A Biography. A lively and engaging speaker, he evaluates Allen’s checkered career and makes the case for including him in our picture of Vermont’s formative decades.
Date of presentation: February 2, 2025. On Video.
"Land Trusts in Chittenden County. " A Panel featuring Darby Bradley, unofficial historian of the Vermont Land Trust; Livy Strong, head of Jericho Underhill Land Trust; and Kate Lampton, head of Charlotte Land Trust.
A land trust is a nonprofit organization that obtains land and conservation easements on land to protect views, natural resources, water quality, and other aspects of land so that people present and future can benefit. Land trusts also do important work preserving Vermont's history. Darby Bradley of Vermont Land Trust provides an overview of land trusts in Vermont and their importance, while Livy Strong and Kate Lampton talk about their specific land trusts' history, vision, and projects.
Date of presentation: December 17., 2024. On Video.
“Moses Whitcomb's "Monitor Barn" and Other Iconic Structures Built by Charles Miller.” Speaker: Elliot Lothrop, President, Building Heritage, LLC. Historic Building Preservation & Timber Framing, Huntington, Vermont. www.buildingheritage.com.
The presentation explores the land accumulation of the Whitcomb family during the second half of the 19th century, culminating in Moses' ownership- the peak of dairy farming at the farm. In1901, Moses had the East Monitor Barn built, hiring the 36 year old Charles Miller, from North Ferrisburgh, to frame it. Born into a family of timber framers, Miller had already built several monumental barns around Chittenden and Addison County. Lothrop looks at several of Miller's other barns and explores pages of his work journals, which have opened up some fascinating connections.
Date of presentation: October 20, 2024. On Video.
"It's About Time!" A Burlington History & Culture Center! Founders & Speakers: Elise Guyette, Gail Rosenburg, Lisa Evans, and Melinda Moulton. www.burlingtonhistoryandculturecenter.org.
The founders of the planned BHCC describe their approach to the new museum while soliciting ideas from the audience. Just one in a series of information-gathering meetings with various communities to discover what the "museum" should look like and what needs it should fill. The featured talk was part of the CCHS Annual Meeting.
Date of Presentation: July 11, 2024. On Video.
"Anne Connelley: The Blind Merchant of Burlington." Presented by John Thomas, Development Director for the Vermont Association for the Bind and Visually Impaired.
Anne Connelly (1889-1939) came to Vermont as a blind adult, where she ended up working for VABVI, introducing trained guide dogs and white canes, and running her own business that helped support the blind community.
Date of Presentation: February 11. 2024. On Video.
"Working and Learning with the Land: The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps and the East Monitor Barn." Present by Breck Knauft, Executive Director, Youth Conservation Corps (YVCC) and Eliot Lothrop, Principal, Building Heritage.
This talk focuses on the history of the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps and takes an in depth look at the restoration of the East Monitor Barn. Since its founding in 1985, VYCC has enrolled over 6,500 youth and young adults in paid service experiences that focus on outdoor projects that benefit all Vermonters.
They also provide n inside look at the current restoration of the East Monitor Barn in Richmond. Earlier in 2023, Building Heritage, in partnership with VYCC, began restoration of this historic structure that was built in 1901. Eliot and Breck will offer a slide show of VYCC over the years, as well as restoration progress.
Date of Presentation: December 17, 2023. On Video.
“From China to Vermont: The Story of Longtime Resident Guy Cheng.” Speaker: David Sisco.
Vermont has long attracted gifted artists, but few perhaps whose background is as eclectic as Guy Cheng’s. Born in China in 1918, Cheng first came to the US to represent China in the Davis Cup in 1936. The story of his life from receiving an MBA from Tulane University to becoming a much-collected silversmith and artist, whose works were sold at Tiffany’s is told by David Sisco, his stepson, a jewelry designer himself and co-owner of Designers’ Circle Jewelers in Burlington. Perhaps you remember Cheng’s store on Route 7 in Charlotte with its unusual door?
Date of Presentation: December 14, 2023. On Video.
A listing of other recent talks, some of which were not recorded.
"Vermonters and The Blockade Board’s Backdoor War," along with the CCHS Annual Meeting. Presented by Rolf Diamant.
In June 1861, the United States Navy Department convened a small working group in Washington DC to rapidly put in place an ambitious strategy to guide a total blockade of the Confederacy: 3,500 miles of coastline and 180 ports. This small group of four individuals, known as the “blockade board,” set in motion plans for a series of amphibious landings, from North Carolina to Louisiana in support of the expanding United States naval blockade, which UVM adjunct associate professor of history,
Rolf Diamant, calls the “backdoor war.”
The intended and unintended consequences of this backdoor war contributed to the hollowing out of the Confederacy’s slave-labor based economy, the acceleration of emancipation, the final defeat of the rebellion, and an end to slavery. Spearheading the amphibious landings in the Gulf were Vermonters fighting with the 7th and 8th Regiments. As they advanced deep into the Mississippi Delta, a region with one of the highest concentrations of enslaved people in the South, Vermont soldiers interacted with thousands of self-emancipated African Americans both as refugees, and later as soldiers in the United States Colored Troops. Diamant explains how Vermonters played a consequential but little understood role in this social revolution; first arming and training freedmen; then accepting commissions to lead black troops into battle; and finally in service with the Freedmen’s Bureau during Reconstruction.
Date of Presentation: July 9, 2023. On Video.
"How to Read Old Forested Farmscapes." Presenter: Sam Ford, President, Turn Stone Research www.turnstoneresearch.com. Co-Presenter on the walk: Alicia Daniel, Founder, Vermont Master Naturalist Program www.vermontmasternaturalist.org
The talk peeled back the layers of time to interpret 300 years of land use history in Vermont through cultural clues left in our wooded hillsides. Stone walls, cellar holes and forgotten ornamental plantings help to piece together the history of these old farms, which are often hiding in plain sight. Sam showed us how to recognize these clues and piece together the story of the land. Co-sponsored by the Charlotte Library.
THE FIELD WALK at WHEELER PARK. Wheeler: Ford and Daniel revealed the 300 years of land use history at Wheeler Nature Park in South Burlington through the stories of the families who shaped the landscape as we see it today. On the walk, they showed us how to to interpret cultural imprints encountered in the Vermont woods.
Date of Presentation: April 23 and 29, 2023. Presentations: Not recorded. The Guided Walk pictured below.
"An Archaeological History of Chittenden County." Speaker: Vermont State Archeologist Jess Robinson.
Robinson gave an overview of the precontact Native history of the Chittenden County area from the first human entrants in the region until the time of European contact. He will highlight some notable archaeological sites and offer insights into the first Vermonters gained from over 50 years of professional archaeological work in the area. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.
Date of Presentation: March 19, 2023. Presentation: Not recorded.
"Bethuel Chittenden: Ordained for Vermont During Tense Political Times." Presenter: Educator and author Lori Wilson
Trinity Episcopal Church was established by Bethuel Chittenden, Brother of Gov. Thomas Chittenden who presided over the Republic of Vermont. Bethuel's connection to the Anglican Church put him in an awkward position during the Revolutionary War. The matter of glebe lands and trying to get a bishop for Vermont were other issues he attempted to influence. Bethuel Chittenden and some members of his family are buried in the old Shelburne Cemetery on Spear St.
Date of Presentation: September 22, 2022. Presentation: Not recorded.
"The Pates and Kings of Archibald Street." Presented by Elise A. Guyette, historian, and Rebekah Mortensen, educator and descendant, along with the CCHS Annual Meeting.
There will be a new historic marker going up soon in Burlington’s Old North End to commemorate The Pates, Vermont’s longest running entry in the Green Book. That book (1936-1966) helped Black motorists find places to stay, eat, and gas up the car, among other amenities. This talk encompasses the need for such a book in Vermont as well as the history of the Pates and Kings who ran the establishment on Archibald Street for many decades. Their complex story includes Buffalo Soldiers, illicit love affairs, a Black baseball team, and two Black-owned businesses run by the same family. In addition, descendants and a woman who worked for the Pates will be present for the question and answer period.
Date of Presentation: July 24, 2022. Presentation: Not recorded.
The Essex Junction Syrup Plant: Weaving Together 75 Years of Vermont Maple Syrup.” Presenter: Dr. Matthew M Thomas.
Held at the Shelburne Sugarworks, this presentation examined the local syrup processors, packers, and blenders, who took advantage of changing technologies and advertising to help the industry transition to the modern period and flourish
Date of Presentation: May 17, 2022. Presentation: Not recorded. Dr. Thomas' presentation at the Shelburne Sugarworks pictured below.
“Trolley Wires to Rubber Tires: Burlington, Winooski, Essex Jct., Vt 1885-Present.” By James R. “Jim” Jones. Co-sponsored with the Winooski Historical Society.
Date of Presentation: May 14, 2022
"On Being a Vermonter and the Rise and Fall of the Holmes Farm, 1822-1923." Presenter: David Holmes.
David Holmes discussed his new book about the 101 year history of the Holmes farm in Charlotte, entitled: "On Being a Vermonter and the Rise and Fall of the Holmes Farm, 1822-1923." This is the only case study of a Vermont farm during this era. The farm, located just south of the Charlotte covered bridge on Lake Champlain, had a leading-edge apple orchard with apple sales to U.S. cities and Europe. The family also bred, raced and sold Morgan horses. Building on the experience of the family and the farm, the author will ponder what it means to be a Vermonter, then and now.
Date of Presentation: March 6, 2022. Not recorded.
The Peculiar History of the 'Flats' and Riverside: An Afternoon with Gary Irish Celebrating the Publication of Vol 3 of the Jericho Town History." Presenter: Historian Gary Irish. Co-sponsored by the Chittenden Country Historical Society, the Underhill Historical Society, and the Jericho Underhill Park District.
At the intersection of the Creek and Brown's River, there is a large flat area that, as the region was settled, became a prime locale for a village to develop. But what made this interesting and unusual was that, when the towns of Underhill and Jericho were laid out by Benning Wentworth, the dividing line between the two towns ran through this plain, and thus through the new village. The Underhill side of the line became Underhill Flats, or just the Flats, while the Jericho side became Riverside. We will see how this led to some interesting situations as the area developed, and how, despite there being no water power available, thevillage had a robust retail and manufacturing sector. Plus, an extended Q & A: “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Jericho Over the Past 50 Years!” What happened to Grace Reapp and her daughter? Was the crime ever solved? Did you hear about the man who had a scheme to adulterate maple syrup?
Date of Presentation: December 5, 2021. Recorded here. Not on the CCHS/CCTV channel.
"Burlington's Lost Mural & Little Jerusalem." Presented by Jeff Potash and Aaron Goldberg
Join us as Jeff Potash and Aaron Goldberg, discuss the Lost Mural and Burlington's Little Jerusalem. In 1910, Chai Adam congregation in Burlington’s “Little Jerusalem” neighborhood commissioned Lithuanian immigrant artist Ben Zion Black to paint a mural in its synagogue in the prevalent style of wooden shuls of Eastern Europe. When the congregation later merged with Ohavi Zedek its building was sold and converted to apartments with the mural hidden behind a false wall for decades. In 2015, the Lost Mural Project led a successful effort to rescue and move the mural. Now installed in the lobby of the current Ohavi Zedek synagogue, the mural is an educational resource for students from nearby colleges and schools, visitors from Vermont, and tourists seeking to learn about Vermont’s Jewish, artistic, and immigrant history. Our presenters ask you to make a donation to support the Lost Mural Project.
Date of Presentation: November 22, 2021. On Video. (A photo taken during the presentation appears at left, inside the synagogue.)
CCHS Annual Meeting & Program: Vermont Abenaki Spirituality. Speaker: Patrick Lamphere.
The Ethan Allen Homestead Museum expanded its horizons to also tell the story of the Abenaki people. Under the direction of Professor Fred Wiseman, the new exhibit explores Vermont Abenaki Spirituality through regalia, art, and ceremony. These items are used by Abenaki citizens in Alnôbaiwi as they follow their ancestral traditions. Patrick Lamphere, a member of Abenaki nation, providee more information about both the current display and the Vermont Indigenous Heritage Center. The program followed a brief annual meeting.
Date of Presentation: July 11,2021. Not recorded.
"Winooski and the Buffalo Soldiers: A Celebration of Black History Month" by Carolyn Gould, Ph.D.
Co-sponsored by the Chittenden County Historical Society, the Winooski Historical Society, and the United Methodist Church of Winooski.
In mid-summer of 1909, the Tenth United States Cavalry Regiment arrived in Vermont for a four-year tour-of-duty. The "Fighting Tenth," as they were known, had charged up San Juan Hill with Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders and fought bravely in the Philippines. In July, they arrived in New York City, where they were celebrated as heroes in a ticker-tape parade ending in City Hall Park. The next morning this remarkable force would set off to Vermont, where their welcome would be met with fear. Why? The "Fighting Tenth" were one of four all-African American regiments created in 1866, called the "Buffalo Soldiers," they were noted for their distinguished service on the Western frontier. The nickname, some say, may have been given to them by Native Americans for their ferocious fighting skills and "woolly" hair--both highly prized characteristics of the bison.
In 1900, the entire African American population of Vermont was 826. Now, the State was to receive a force of 750 enlisted men with a large camp following, notably their families, that would bring the total number of new African Americans in Vermont to around 1,500. The Burlington Free Press disapproved, saying that the town was "up in arms." In fact, residents had mixed opinions about the arrival of these new residents. As in other towns where the Buffalo Soldiers were stationed, "wherever they went, the black soldiers faced fear and suspicion and had to demonstrate good behavior to win the acceptance of the white population," according to historian David Work.
The program was held at the Church and included the history of the Church’s Hall organ, the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers at the Church, historic organ music, gospel music, and a spiritual sing-along.
Date of Presentation: February 2, 2020. On Video.
"The Other Brother--Ira Allen." A Talk by J. Kevin Graffagnino on his book. Co-Sponsored with the Winooski Historical Society. Speaker J. Kevin Graffagnino, author of Ira Allen: A Biography.
What former Vermont Governor James Douglas has to say: “Surveyor, speculator, author, revolutionary: Ira Allen led a colorful and complicated life that’s captured in all its glory by one of Vermont’s foremost historians. Kevin Graffagnino brings a lifetime of scholarship to this biography of a Founding Father of the Green Mountain State. Was Ira likeable? Maybe not, but he was a key player in Vermont’s early history. You’ll know a lot more about the state’s formative years after reading this book.”
Graffagnino, author of over 25 books on Vermont and America History, discusses his new book Ira Allen: A Biography. A lively and engaging speaker, he evaluates Allen’s checkered career and makes the case for including him in our picture of Vermont’s formative decades.
Date of presentation: February 2, 2025. On Video.
"Land Trusts in Chittenden County. " A Panel featuring Darby Bradley, unofficial historian of the Vermont Land Trust; Livy Strong, head of Jericho Underhill Land Trust; and Kate Lampton, head of Charlotte Land Trust.
A land trust is a nonprofit organization that obtains land and conservation easements on land to protect views, natural resources, water quality, and other aspects of land so that people present and future can benefit. Land trusts also do important work preserving Vermont's history. Darby Bradley of Vermont Land Trust provides an overview of land trusts in Vermont and their importance, while Livy Strong and Kate Lampton talk about their specific land trusts' history, vision, and projects.
Date of presentation: December 17., 2024. On Video.
“Moses Whitcomb's "Monitor Barn" and Other Iconic Structures Built by Charles Miller.” Speaker: Elliot Lothrop, President, Building Heritage, LLC. Historic Building Preservation & Timber Framing, Huntington, Vermont. www.buildingheritage.com.
The presentation explores the land accumulation of the Whitcomb family during the second half of the 19th century, culminating in Moses' ownership- the peak of dairy farming at the farm. In1901, Moses had the East Monitor Barn built, hiring the 36 year old Charles Miller, from North Ferrisburgh, to frame it. Born into a family of timber framers, Miller had already built several monumental barns around Chittenden and Addison County. Lothrop looks at several of Miller's other barns and explores pages of his work journals, which have opened up some fascinating connections.
Date of presentation: October 20, 2024. On Video.
"It's About Time!" A Burlington History & Culture Center! Founders & Speakers: Elise Guyette, Gail Rosenburg, Lisa Evans, and Melinda Moulton. www.burlingtonhistoryandculturecenter.org.
The founders of the planned BHCC describe their approach to the new museum while soliciting ideas from the audience. Just one in a series of information-gathering meetings with various communities to discover what the "museum" should look like and what needs it should fill. The featured talk was part of the CCHS Annual Meeting.
Date of Presentation: July 11, 2024. On Video.
"Anne Connelley: The Blind Merchant of Burlington." Presented by John Thomas, Development Director for the Vermont Association for the Bind and Visually Impaired.
Anne Connelly (1889-1939) came to Vermont as a blind adult, where she ended up working for VABVI, introducing trained guide dogs and white canes, and running her own business that helped support the blind community.
Date of Presentation: February 11. 2024. On Video.
"Working and Learning with the Land: The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps and the East Monitor Barn." Present by Breck Knauft, Executive Director, Youth Conservation Corps (YVCC) and Eliot Lothrop, Principal, Building Heritage.
This talk focuses on the history of the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps and takes an in depth look at the restoration of the East Monitor Barn. Since its founding in 1985, VYCC has enrolled over 6,500 youth and young adults in paid service experiences that focus on outdoor projects that benefit all Vermonters.
They also provide n inside look at the current restoration of the East Monitor Barn in Richmond. Earlier in 2023, Building Heritage, in partnership with VYCC, began restoration of this historic structure that was built in 1901. Eliot and Breck will offer a slide show of VYCC over the years, as well as restoration progress.
Date of Presentation: December 17, 2023. On Video.
“From China to Vermont: The Story of Longtime Resident Guy Cheng.” Speaker: David Sisco.
Vermont has long attracted gifted artists, but few perhaps whose background is as eclectic as Guy Cheng’s. Born in China in 1918, Cheng first came to the US to represent China in the Davis Cup in 1936. The story of his life from receiving an MBA from Tulane University to becoming a much-collected silversmith and artist, whose works were sold at Tiffany’s is told by David Sisco, his stepson, a jewelry designer himself and co-owner of Designers’ Circle Jewelers in Burlington. Perhaps you remember Cheng’s store on Route 7 in Charlotte with its unusual door?
Date of Presentation: December 14, 2023. On Video.
A listing of other recent talks, some of which were not recorded.
"Vermonters and The Blockade Board’s Backdoor War," along with the CCHS Annual Meeting. Presented by Rolf Diamant.
In June 1861, the United States Navy Department convened a small working group in Washington DC to rapidly put in place an ambitious strategy to guide a total blockade of the Confederacy: 3,500 miles of coastline and 180 ports. This small group of four individuals, known as the “blockade board,” set in motion plans for a series of amphibious landings, from North Carolina to Louisiana in support of the expanding United States naval blockade, which UVM adjunct associate professor of history,
Rolf Diamant, calls the “backdoor war.”
The intended and unintended consequences of this backdoor war contributed to the hollowing out of the Confederacy’s slave-labor based economy, the acceleration of emancipation, the final defeat of the rebellion, and an end to slavery. Spearheading the amphibious landings in the Gulf were Vermonters fighting with the 7th and 8th Regiments. As they advanced deep into the Mississippi Delta, a region with one of the highest concentrations of enslaved people in the South, Vermont soldiers interacted with thousands of self-emancipated African Americans both as refugees, and later as soldiers in the United States Colored Troops. Diamant explains how Vermonters played a consequential but little understood role in this social revolution; first arming and training freedmen; then accepting commissions to lead black troops into battle; and finally in service with the Freedmen’s Bureau during Reconstruction.
Date of Presentation: July 9, 2023. On Video.
"How to Read Old Forested Farmscapes." Presenter: Sam Ford, President, Turn Stone Research www.turnstoneresearch.com. Co-Presenter on the walk: Alicia Daniel, Founder, Vermont Master Naturalist Program www.vermontmasternaturalist.org
The talk peeled back the layers of time to interpret 300 years of land use history in Vermont through cultural clues left in our wooded hillsides. Stone walls, cellar holes and forgotten ornamental plantings help to piece together the history of these old farms, which are often hiding in plain sight. Sam showed us how to recognize these clues and piece together the story of the land. Co-sponsored by the Charlotte Library.
THE FIELD WALK at WHEELER PARK. Wheeler: Ford and Daniel revealed the 300 years of land use history at Wheeler Nature Park in South Burlington through the stories of the families who shaped the landscape as we see it today. On the walk, they showed us how to to interpret cultural imprints encountered in the Vermont woods.
Date of Presentation: April 23 and 29, 2023. Presentations: Not recorded. The Guided Walk pictured below.
"An Archaeological History of Chittenden County." Speaker: Vermont State Archeologist Jess Robinson.
Robinson gave an overview of the precontact Native history of the Chittenden County area from the first human entrants in the region until the time of European contact. He will highlight some notable archaeological sites and offer insights into the first Vermonters gained from over 50 years of professional archaeological work in the area. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.
Date of Presentation: March 19, 2023. Presentation: Not recorded.
"Bethuel Chittenden: Ordained for Vermont During Tense Political Times." Presenter: Educator and author Lori Wilson
Trinity Episcopal Church was established by Bethuel Chittenden, Brother of Gov. Thomas Chittenden who presided over the Republic of Vermont. Bethuel's connection to the Anglican Church put him in an awkward position during the Revolutionary War. The matter of glebe lands and trying to get a bishop for Vermont were other issues he attempted to influence. Bethuel Chittenden and some members of his family are buried in the old Shelburne Cemetery on Spear St.
Date of Presentation: September 22, 2022. Presentation: Not recorded.
"The Pates and Kings of Archibald Street." Presented by Elise A. Guyette, historian, and Rebekah Mortensen, educator and descendant, along with the CCHS Annual Meeting.
There will be a new historic marker going up soon in Burlington’s Old North End to commemorate The Pates, Vermont’s longest running entry in the Green Book. That book (1936-1966) helped Black motorists find places to stay, eat, and gas up the car, among other amenities. This talk encompasses the need for such a book in Vermont as well as the history of the Pates and Kings who ran the establishment on Archibald Street for many decades. Their complex story includes Buffalo Soldiers, illicit love affairs, a Black baseball team, and two Black-owned businesses run by the same family. In addition, descendants and a woman who worked for the Pates will be present for the question and answer period.
Date of Presentation: July 24, 2022. Presentation: Not recorded.
The Essex Junction Syrup Plant: Weaving Together 75 Years of Vermont Maple Syrup.” Presenter: Dr. Matthew M Thomas.
Held at the Shelburne Sugarworks, this presentation examined the local syrup processors, packers, and blenders, who took advantage of changing technologies and advertising to help the industry transition to the modern period and flourish
Date of Presentation: May 17, 2022. Presentation: Not recorded. Dr. Thomas' presentation at the Shelburne Sugarworks pictured below.
“Trolley Wires to Rubber Tires: Burlington, Winooski, Essex Jct., Vt 1885-Present.” By James R. “Jim” Jones. Co-sponsored with the Winooski Historical Society.
Date of Presentation: May 14, 2022
"On Being a Vermonter and the Rise and Fall of the Holmes Farm, 1822-1923." Presenter: David Holmes.
David Holmes discussed his new book about the 101 year history of the Holmes farm in Charlotte, entitled: "On Being a Vermonter and the Rise and Fall of the Holmes Farm, 1822-1923." This is the only case study of a Vermont farm during this era. The farm, located just south of the Charlotte covered bridge on Lake Champlain, had a leading-edge apple orchard with apple sales to U.S. cities and Europe. The family also bred, raced and sold Morgan horses. Building on the experience of the family and the farm, the author will ponder what it means to be a Vermonter, then and now.
Date of Presentation: March 6, 2022. Not recorded.
The Peculiar History of the 'Flats' and Riverside: An Afternoon with Gary Irish Celebrating the Publication of Vol 3 of the Jericho Town History." Presenter: Historian Gary Irish. Co-sponsored by the Chittenden Country Historical Society, the Underhill Historical Society, and the Jericho Underhill Park District.
At the intersection of the Creek and Brown's River, there is a large flat area that, as the region was settled, became a prime locale for a village to develop. But what made this interesting and unusual was that, when the towns of Underhill and Jericho were laid out by Benning Wentworth, the dividing line between the two towns ran through this plain, and thus through the new village. The Underhill side of the line became Underhill Flats, or just the Flats, while the Jericho side became Riverside. We will see how this led to some interesting situations as the area developed, and how, despite there being no water power available, thevillage had a robust retail and manufacturing sector. Plus, an extended Q & A: “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Jericho Over the Past 50 Years!” What happened to Grace Reapp and her daughter? Was the crime ever solved? Did you hear about the man who had a scheme to adulterate maple syrup?
Date of Presentation: December 5, 2021. Recorded here. Not on the CCHS/CCTV channel.
"Burlington's Lost Mural & Little Jerusalem." Presented by Jeff Potash and Aaron Goldberg
Join us as Jeff Potash and Aaron Goldberg, discuss the Lost Mural and Burlington's Little Jerusalem. In 1910, Chai Adam congregation in Burlington’s “Little Jerusalem” neighborhood commissioned Lithuanian immigrant artist Ben Zion Black to paint a mural in its synagogue in the prevalent style of wooden shuls of Eastern Europe. When the congregation later merged with Ohavi Zedek its building was sold and converted to apartments with the mural hidden behind a false wall for decades. In 2015, the Lost Mural Project led a successful effort to rescue and move the mural. Now installed in the lobby of the current Ohavi Zedek synagogue, the mural is an educational resource for students from nearby colleges and schools, visitors from Vermont, and tourists seeking to learn about Vermont’s Jewish, artistic, and immigrant history. Our presenters ask you to make a donation to support the Lost Mural Project.
Date of Presentation: November 22, 2021. On Video. (A photo taken during the presentation appears at left, inside the synagogue.)
CCHS Annual Meeting & Program: Vermont Abenaki Spirituality. Speaker: Patrick Lamphere.
The Ethan Allen Homestead Museum expanded its horizons to also tell the story of the Abenaki people. Under the direction of Professor Fred Wiseman, the new exhibit explores Vermont Abenaki Spirituality through regalia, art, and ceremony. These items are used by Abenaki citizens in Alnôbaiwi as they follow their ancestral traditions. Patrick Lamphere, a member of Abenaki nation, providee more information about both the current display and the Vermont Indigenous Heritage Center. The program followed a brief annual meeting.
Date of Presentation: July 11,2021. Not recorded.
"Winooski and the Buffalo Soldiers: A Celebration of Black History Month" by Carolyn Gould, Ph.D.
Co-sponsored by the Chittenden County Historical Society, the Winooski Historical Society, and the United Methodist Church of Winooski.
In mid-summer of 1909, the Tenth United States Cavalry Regiment arrived in Vermont for a four-year tour-of-duty. The "Fighting Tenth," as they were known, had charged up San Juan Hill with Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders and fought bravely in the Philippines. In July, they arrived in New York City, where they were celebrated as heroes in a ticker-tape parade ending in City Hall Park. The next morning this remarkable force would set off to Vermont, where their welcome would be met with fear. Why? The "Fighting Tenth" were one of four all-African American regiments created in 1866, called the "Buffalo Soldiers," they were noted for their distinguished service on the Western frontier. The nickname, some say, may have been given to them by Native Americans for their ferocious fighting skills and "woolly" hair--both highly prized characteristics of the bison.
In 1900, the entire African American population of Vermont was 826. Now, the State was to receive a force of 750 enlisted men with a large camp following, notably their families, that would bring the total number of new African Americans in Vermont to around 1,500. The Burlington Free Press disapproved, saying that the town was "up in arms." In fact, residents had mixed opinions about the arrival of these new residents. As in other towns where the Buffalo Soldiers were stationed, "wherever they went, the black soldiers faced fear and suspicion and had to demonstrate good behavior to win the acceptance of the white population," according to historian David Work.
The program was held at the Church and included the history of the Church’s Hall organ, the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers at the Church, historic organ music, gospel music, and a spiritual sing-along.
Date of Presentation: February 2, 2020. On Video.
