Vermont: State Highlight in the Eastern United States
Funding Boosts Historical Preservation and Accessibility in Vermont
A series of grants and initiatives have been implemented in Vermont to preserve and promote its rich historical heritage. The Vermont Historical Records Program, while not explicitly named, has been an integral part of these efforts, focusing on the preservation, restoration, and revitalization of historic buildings, artifacts, archives, and local heritage sites.
One of the key projects funded by these initiatives is the Village Trust Initiative. This community-driven program supports revitalization projects in Vermont’s historic villages, including the restoration of general stores, community centers, and other historic resources through technical assistance and funding partnerships (Preservation Trust of Vermont, Vermont Council on Rural Development, Vermont Community Foundation).
Another notable example is the preservation of the historic Goodell House. This project involved moving and rehabilitating the house to increase access, preserve its character, and enhance recreational opportunities in state forest areas.
The objectives of these projects are multifold. They aim to foster community-driven historic preservation, improve accessibility and use of historic sites, safeguard Vermont’s heritage, and promote public engagement with local history. These objectives are achieved through projects that renovate or repurpose historic structures and archives.
The Vermont State Historical Records Advisory Board conducted a planning project to develop a strategic plan for improving historical records preservation. The Board also received funding for travel and meeting expenses for its grant review and statewide archival planning missions.
The Vermont State Archives and Records Administration received funds to create communities sharing best practices, offer workshops, update the state's online directory, develop curriculum, assist with grant applications, and support a pilot Technical Assistance Program to help repositories across the state.
Other notable recipients of funding include the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, which received $143,191 for a project to arrange, describe, and catalog the documentary holdings of several institutions in St. Johnsbury. The Vermont Historical Society received funds for renovation of two exhibit galleries and increased public access to collections.
The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College, the Rokeby Museum, and the Vermont Supreme Court are among the institutions that have received funds for various preservation and accessibility projects, such as microfilming historical records, preserving photographs, and arranging and describing historical papers.
In total, over $2.8 million has been awarded for these historical preservation and accessibility projects in Vermont. These initiatives not only protect Vermont’s cultural resources but also foster community engagement and promote historical awareness.
[1] Preservation Trust of Vermont, Vermont Council on Rural Development, Vermont Community Foundation. (n.d.). Village Trust Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.preservationtrust.org/programs/village-trust-initiative/
[2] Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. (n.d.). Goodell House. Retrieved from https://www.vtstateparks.com/explore/places/goodell-house-state-historic-site
- In addition to preservation and restoration efforts, the focus of the Vermont Historical Records Program extends to skills training, career development, and job-search resources for professionals in the manufacturing industry, promoting education-and-self-development and personal-growth.
- By embracing digital technology, some grants are dedicated to updating the state's online directories in the retail sector, making it easier for customers to locate and access historical sites, contributing to the promotion of local businesses.
- Recognizing the importance of finance in historical preservation, initiatives have been established to provide funding partnerships for various projects in Vermont, supporting the overall growth and development of the industry.
- Furthermore, learning opportunities have been created through workshops, curriculum development, and grants for historical research in schools, encouraging the future generation's engagement with their state's heritage.
- These collaborative and innovative efforts in funding, technology, and education have not only protected Vermont's cultural resources but also facilitated the growth of its historical industry, fostering a sense of pride and connection among Vermonters.
