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Eight sites bring in a record $512,053
Agency of Commerce and Community Development photo
2024 was a banner year at Vermont State Historic Sites. New data released today by the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development’s Division for Historic Preservation shows 80,678 people spent $512,053 at eight Vermont State Historic Sites during the 2024 season. Spending is the result of admission fees (charged at six sites) and sales at six gift shops.
“I’m grateful to all Vermonters and visitors who spent time at our State Historic Sites this year,” said Governor Phil Scott. “These sites are a good way to explore our beautiful state and I encourage everyone to visit them and learn more about what makes Vermont such a special place.”
The eight Vermont State Historic Sites accepting visitors during 2024 were Bennington Battle Monument, Mount Independence in Orwell, Chimney Point in Addison, Senator Justin Morrill in Strafford, President Calvin Coolidge in Plymouth Notch, President Chester A. Arthur in Fairfield, Hubbardton Battlefield, and Kents Corner in Calais. Two historic sites have been closed to the public since COVID. The Old Constitution House in Windsor is scheduled to reopen in 2027 in time to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Vermont Constitution that was written there. The Eureka Schoolhouse in Springfield could reopen as soon as next year.
“We are thrilled with this year’s attendance and sales,” says Vermont’s Historic Preservation Officer Laura V. Trieschmann. “We have hard-working, dedicated staff who are passionate about sharing Vermont’s story with our visitors and that is reflected in the success of the 2024 season.”
Agency of Commerce and Community Development photo
Vermont State Historic Sites haven’t seen more than 80,000 visitors since the 2002 season. The greatest attendance on record was 93,365 in 1998, but back then there were twelve historic sites open to the public. The low for attendance was during the COVID pandemic with just 18,214 visitors in 2020.
The Historic Sites Program encourages discovery and appreciation of Vermont’s rich heritage through stewardship and interpretation of historic sites. Most sites have permanent exhibitions featuring their unique history, as well as regularly changing displays that focus on specialized subjects.
Vermont Historic Sites will begin receiving visitors again in the spring of 2025. In the meantime, you can experience some of what the sites have to offer by visiting this YouTube Channel.
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Categories: Press Release, State Government
This is wonderful news. Maybe, with prices so high that one ends up spending almost everything on food, people decided to look for entertainment locally rather than opting for expensive gadgets or “dream vacations.” When people ask me if travel, I always say, “I traveled to Vermont.” As seen from Massachusetts, Vermont always had a special “glow” that has never worn off for me.
“The best thing for being sad,” replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, “is to learn something. That’s the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then — to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. Look what a lot of things there are to learn.”
― T.H. White, The Once and Future King
It’s “Very Nice” for Governor Scott to recognize the importance of our Vermont Historic Sites.
Now …… if we could just get him to fully acknowledge, believe in and seriously uphold ALL The Vermont People’s Rights, Privileges and Freedoms that are in our Historic and Foundational Vermont State Constitution.
My wife, a friend from college days, and I spent a most enjoyable day at the Calvin Coolidge Birthplace during our sojourn in Vermont. Everyone on staff there was exceptionally helpful, and the insights into President Coolidge’s life were truly fascinating. I wish we had more public servants today with the character of Silent Cal.
Question. How much does it cost to maintain all of these sites????? Inquiring minds would like to know.