By Guy Page

A new GoFundMe campaign and online petition are gaining attention in Vermont as residents voice opposition to the proposed logo for the state’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration, criticizing the design’s prominent use of rainbow colors.

FYIVT editor Dave Soulia recently published a detailed analysis of the development of the logo (“How Vermont’s 250th Anniversary Logo Was Chosen—and What’s Missing,” July 18). In particular, Soulia noted that publicly-available minutes of the meetings in which the decisions were made are scanty.

The logo displays the rainbow colors commonly associated with the LGBTQ+ movement. Soulia’s post also prompted a news story by WCAX. 

The Burlington-based Place Creative Company developed the logo for the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, stating on its website:

“To commemorate Vermont’s 250th anniversary, we developed a brand identity to bridge the state’s past and future. This visual identity was crafted to accommodate diverse perspectives and honor Vermont’s unique history while inspiring forward-thinking initiatives. With a modern color palette and versatile design, it embodies Vermont’s spirit of progress and inclusivity. The brand has resonated across state initiatives, creating a cohesive and inclusive platform for celebrating Vermont’s milestone anniversary and engaging all Vermonters in the next chapter of their shared story.”

Launched by Barre resident Sue Brown, the petition addressed to Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont 250th Anniversary Commission argues that the rainbow-colored design closely resembles the LGBTQ+ Pride flag and “does not accurately represent the rich history and heritage of our great state of Vermont.” The petition has already gathered over 400 verified signatures, with organizers aiming for at least 1,000 to strengthen their case.

“As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of Vermont’s role in the American Revolutionary War, we urge you to consider a design that truly reflects the beginnings of our nation,” the petition reads. It cites the actions of the Green Mountain Boys and Ethan Allen at Fort Ticonderoga as examples of Vermont’s foundational role in American independence — a history the petitioners say should be at the forefront of the commemorative logo.

Brown and her supporters argue that the inclusion of rainbow colors injects modern political and social symbolism into what should be a unifying historical event. “Special interest groups certainly don’t have anything to do with the anniversary of the Revolutionary War battles fought by Vermont forefathers,” the petition claims.

A companion GoFundMe campaign was launched to raise funds for promotional efforts and legal support if needed. The campaign description reiterates the petition’s concerns and calls for a “historically grounded and inclusive logo that all Vermonters can support.”

Vermont officials have yet to issue a formal response. The Vermont 250th Commission unveiled the logo earlier this month as part of its broader promotional campaign for the 2026 semiquincentennial. Supporters of the design say the rainbow palette reflects Vermont’s values of inclusivity and diversity — principles they argue are central to the state’s identity.

The commission’s website states that “Vermont’s 250th Anniversary Commission will inspire all Vermonters to learn from the history, legacy, and context of the past to build strong Vermont communities for the future. Through collaborative local and statewide initiatives that explore an inclusive history of the American Revolution, Vermont 250 will support and encourage the preparation, planning, and execution of programs and events that examine a formative period of our nation and how it continues to shape our culture and values.”

As of this writing, no changes to the logo have been announced. The petition remains active on Change.org, and the GoFundMe campaign continues to accept donations.

According to its website, Vermont 250th Anniversary Commission members include:

Hubbardton Patriots

Laura V. Trieschmann, State Historic Preservation Officer, Chair

Jim Brangan, Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership, Vice Chair

Catherine Delneo, State Librarian

Paul Deslandes, University of Vermont, Department of History

Tom Hughes, Historian

Christopher Kaufman Ilstrup, Vermont Humanities

Martin Mahoney, Bennington Museum

Susan Evans McClure, Vermont Arts Council

Stephen Perkins, Vermont Historical Society

Heather Pelham, Commission of Tourism and Marketing

Israel Provoncha, Re-enactor and Historian/Teacher

Jonah Spivak, Friends of the Battle Monument; Friends of the Bennington Battlefield

Breanna Sheehan, Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs Representative