Vermont State Historic Sites

06/18/2026

Coming up July 8, 2026, at 4 PM, Bennington Battle Monument State Historic Site, Bennington, VT: The 198th Army Reserve Band, Commanded by Chief Warrant Officer II Patrick Duhnam and First Sergeant David Federico, invites the people of Benington, Vermont to our performance as a part of the America 250th Commemorative Celebrations across the United States. As one of the premier Regional Bands of the U.S. Army Reserves, the 198th is proud to serve as a musical ambassador during one of the most significant historical events of our country.

Established in 1943 and rooted in a proud legacy spanning more than eight decades of service, the 198th has performed around the world, with theatres ranging from the four corners of the Continental United States to Hawaii, Japan, and Puerto Rico. Its members are part-time Soldier-Musicians who, in their civilian lives, serve their communities as teachers, students, construction workers, Fireman, Medical Professionals, Farmers, and professional musicians, bringing both military discipline and world-class artistry to every performance.

The band’s participation in the 250th anniversary celebration reflects the band’s longstanding mission to support the United States Army’s enduring commitment to honoring the nation it has defended since June 14th, 1775, more than a year before independence was declared.

The 198th Army Band performs across a wide spectrum of genres with a variety of groups, including the Concert Band, Parade Band, Brass Quintet (brass 6), Rock Band (Hot A’s), Brass Choir, Jazz Combo (Genessee Jazz), Low Brass Ensemble (Low Quarters), and Horn Quartet (4 for the Cor).

All of our performances are free and open to the public. If you have any further questions, please reach out to Marylou Chicote at [email protected].

This is followed by a community reading at the Monument of the Declaration of Independence, at 6 PM.

06/17/2026

At Mount Independence State Historic Site, Orwell, VT, the 1777 Great Bridge Log exhibit enhancement project was completed just before the museum opened for the day this morning! The bridge panel was updated with an intro about the the American engineer and designer, Col. Jeduthan Baldwin, and the Feb. 26, 1777, cutting of the big timbers for bridge construction. It includes period quotes from Baldwin, British Lt. Gen. John Burgoyne and his description of the "great bridge of communication," the observations of German leader Maj. Gen. Friedrich Riedesel, and the thoughtful comments of German Lt. August Wilhelm Du Roi the Elder. Earlier this spring we installed a fragment of another bridge log, as well as a panel of the artwork of Gary Zaboly showing how the bridge caissons might have been constructed. Thanks to the Mount Independence Coalition, site friends group, for applying for and receiving a Champlain Valley Heritage Partnership grant for the project.

06/16/2026

Flag Day 2026 at the Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site, Vermont. Phyllis Chapman enthralls visitors with the story of the history of American flags. Part of Vermont Days Weekend activities at the Vermont State Historic Sites.

06/15/2026

New Vermont Historic Roadside Marker--in Colchester.

Recognizes four families who cleared more than 500 acres in early 1900s.

06/14/2026

Vermont Days Weekend continues today. This clip includes Mount Independence State Historic Site. Thanks WCAX-TV.

Mount Independence among locations open through Sunday as part of Vermont Days.

06/13/2026

Tomorrow, June 14, is Flag Day. A second day of Vermont Days weekend with free admission at the Vermont State Historic Sites, day use State Parks, and Vermont Historical Society. At the Bennington Battle Monument State Historic Site, join living historian, Phyllis Chapman, as she discusses the history of America's flags. Kids can make their own flags and learn about flag protocol. For more information, call 802-447-0550.

06/13/2026

Saturday of VT Days weekend at Mount Independence State Historic Site, Orwell, VT. SIte interpeter Paul Andriscin giving a program to a full auditorium on the topic of "Vermont and Its Role in the American Revolution." Part of the annual meeting of the site friends group (Mount Independence Coalition) offering to the public on this free weekend.

06/12/2026

Shape the Future of the Bennington Battle Monument as part of your 250th Festivities! As we begin summer celebrations marking the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, your Vermont Division for Historic Preservation friends invite you to take impactful action. The Bennington Battle Monument is facing critical structural conservation needs, and we need the community's voice to determine how to best restore, operate, and maintain Vermont's tallest historic landmark. Please take five minutes to share your thoughts on the tower’s long-term future. Public input gathered online this summer will directly shape the final technical plans presented during our upcoming state review session.

Visit https://accd.vermont.gov/historic-preservation
to access the official survey.

06/11/2026

Shopping at the Vermont Historic Sites. The President Calvin Coolidge, Bennington Battle Monument, Mount Independence, Hubbardton Battlefield, and Chimney Point State Historic Sites have shops that carry on our educational missions and offer a wide variety of items, including books, souvenirs, hats, shirts, toys, and more, for you to purchase. The Coolidge site has two shops--one in the museum and education center and one in the Cilley Store. One of the smaller shops is at the Hubbardton Battlefield--lots of books for all ages relating to the American Revolution and especially the Northern Campaign of 1776-77. Check out all these shops when you're traveling around and visiting us.