ADDISON — Chimney Point, Mount Independence and Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Sites open for the 2018 season on Saturday, May 26, at 10 a.m. These sites host a variety of engaging programs. Hours of operation this year will be 10:00 to 5:00.
Chimney Point is on Lake Champlain in Addison. Opening this year are two new permanent exhibits. “Crossing Paths” and “Point of Contact” focus on the Native American, French Colonial, English, and early American history of the Chimney Point area, incorporating archaeological findings from the Lake Champlain Bridge project. The special seasonal exhibit in the ballroom is “A Brush with Nature: The Art of Lillian Kennedy.”
The grounds include picnic tables and a short trail with interpretive signs and a historic pier from the 1929 Lake Champlain Bridge. Events include the first ever astronomy program on August 18, 7:30 to 11 p.m., night skies permitting, and the annual Northeast Open Atlatl Championship on September 23. Chimney Point is open Wednesdays through Sundays and Monday holidays, 10 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 15. More information is available at 802-759-2412.
Orwell’s Mount Independence, a National Historic Landmark, is named after the Declaration of Independence. It is one of the largest Revolutionary War defenses built by the Americans. Visit the museum and then choose one or more of trails — six miles in all — to walk. On May 26, opening day, Sue Wetmore will lead the annual spring bird walk; meet outside the museum at 8 a.m. The year’s highlight is Soldiers Atop the Mount living history weekend, September 8 and 9, with a 5K walk on the 9th. Mount Independence is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 15. Call 802-948-2000 for more information.
The Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site is the location of the only Revolutionary War battle fought in what would become Vermont. It is one of the best-preserved battlefields in America, retaining most of its original setting. On Monday, May 28, at noon is a short Memorial Day ceremony at the battle monument. The annual battle weekend is July 7 and 8. Scores of reenactors and lively new offerings are expected. Hubbardton Battlefield is open Wednesdays through Sundays and Monday holidays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3.00 for adults and free for children under 15. For more information call 802-273-2282.
The last day of the season is Sunday, Oct. 14. Other Vermont State-owned Historic Sites opening on May 26 are the President Calvin Coolidge site in Plymouth, Justin Smith Morrill Homestead in Strafford, and Old Constitution House in Windsor.
For special events information visit historicsites.vermont.gov/events.