Vermont Division for Historic Preservation and the

Mount Independence Coalition Win National History Award for Trail Project  

ORWELL, Vt. –The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) has announced that the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation and Mount Independence Coalition are recipients of a 2008 Award of Merit from the AASLH Leadership in History Awards for the Mount Independence Baldwin Interpretive Trail at the Mount Independence State Historic Site in Orwell, Vermont.  The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, in its 63rd year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history. 

The Baldwin Interpretive Trail is an extensive outdoor exhibit in the nationally significant historic Revolutionary War landscape at the Mount Independence State Historic Site. The project consisted of designing and building a 1.6-mile long trail that provides better interpretation and protection of historic, archeological, and natural resources and meets standards for handicapped accessibility for outdoor trails.  Directional signs and engaging, colorful interpretive signage (including 12 large and 9 smaller panels) bring the history to life, with period quotes, images, and documents.  The trail was named after Col. Jeduthan Baldwin, the chief engineer who designed much of the fortifications and defenses at the Mount.  It leads visitors around the southern half of the Mount, past both obvious and subtle archaeological sites (general hospital, two blockhouses, storehouse, soldier huts, cannon batteries, and other defenses). 

“The trail is integrated with the museum and its offerings, bringing the concept of interpretation of history and place to a whole new level and dimension,” says John Dumville, Historic Sites Operations Chief for the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.  “We are deeply honored to receive this national award.  It is an important validation of the work we are doing at the Vermont State Historic Sites.”  The trail provides visitors, including those with limited mobility, the opportunity to experience the historic landscape and the place where history happened.

Key project members include site administrator Elsa Gilbertson and John Dumville of the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation; the Mount Independence Coalition (friends group for the site); archaeology by Sheila Charles, Shearch, formerly of Rutland, Vt. and the University of Maine at Farmington Archaeological Research Center; trail design by Openspace Management of Great Barrington, Mass., and the Office of Robert A. White, Landscape Architect, of White River Junction, Vt.; trail construction by Peter Jensen & Associates of Great Barrington; history research by Don Wickman of Rutland, Vt.; sign design by Chuck Gibson Design of Hanover, N.H.; and sign fabrication and installation by Bruce Cate, Replicate, of Tunbridge, Vt. 

Awards for 2008 represent 57 organizations and individuals from across the United States.  Award winners will be honored at a special banquet during the 2008 AASLH Annual Meeting in Rochester, New York, on Friday, September 12.

The AASLH awards program was initiated in 1945 to establish and encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history throughout the United States.  The AASLH Leadership in History Awards not only honor significant achievement in the field of state and local history, but also brings public recognition of the opportunities for small and large organizations, institutions, and programs to make contributions in this arena.  For more information about the Leadership in History Awards, contact AASLH at 615-320-3203, or go to www.aaslh.org.

Mount Independence is located on Mount Independence Road, six miles west of the intersections of VT Routes 22A and 73 near Orwell village.  It is open daily through Columbus Day, October 13.  Admission is $5.00 for adults and free for children under 15, and includes access to all the trails and a visit to the air-conditioned museum with its exciting exhibits.   Mount Independence is a National Historic Landmark and one of the best-preserved Revolutionary War sites in America.  Call (802) 948-2000 for more information.

For information about Vermont’s State-owned Historic Sites: John Dumville, 802-828-3051, www.historicvermont.org/sites. 

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For digital images of trail, contact Elsa Gilbertson at elsa.gilbertson@state.vt.us