July 30, 2008

Contact: Elsa Gilbertson, Regional Historic Site Administrator, 802-759-2412,

Elsa.Gilbertson@state.vt.us

SPECIAL SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AFTERNOONS

AT CHIMNEY POINT       

ADDISON, Vt. – The Chimney Point State Historic Site offers special weekend afternoons through the season with hands on activities to enjoy the many thousands of years of history at this historic location on lake Champlain.  Every second Saturday (August 9, September 13, and October 11) is Second Saturdays.  On August 9, learn about the French colonial past with games, French dress up basket for children, and what maps and archeological artifacts can tell us.  On September 13, it’s the annual northeast open atlatl competition, and on October 11 biologist Elizabeth Gilbert presents a program, “The Fameuse: How ‘bout them Apples?,” the French or Chimney Point apple.

Every Sunday afternoon, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. until October 13 a variety of special hands-on activities for all ages.  The site interpreter will show you ancient stone tools and how to use an atlatl (an ancient spear-thrower).  Enjoy exploring the artifact cart, playing period games, or other fun activities.  

The Chimney Point State Historic Site on Lake Champlain in Addison is in a late 1700s brick tavern listed in the National Register of Historic Places and was the site of Native American and French colonial occupation.  Exhibits and programs feature three early cultures in the area: the Native Americans, French, and early American.  The site is regularly open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:30 to 5:00, through October 13.  Admission is $3.00 for adults and free for children under 15.  The site is located at the intersection of Vermont Routes 125 and 17 at the foot of the Champlain Bridge.  For further information, call (802) 759-2412.

Visit:  www.HistoricVermont.org/sites.   For more information about all the State-owned Historic Sites contact John Dumville at (802) 828-3051.

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