Sept. 6-7 — ORWELL — On the weekend of Sept. 6 and 7, the American Revolution returns at the annual Soldiers Atop the Mount living history program at the Mount Independence State Historic Site in Orwell. Re-enactors and other experts share with the public their knowledge and passion for this time, with an encampment, demonstrations of military tactics, camp life, colonial crafts, cooking, and more.
A special feature on Saturday, from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., is the Baldwin Trail walkabout. Experts will be located at stations around the trail to bring to life the history that happened right there. Walk in the footsteps of history to look for these activities and experts. Get your card stamped and win a small token if you visit all the stations.
Experience the military tactical and artillery demonstrations, weather permitting. Meet and greet the soldiers and their families. Some units portray Revolutionary War units that originally garrisoned Mount Independence. Children will enjoy special activities, offered both days from noon to 2 p.m. On Sunday at 12:30 p.m. is the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence, for which the Mount is named. Site interpreter and historian Paul Andriscin offers illustrated talks both afternoons. On both days a Vermont Health Connect representative will have an informational table.
The soldier’s camp opens on Saturday at 10 a.m. and closes on Sunday at 2:30 pm. Call for details. Admission is $60 for adults and free for children under 15, and includes the museum.
Mount Independence, a National Historic Landmark, is near the end of Mount Independence Road six miles west of the intersection of Vermont Routes 22A and 73 in Orwell. It is open daily through Columbus Day, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For more info, call 802-948-2000.
