Banners of legacy: Celebrating Poultney’s heritage on Main Street

The Poultney Downtown Revitalization Committee (PDRC), in collaboration with the Poultney Historical Society, unveiled the Poultney’s Banners of Legacy project on Main Street, Oct. 18. This initiative, generously funded by the Hills and Hollows grant from the Vermont Community Foundation, epitomizes a blend of art, history, and community engagement, breathing life and legacy into the heart of Poultney downtown.

The installation constitutes the first utilization of the new town branding and slogan, developed and adopted through collaborative engagements as part of the EPA’s Recreational Economies for Rural Communities (RERC) workshops.

The Banners of Legacy project is a walkable timeline that vividly narrates the rich history of Poultney through creatively designed banners, according to the news release. Each lamppost banner depicts a significant milestone or figure in the town’s history, paired with a slate plaque bearing a QR code. Upon scanning, visitors are led to a webpage curated by the Poultney Historical Society, offering a deeper dive into the narrative behind the banner. This interactive endeavor reinstates banners on Main Street, revitalizing it into a vibrant educational vista unlike any other in the region.

“This project underscores the commitment of the PDRC and the Poultney Historical Society to fostering a robust sense of place, pride, and community engagement,” organizers stated. “It is envisaged to be a catalyst for increased foot traffic and engagement in Downtown Poultney, thus nurturing local businesses and promoting economic development.”

Nic Stark, the project director from PDRC alongside Krista Rupe and Ennis Duling from the Poultney Historical Society, led a commendable team of local researchers, writers, designers, and fabricators in bringing this project to fruition. 

“The collaborative spirit and the generous contributions in kind from various community stakeholders have been instrumental in actualizing this community achievement,” organizers stated. “Together, we are not only preserving the past but are also paving the way for a promising, vibrant future.”

For more information, visit: PoultneyHistoricalSociety.org.

Courtesy Poultney Historical Society

  Poultney’s Banners of Legacy project were unveiled on Main Street celebrating the history of the town, Oct. 18.