Arts, Dining & Entertainment

Old Constitution House opens for season Memorial Day weekend

Courtesy of historicsites.vermont.gov

Old Constitution House

Saturday, May 28 — WINDSOR — The Old Constitution House, “The Birthplace of Vermont,” opens for the 2016 season on Saturday, May 28.

Originally a tavern where Vermont’s constitution was adopted in 1777, the restored Old Constitution House looks much as it did more than 200 years ago. A permanent exhibition, “A Free and Independent State,” examines Vermont’s formative years, from the struggle for political independence to statehood in 1791. Revolutionary War period artifacts are on display, including a rare copy of the sermon delivered at the 1777 Windsor Convention.

This year’s temporary exhibit, “The Lost Architecture of Windsor, Vermont: Masterpieces of Asher Benjamin,” opens June 11. Old Constitution House (OCH) teams up with Historic Windsor and the Preservation Education Institute to examine the work of Asher Benjamin, one of early America’s premier architects, who designed the meeting house and three private homes in Windsor during the late 18th century. Only the meeting house stands today, but photographs of the homes reveal Benjamin’s talent, as does a meticulous model of his Dudley Chase House. The exhibit features this model, which has been in storage for many years.

A number of special events are planned for this season. Back by popular demand is “History Happens at OCH,” a series of programs organized by 18th century reenactor Carl Malikowski. Beginning opening weekend, May 28 and 29, Carl and his wife Carolyn demonstrate a variety of period activities including cooking, woodworking, and powder horn carving.

The Old Constitution House State Historic Site is located at 16 North Main Street in Windsor. The 2016 season is May 28 through Oct. 10, Saturday and Sunday and Monday holidays, 11a.m. to 5 p.m. For further information call 802-672-3773, or visit historicsites.vermont.gov.

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