Saturday & Sunday, June 18 & 19 — TUNBRIDGE — History comes alive when the Vermont Historical Society returns to the Tunbridge World’s Fairgrounds presenting the Vermont History Expo on June 18 and 19. A unique country history fair, the 2016 Expo will feature “H2O: the History of Water in Vermont.”
The Vermont History Expo is down-home fun whether you are 8 or 88. Let it take you back to the days of small Vermont hill farms, rural country stores, horses and buggies, homespun clothes and hearthside stories. Nearly 150 history and heritage organizations offer fascinating exhibits sharing community history from all over the state. Artists, artisans, musicians, authors, crafters, and genealogists complete this history-filled heritage extravaganza at the Tunbridge World’s Fairgrounds, Route 110, Tunbridge, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19.
Amanda Gustin, Vermont Historical Society’s Expo coordinator, says, “We are excited to have the “Compagnie de Chevalier de Levis” return this year. They are a group of living historians dedicated to presenting the pre-Revolutionary 18th-century history of what was to become Vermont. Members of the group will be sharing lifeskills of the time including cartography (map making), handstitching, shingle making, 18th-century foods and herbs. Visitors will also learn about the importance of the Vermont waterways throughout the 18th century,” explains Gustin.
Other living historians at History Expo include the Green Mountain Military Vehicle Club that will demonstrate military encampment and sleeping accommodations, radios, artillery, photographs, and selected military vehicles. Benjamin Whitcomb’s Independent Corps of Rangers will also be on hand with an authentic portrayal of an actual Continental Army Ranger unit during the American Revolution.
Gustin adds, “Artisans and crafters will demonstrate skills that have been passed down for centuries. You can watch these artists at work and purchase their wares if you wish. Artisans will be demonstrating both Saturday and Sunday. Please watch our website for specific times for each demonstration: vermonthistory.org/expo.”
Traditional Trade and Craft Demonstrations June 18 and 19:
Evelyn Gant (Fine Threads) —Lace-making
Susan Cain—Weaving & Spinning
Jeanne Brink—Basket-making
Stephanie Allen-Krause (Green Mountain Hooked Rugs)—Hooked rugs
Green Mountain Woodcarvers—Woodcarving
Delsie Hoyt (Kingdom Moon Rugs)—Rug Braiding
Karla Klotz—Spinning
Bob Leonard (Ould Colony Artisans)—Sign painting and coats of arms
Also visit the working blacksmith shop, print shop, and more!
Music will also fill the air at the expo, featuring music on two stages: the Gazebo in the main area of the fairgrounds, and on the hill near the log cabin and crafters.
Entertainers will include: The Ed Larkin Old Time Contra Dancers, the oldest organized contra dance group in the U.S.; Robert Resnik and Marty Morrisey with songs about Vermont and by Vermonters; The Speckers, legendary fiddler John Specker and his two daughters; Va-et-Vient – traditional Francophone music; The Sky Blue Boys, mix of folk and parlor songs; Rick Norcross with songs about life in Vermont with a western swing; and Dave Carpenter, fiddler extraordinaire.
Find your distant relatives at the expo with the Vermont Historical Society’s Leahy Library and other genealogical organizations can help answer questions about genealogy and archival research in Floral Hall.
History Expo visitors will have the opportunity to search for their family histories on the Internet with expert advice. And, Sara Rath, the Wisconsin author of “Seven Years of Grace” will give a talk and autograph her historical novel.
Admission: adults, $10; children, $5; ages 5 and under, free; family pass (2 adults and multiple children), $20. Half price admission is offered to visitors in period dress. For more info, contact Amanda Gustin at amanda.gustin@vermonthistory.org or 802-828-2180.
