Six State Historic Sites to Open for 2026 Season

Visitors Can Explore Vermont's Captivating Past Starting May 22

Montpelier, VT - On Friday, May 22, six of Vermont's state-owned historic sites will open for the 2026 season. Scattered across the state, the sites showcase impressive museum collections and educational exhibits that chronicle our state's story. Including prehistoric Indigenous settlements, Revolutionary War battlegrounds, and the homes of U.S. Presidents, the sites shine an authentic spotlight on the remarkable history of Vermont:

• Chimney Point
  This Addison archeological site features Unfinished Revolutions, a K-12 student art exhibition exploring the ongoing work of creating a more perfect Union. Inhabitants of the site are chronicled in historical sequence, from the first native American populations 9,000 years ago to post-Revolutionary War colonists.

• Revolutionary War
  Visitors can explore Vermont's vital role in securing American Independence at the Hubbardton Battlefield, the Bennington Battle Monument, and Mount Independence in Orwell.

• Presidents' Homes
  Visitors will discover executive history at the Chester Arthur State Historic Site in Fairfield and the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth Notch. While the Coolidge Homestead/Boyhood Home is closed for essential preservation work, all other buildings remain open: the President's birthplace, Cilley Store, Aldrich House, Summer White House, school, barns, cheese factory, and museum with giftshop. Significant historical items from inside the Homestead have been moved to the exhibit in the museum.

Full scheduling details for these activities and more are available at the Vermont State Historic Sites Calendar .

Ongoing Historic Preservation Work

• The Senator Justin Morrill Homestead in Strafford and the Old Constitution House in Windsor will remain closed for the 2026 season due to critical updates to infrastructure.
• The elevator at the Bennington Battle Monument will remain closed for the 2026 season due to ongoing mechanical and moisture issues. To share your feedback on long-term restoration plans and the overall future of the landmark tower, please visit HistoricSites.Vermont.gov to participate in our public feedback survey.

Special Off-Site Programming

Despite the building closures, community programming continues. Special events hosted by the Friends of the Morrill Homestead and VT250th are scheduled throughout the summer. To experience history where it happened, Vermonters are encouraged to visit HistoricSites.Vermont.gov.

About the Division for Historic Preservation

The Vermont Roadside Historic Site Marker Program is administered by the Division for Historic Preservation, a division of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DCHD). DHCD works to support vibrant and resilient communities, promote safe and affordable housing for all, protect the state's historic resources, and improve the quality of life for Vermonters.

About the Agency of Commerce and Community Development

The mission of ACCD is to help Vermonters improve their quality of life and build strong communities. ACCD accomplishes this mission by providing grants, technical assistance, and advocacy through three divisions: the Department of Economic Development, the Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Department of Tourism and Marketing. For more information on ACCD please visit: accd.vermont.gov.