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Cultural Heritage Educational Visual Arts & Galleries Performance Series Festivals Libraries

CULTURAL HERITAGE Barre Historical Society The Historical Society owns Barre's Old Labor Hall, which is located at 46 Granite Street and has been nominated as a National Historic Landmark. Tours are offered of the Hall as well as Hope Cemetery. Call 476-7463 for tour times and reservations. Barre Historical Society, PO Box 496, Barre, VT 05641-0496 Barre Opera House - Go to website The 650-seat opera house has recently been restored and celebrated its centennial in 1999. Barre Opera House hosts over 100 events each year, ranging from community theater and orchestras to world-renowned performers and dance companies. Located at the corners of North Main and Prospect Streets in downtown Barre. Barre Opera House, PO Box 583, Barre, VT 05641; 802-476-8188; staff@barreoperahouse.org; www.barreoperahouse.com Montpelier Heritage Group This organization sponsors educational programs on Montpelier's past. Events are held throughout the year including lectures, slide shows, and discussions on historic preservation. The Annual Victorian Ice Cream Social and Croquet Tournament is held on the Statehouse lawn in July. Montpelier Heritage Group, PO Box 671, Montpelier, VT 05601-0671 Vermont Historical Society - Go to website Throughout the year the Society offers a comprehensive program of multidisciplinary and hands-on activities. Tours, workshops, lectures, and other events are offered by the Society on an annual basis. The museum features more than 20,000 artifacts of Vermont history. Some 42,000 catalogued books, 1,200 linear feet of manuscripts, 30,000 photographs, and 1,000 maps constitute the library's collections. Permanent and changing exhibits depict life in Vermont from early history through the present. Call for hours and current exhibits. Vermont Historical Society, Pavilion Building, 109 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05609-0901; 802-828-2291; vhs@vhs.state.vt.us; www.state.vt.us/vhs/

EDUCATIONAL Bragg Farm Sugarhouse and Gift Shop - Go to website This traditional, family-run sugaring operation offers year-round educational and historical tours including a walk along the maple woods, a sugarhouse, video presentation and taste testing of all grades of Vermont maple syrup. Sugar-on-Snow parties held each weekend in March and April. Bragg Farm Sugarhouse and Gift Shop, Route 14N, East Montpelier, VT 05651; 802-223-5757; www.central-vt.com/web/bragg Rock of Ages Visitors Center - Go to website The world's largest granite quarry is 50 acres in size and 600 feet deep. Tours are offered weekdays from June through mid-October. The Visitors Center is open daily May-Oct. and offers a video presentation, historic photos and exhibits. The Craftsman Center is open weekdays (except holidays) from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and features an observation deck overlooking the production floor. Rock of Ages Visitors Center (Exit #6, I-89), 773 Graniteville Road, Graniteville, VT 05641 802-476-3119; visitor@rockofages.com; www.rockofages.com Vermont State House - Go to website The first wooden State House, "whittled out of use" by representatives' pocketknives, was replaced in the late 1830s with a Barre granite building, and rebuilt again after a fire in 1857. Under the glittering dome stands an architectural treasure and hands-on museum of the state's political and military history. Free guided and group tours available. Vermont State House, State Street, Montpelier, VT 05602; 802-828-2228; www.central-vt.com/web/sthouse Camp Meade Victory Museum A look at America from the time of the bread lines of the Great Depression through the front lines, ration lines and assembly lines of world War II. Grounds sport more than a dozen World War vehicles, armaments, and aircraft. Indoor story of the war years. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May-Oct. Camp Meade Victory Museum, Route 2, Middlesex, VT 05602; 802-223-5537; cmpmeade@together.net; www. campmeade.com USS Montpelier Museum- Go to website Montpelier, the birth place of Admiral George Dewey, has been a sea town without shores since the 1800's. The ships that have carried the City's name, served our country well, achieving highest honors both above and beneath the waves. Montpelier is proud of its Naval Tradition and those who have served. The Museum is located on the Second Floor of City Hall (39 Main Street) in the City of Montpelier, the Capital City of Vermont

VISUAL ARTS & GALLERIES Art Resource Association Founded by artists and craftspeople of Central Vermont, the ARA seeks to support artistic excellence and to enhance public understanding of the visual arts. It hosts a monthly exhibit at City Center in Montpelier. It also displays in other venues on occasion. Call for information on current exhibits. Art Resource Association, PO Box 1063, Montpelier, VT 05601; (802) 485-8428, Jane Pincus, President. Artisans Hand Artisans Hand is a nationally recognized, award winning gallery exhibiting the best in traditional and contemporary Vermont craft. With over 120 craftspeople contributing, we feature pottery, fiber, wood, metals, prints, photography, and jewelry... unique, personal, treasurable. Visit Artisans Hand for the hand crafted experience. Open 7 days. Artisans' Hand, 89 Main Street at City Center, Montpelier, VT 05602; 802-229-9492. Ruth Pope Gallery A small gallery offering fine art oils and watercolor paintings, wooden clocks, furniture and bird houses which are designed, created and painted as one of a kind. Open year-round. Ruth Pope Gallery, Waitsfield, VT. Savoy Theater Presenter of non-mainstream and alternative films with two film showings daily and occasional special events and speakers. Large selection of video rentals. Call for current listings and times. Savoy Theater, 26 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602; 802-229-0598; savoydv@aol.com Studio Place Arts SPA is a vibrant, 3-floor visual arts center in historic downtown Barre. Explore free exhibitions of a broad range of contemporary artwork, meet working resident artists, and explore your own creativity in art classes or workshops. SPA, 201 N. Main St., Barre, VT 05641 (802) 479-7069 spa4arts@sover.net T. W. Wood Gallery & Arts Center - Go to website This non-profit visual arts center hosts a gallery and permanent collection and is located in College Hall at Vermont College in Montpelier. The gallery is an established center of on-going exhibitions for contemporary national and regional art. Open Tuesday-Sunday, Noon-4 p.m. T.W. Wood Gallery & Arts Center, College Hall, Vermont College, Montpelier, VT 05602; 802-828-8743; woodartgallery@tui.edu; www.central-vt.com/web/woodart Other Galleries Other galleries include the Green Bean Gallery located at Capital Grounds Cafe in Montpelier, the City Hall Gallery in Montpelier City Hall, the Spotlight Gallery located at the Vermont Arts Council, the Cheap Art Gallery on State Street in Montpelier, and the Supreme Court Gallery also located on State Street in Montpelier. Each gallery features a variety of styles and medium, open to the public.

. PERFORMANCE SERIES Barre Players Community theatre performed in the spring and fall at the historic Barre Opera House. Call for performance dates. Barre Opera House, 6 No. Main Street, Barre, VT 05641; 802-476-8188; staff@barreoperahouse.org Celebration Series Set in the historic Barre Opera House, this series of performances features world-renowned artists in music, dance and theater. The 650-seat venue offers an intimate atmosphere and is a favorite of many performers. Call 802-476-8188 for ticket information and reservations. Capital City Concerts - Go to website Capital City Concerts presents chamber music performed by some of the world's finest musicians, in collaboration with outstanding Vermont artists. Founded in 2000 by flutist Karen Kevra, the concert series is based in Montpelier. 11 Cherry Ave., Montpelier, VT 05602; kkevra@sover.net; www.capitalcityconcerts.org Lost Nation Theater - Go to website Named "Best of Vermont" by Vermont Magazine, Lost Nation Theater has been creating and presenting first-rate productions of contemporary plays, classics, and original works for more than twenty years. The company creates an intimate chamber theater within Montpelier City Hall Arts Center. In residence year-round, Lost Nation's highest-profile activity is its Summer Theater Series featuring five different shows, five nights a week, June through October. Recent Performances Include: A Midsummer Night's Dream, An Edgar Allen Poe Halloween, and You Can't Take It With You. Co-productions with Montpelier High School Masque Dec-May. Call for complete schedule and reservations. Lost Nation Theater, 39 Main Street, City Hall, Montpelier, VT 05602; 802-229-0492; www.lostnationtheater.org Monteverdi Music School A community music school providing individual lessons, ensemble experience and music camps for people of all ages and abilities. Recent performances include: holiday Gala Concert, Central Vermont Youth Music Festival, and Prism Concert. Call for complete class and performance schedule. Monteverdi Music School, Barre St., Montpelier, VT 05602; 802-229-9000; mntverdi@together.net .   Northeast Fiddlers Association - Go to website The Northeast Fiddlers Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization comprised of fiddlers, other musicians and supporters located in the Northeastern Regions of North America. Its home office is located in the state of Vermont (USA). The Association annually hosts the National Traditional Old-Time Fiddlers' Contest and Festival held at the Barre Auditorium in Barre, Vt. the last weekend in September. 1002 South Barre Rd., Barre, VT. 05641, Phone: 802-476-7256, E-mail: marcdeb186@verizon.net The Valley Players The oldest community theater in the Mad River Valley, this group annually produces musical, children's, fall and winter shows. They also present the Cabin Fever Follies community variety show each March, and the Labor Day Craft Fair. Summer Drama day camps for kids 6-12 in July, August, September and February. Contact for current information and performance schedules. The Valley Player's located on Route 100 in Waitsfield. P.O. Box 441,Waitsfield, VT 05673; 802-583-1674; valleyplayer@madriver.com; www.valleyplayers.com   Vermont Philharmonic Vermont's own priemer orchestra featuring Louis A. Kosma, conductor. Seasonal concert series. Each performed at least once in Central Vermont. Examples of performances include: Handel's "Messia, Youth Concert, Music of Expression & Color, Summer Pops Concert, etc. Vermont Philharmonic, Box 425, Montpelier, VT 05601-0425, for ticket information call the Barre Opera House at 802-476-8188. Performance Series Performances in the Park in Barre. Feel free to bring a picnic, lawn chairs and the whole family for these free concerts featuring some of Vermont's best bands. Wednesday nights during the summer. Also, Brown Bag Series, a series of free concerts at Noon in the Christ Church's Pocket Park in Montpelier in the summer on Fridays.

. FESTIVALS All Species Day Annual spring pageant celebrating the many species that inhabit the earth. This Montpelier event features a colorful parade, music, puppetry, community pageantry, Maypole dance and activities for all ages. Held on the first Sunday in May. Kids'fest, P.O. Box 64, Montpelier, VT 05602; 802-454-1461 Barre Homecoming Days A Celebration of the culture and history of Barre City and Barre Town. Events included art exhibits, stock car racing, lots of different live bands playing in the City Hall Park, street dance, book sales, sport events, a parade through downtown Barre and fireworks just to name a few. Dragon Dance Halloween Show Fire sculptures light the stage for this unique seasonal event which features giant puppets and masks, music, fireworks and themes from classical mythology. Call for dates, times and ticket information. Dragon Dance Theater, 148 North Bear Swamp Road, Middlesex, VT 05682; 802-233-5124; Ninshabor@aol.com Enchanted Forest Groups are lead on a magical journey through Montpelier's Hubbard Park to experience music, dance, theater and nature in the autumn evening hours. Held in Mid-October. Call for dates, times and ticket information. Kids'fest, PO Box 64, Montpelier, VT 05602; 802-454-1461 First Night-Montpelier This New Year's Eve celebration features hundreds of performances and activities for the whole family in venues throughout the Capital City. Fireworks, a spectacular parade, road race, children's workshops, music, dance, theater and more make up this drug and alcohol-free community event. Call for schedule of events and ticket locations. City of Montpelier 802-223-9502. Mad River Valley Crafts Fair This intimate crafts fair exhibits the work of 100 juried artisans and is held in the scenic communities surrounding the Sugarbush resort area. The renaissance flair of the event features music, children's activities and food. Annually held on Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend in Kenyon's Field. Contact for artists: Manager, Laura Arnesen, RR 1, 494 Hanks Rd. Warren, VT 05674; 802-496-4420; www.madrivercraftfair.com Montpelier's Independence Day Celebration Presented by the City of Montpelier and Onion River Arts Council, this free, day-long festival takes place on July 3rd on the Statehouse lawn and features dozens of performances, activities, demonstrations, food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks display. City of Montpelier 802-223-9502. Open Studio Weekend More than 100 Vermont craftspeople open their doors to the public during this statewide event held each Memorial Day weekend. Visitors see the skill and process that goes into the production of quality crafts and are welcome to purchase the finished product. Maps to the studios of participating artisans are available. Vermont Crafts Council, PO Box 938, Montpelier, VT 05601; 802-223-3380; vt1crafts@aol.com; www.vermontcrafts.com Pow Wows These celebrations are held in April, August and October each year and feature Native American vendors, food, traditional drums and flute, dancing and storytelling. Pow Wows are alcohol-free family events, open to all. Call for Pow Wow dates and locations. Dawnland Center, 121 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602; 802-229-0601; Dawnland@together.net Vermont Festival of the Arts A month long celebration of the arts in August in the towns and villages of the Mad River Valley and beyond. There is something for every interest, including music, performing arts, visual arts, cultural history tours, outdoor events, workshops, demonstrations, and culinary delights. Lodging packages available. Call 800-517-4247 for complete schedule of events. Vermont Festival of the Arts in the Mad River Valley; www.vermontartfest.com Celebrate the Winooski Celebrate the Winooski is an annual celebration in September that takes place in Montpelier with activities such as: river clean-up, junk sculptures, music, stormdrain stenciling, art exhibits, educational workshops, and more. For more information about Celebrate the Winooski, or Friends of the Winooski River, visit: together.net/~dbraun/FWR/ or call: 802-229-1443.

LIBRARIES Aldrich Public Library This community library has been serving Barre City, Barre Town and neighbors since 1908. It houses the Barre Museum, Archive of Barre History, the Milne Gallery, and the Children's Library. Annual events include National Llibrary Week (third week in April), Booksale and Attic Treasures (last weekend in July) and a summer reading program for children. Aldrich Public Library, 6 Washington Street, Barre, VT 05641; 802-476-7550. Kellogg-Hubbard Library Montpelier's library is free to all residents of Washington County. The historic building was built in 1895 and has many interesting architectural details including the frieze on the second floor consisting of copies of the Elgin Marbles. Annual events include Reading Discussion Series (Sep-Dec and Jan-Apr), book sales, and weekly storytime in the Children's Library. Kellogg Hubbard Library, 135 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602; 802-223-3338.