Vermont Connecting to Collections Project

The Vermont Connecting to Collections Project is an IMLS-funded project of the Vermont Historical Society working in partnership with the Vermont Museum and Gallery Alliance, the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, the Vermont Department of Libraries and the Vermont State Archives.  Surveys were sent to public institutions with Vermont heritage collections including:  museums, historical societies, historic sites, libraries, municipal offices, and probate courts.  Of the 776 surveys sent out, over one-third were returned with answers to questions about who is responsible for and how they care for their collections.

To see summary of findings go to Vermont Heritage at Risk.

Please contact Lisa Evans, League of Local Historical Societies Manager (802) 479-8522, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Jackie Calder,  Museum Curator (802) 479-8514, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with any questions.

Vermont Connecting to Collections Summit Update

On June 24, 2009 the Vermont Historical Society hosted the Connecting to Collections Project Summit Meeting at the Pavilion building in Montpelier. This project began in 2008, when the VHS, in partnership with VMGA, VDoL, VDHP, and VSA, with a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Service's (IMLS) Connecting to Collections program, undertook the task of surveying the status of collections care throughout Vermont. At the Summit Meeting on the 24th, approximately 80 representatives of institutions from throughout the state—museums, historical societies, libraries, municipal offices, and probate courts—gathered to learn about the findings of this survey.
 
VHS Curator Jackie Calder began the meeting, expressing deep concern about the physical deterioration and destruction of our state's heritage, as well misgivings about the loss of intellectual control (i.e., loss of the story behind the collection). Past intern for the Connecting to Collections project, Laura Brill of the Shelburne Museum, gave a detailed overview about the survey process that began in Vermont in 2008. Of the 776 surveys sent out, over one-third were returned, giving input on the care and condition of Vermont's collections.
 
David Donath, President of the Woodstock Foundation and Billings Farm and Museum, discussed initiatives such as the potential federal program for museum block grants at the state level. He emphasized, "We need to ask government to allocate funding. Federal government involvement is a powerful stimulus for the local economy." Donath also remarked, "Now is the time to engage our communities; it is of utmost importance to let them know that our institutions are at risk. There has been record attendance at our museums statewide-our communities are supporting us now more than ever."
 
Speakers Bob Joly, St. Johnsbury Athenaeum Inter-Library Loan and Exhibits Curator, assisted by Lisa von Kann, Director of the Athenaeum, gave an inspiring talk about the success in cooperatively planning for collections care as experienced at the Athenaeum and other St. Johnsbury collecting organizations. They cited the importance of collaboration from local organizations to strengthen preservation efforts.
 
Brian Lindner from the Waterbury Historical Society had a cautionary tale about the Henry Jane M.D. Collection and how the Civil War surgeon's historic documents and artifacts essentially disappeared due to theft. This story was an example of how collections can be at risk due to poorly funded, volunteer organizations.
 
The meeting concluded with Jackie Calder stating, "What we do is important to our communities and the survival of our culture since we are the keepers of its identity. We preserve the stories from the past, which guide us in the present, and give us hope for the future." She then reviewed the survey results and preliminary IMLS recommendations, which included that institutions must take action to provide safe conditions, institute emergency plans, assign responsibility for care, and provide support to allow these collections to survive.
 
Participants then divided into discussion groups to interpret audience reaction and ideas about how to initiate and implement strategies for comprehensive and specific collections care throughout Vermont. Clara Bruns, of the Eliot D. Pratt Library spoke up, "We need to ask for funding from our towns. After all, money is allocated for town trucks to be replaced every 10 years. We're in charge of these records for far more years than that." Mary Jo Davis, Connections to Collections advisory committee member, stated, "This is a very exciting time. This survey gives us credible evidence to go forward with validation. We have dedicated Vermonters who give of themselves for historic preservation, but by nature are hesitant to ask for help. As David Donath said, 'Now is the time to ask.' "
 
What are the next steps? The Vermont Connecting to Collections Advisory Committee will meet to review the feedback from the breakout sessions and decide how to move forward. Please send  any comments or suggestions regarding the recommendations made at the end of the summary report to Lisa Evans, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it