Farmers' Night
Each winter, you can join us for an entertaining winter evening in the State House Chamber. Farmers' Night performances are free, featuring music, poetry, historic displays and more. The series began in 1923, long before the Interstate was built, when many legislators lived in Montpelier during the session and organized mid-week entertainment for themselves. All are welcome.
The Vermont Historical Society will present Farmers' Night again in early 2014. In the meantime, below are highlights from the past event. If you would like to find out more, please contact Amanda Gustin at (802) 828-2180.
Our 2013 Farmers' Night Program:
"The Founding of the Vermont Historical Society Amid Tumultuous Change, 1838"
Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 7:30pm at the Vermont State House in Montpelier
Join us for an evening of history, music, and poetry as we tell the story of the decade that led to the founding of the Vermont Historical Society. This year, we will celebrate our 175th anniversary by delving into the years that led up to its founding. Actors will give voice to the writings and music of Vermonters who lived that history, speaking passionately on politics, religion, and social change including temperance, abolition, and women’s suffrage.
Amid all this change and tumult, a group of Vermonters came together to found the Vermont Historical and Antiquarian Society in 1838.
For the next 175 years, the Vermont Historical Society pursued its mission of documenting the remarkable history of the state. Its organization and methods have evolved over time, as history organizations have changed from antiquarian libraries and “cabinets of curiosities” to valued community centers and first-rate educational institutions.
Visitors to Farmers’ Night on February 20 will step back into time to experience the sweeping changes and excitement of the 1830s and celebrate the landmark founding of the Vermont Historical Society. if you cannot attend, this program will be streaming on VPR online.
This event is free and open to the public. For general inquiries, please contact Amanda Gustin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (802) 828-2180. To sponsor Farmers' Night, please contact Jane Campbell at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (802) 479-8516.
Chamber music in the State House Chamber: one of the exciting performances to look forward to at Farmers' Night.
