New Exhibit at Vermont History Museum Celebrates A Century of Creative Women in Pittsford

The Vermont Historical Society (VHS) is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibit at the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier: A Century of Creative Women in Pittsford, curated by the Pittsford Historical Society. This exhibit will be on view in the Local History Gallery from August 3, 2024, to January 25, 2025.

Nestled between the Taconic and Green Mountains, Pittsford is renowned for its heritage as an industrial center. This exhibit sheds new light on the town, offering a refreshing perspective on its cultural heritage through the artistic contributions from five of its female residents who, at different times in their lives, found inspiration in the town’s landscapes, its vibrant community, and the significant events that shaped their experiences.

Through artwork, photography, and objects, this exhibit explores the lives of artists Martha Wood (later Belcher, 1844-1930) and her partner Lucia Gilbert (1832-1898), photographer Mary Randall (later Allen, 1878-1968), artist Hilda Belcher (1881-1963), and printmaker Katherine Crockett (later Marnell, 1898-1979).

This exhibit is the latest installation in the Vermont History Museum’s Local History Gallery. This gallery showcases historical exhibits and work in collaboration with history-oriented organizations across the state. Prior exhibits in the gallery include Fairbanks Scales: Weighing the World from the St. Johnsbury History and Heritage Center, Fancy Goods: Hats and Fashion Accessories, 1850-1950 from the Middletown Springs Historical Society, Vermonters at Work from Jan Blomstrann and Sarah-Lee Terrat, The Vermont Common Cracker from the Montpelier Historical Society, and more. You can see a list of past exhibits on our website.

 To celebrate the arrival of the exhibit, VHS will host a reception on Saturday, September 14th from 1:00PM to 3:00PM at the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier.