Vermont Public Radio: vermont history
Daisy Turner was born in Grafton in 1883, one of 13 children of Sally and Alec Turner. Her stories of her 104 years of living and her family's lineage in slavery are preserved by the Vermont Folklife Center.
Vermont's abolitionist history is strong, and every town has its stories of secret rooms where, it's believed, Vermonters hid fugitive slaves, helping them on their way to freedom. But historical documents from the mid-1800s suggest a different reality - where the Underground Railroad was not an organized movement, and escaped slaves didn't actually have to be hidden away.
Ethan Allen is a towering figure in early Vermont history, and now his biography is told in the new book, “Ethan Allen: His Life and Times” by historian Willard Sterne Randall.
In the 1840s, people across Vermont and much of the northeast were preparing for judgment day. A local preacher, William Miller, had predicted that the end was coming, and that it would be sometime between March of 1843 and March of 1844.
Historian Elise Guyette discusses her new book, "Discovering Black Vermont" and the families she researched who prospered in Hinesburg in the 1800s. Also, virtual classrooms will soon be teaching Vermont students, and the Norwich University marching band upholds its tradition as the oldest collegiate band in America.
The demolition of the Lake Champlain Bridge uncovered an 18th century French fort at Chimney Point. Two archaeologists describe what they're learning from the site. Also, we talk with Ben Hewitt about Hardwick's local agricultural movement. And, soldiers make art out of their uniforms.
Technology has changed the way Vermonters make maple syrup, especially in the last 50 years. We look back to the historic roots of sugaring and remember a few old traditions. Also, one Vermont coach gets ready for the Paralympics, which begin this weekend in Vancouver.




