50 objects for the 250th

Support the Vermont Historical Society

Dear Friends,

We are a few short months away from 2026, the year that marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We’ll use this year to learn about Vermont’s history during that period and reflect on the ways that our state strives to live out the promise of our nation. The Vermont Historical Society has been planning for the semiquincentennial for a long time, and we look forward to a year of engaging you through a variety of educational opportunities, programs, and conservation efforts.

The centerpiece of our commemoration is 50 for 250, an examination of 50 objects from the VHS collection that tell the story of Vermont for the past 250 years. Vermont scholars, students, and local historians are reflecting on iconic objects from our collection that we will include in a beautiful, commemorative publication with lush photography and insightful essays. In July, we will open the 50 for 250 exhibition, placing these objects – a number for the first time – on view in the Vermont History Museum and Vermont History Center.

This project requires an incredible investment of resources, both time and money. 50 for 250 is possible in part because of a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, as well as matching funds from generous donors. However, we have only raised three-quarters of the funds we will need to publish the book, curate the exhibition, and develop educational and public programming.

Please donate to the Vermont Historical Society today to help us realize all of our semiquincentennial projects, including 50 for 250. Your generosity has always been the foundation of our work, and we are tremendously grateful for your commitment to preserving, accessing, and sharing Vermont’s history.

To learn more about our 250th projects, please visit our website. If you have questions about how the VHS is observing the semiquincentennial, please reach out to me or a member of our staff, whose contact information is on our website. We would love to talk more about what 250 years of American history means to you and your family.

Best wishes,

Steve Perkins, executive director