A workshop series for twenty middle and high school teachers on Vermont's historical, literary, and artistic legacy during the Gilded Age.

"The Gilded Age Through the Lens of Vermont" proposal is a professional development workshop for the summer and fall of 2007 for 20 middle and high school teachers of history and literature. The workshop will focus on the Gilded Age, 1865-1910 and the many tensions felt by society during this transitional period. Reading selections chosen by the scholars focus on the Gilded Age in America in general and Vermont in particular, andd are supplemented by reading and documents on the period in America. Scholars in Vermont history, literature and art will lead teachers in an exploration of the changing identities of Americans and Vermonters as they faced tremendous economic, demographic, and cultural changes.

The retention of eight staff members to produce digital records for online access to the Vermont Historical Society’s museum and library collections.

VHS seeks funding to support the important work carried out by our library and museum collections departments to make Vermont history accessible from anywhere in the world. This work has greater importance now, as researchers, teachers, students, and the general public are unable to benefit from our services in person. VHS serves more than 6,000 teachers and students annually, who are relying on access to online primary source materials as they navigate virtual learning and continue to meet curriculum standards. Researchers need access to the rare and unique items preserved in our archives to promote scholarship on Vermont history. Since the start of the current pandemic, we have seen a distinct increase in use of our digital collections, as the public connects the past with the present to make sense of current events. Though nothing can replace experiencing collections in real life, we endeavor to meet the growing need for access through museum and library objects cataloged online.

To support planning for Vermont's participation in the U.S. Newspaper Program.

The retention of five full-time positions and four part-time positions to engage in collection description, preservation, database management, and digitization. 

VHS is asking for additional relief funding from NEH to support the creation of digital catalog records to make Vermont history accessible from anywhere in the world. VHS serves thousands of students and teachers annually, who rely on access to primary source materials to meet curriculum standards. Researchers rely on digital access to the rare and unique items preserved in our archives to promote scholarship on Vermont history and current events. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have seen a distinct increase in the use of our digital collections, especially by those living outside Vermont. To commemorate America's 250th Anniversary, we will prioritize access to collections from Vermont's colonial period and those highlighting the unique experiences of under-represented communities. This project will build on our initial accomplishments and provide access to collections that inform our understanding of Vermont's role in our national story.