“The history of the Old Stone House Museum & Historic Village, manifested now by our structures, events, programs and outreach, has some very important witnesses: the trees.
Old oak trees in front of the Old Stone House, aka Athenian Hall
Lining Old Stone House and the historic Hinman-Settler Roads, standing sentry by the front door of Athenian Hall (museum building), overarching the lawn of the Samuel Read Hall House, dropping apples in the fall –the ancient maples, oaks, apple, ash, butternut trees have seen so much history transpire.
Views of some of our heritage apple trees and fall foliage along Old Stone House Road
In old black and white pictures taken in the early 1900’s, some of those same trees are photographed as just saplings. They’ve seen the advent of the car, the changes in landscapes and environment.
A picture of the Old Stone House, circa 1920s, with young trees
The museum’s Buildings & Grounds Committee, under the leadership of its co-chairs Jane Greenwood and Sally Harvey, has taken special consideration in the trees of the historic village over the last several years. In an effort to ensure the longevity of the tree stock on the 60-acre property, they have diligently planted trees to replace those dead or dying. The committee continues to study the tree species on the property through the lens of climate change and pest control. They have partnered with the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation’s Urban and Community Forestry Program to engage in a long term tree survey which will help them determine the species that should be replanted and where on the property plantings should be planned.
Jane, right, with Sally, middle, and Joanne from the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program, left. They are observing a birch sapling thriving in an old maple stump.
As the keepers of historic trees, the committee is planning for diversity and aesthetic 100 years in the future, while always caring for the lives of the trees currently standing. The committee brings a special point of view to their work. They realize that trees quietly mark the passage of time and are working always to protect the history of the future that only trees can embody.”
Executive director, Molly Veysey, recognized the efforts of the committee when she submitted a nomination (edited excerpts from her nomination are above) for the Vermont Tree Steward Award, presented by the UVM Extension Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program. As Gwen Kozlowski of the program wrote,
“This award is in recognition of a group who through their efforts, have shown outstanding dedication and commitment in introducing or sustaining an urban & community forestry project within their community.”
Members of our Buildings & Grounds Committee will attend the Awards Ceremony at the annual Arbor Day Conference on May 19th. We are all delighted to know the committee is being recognized for their passionate and important work and that we will have another generation of trees to continue quietly marking and witnessing the passage of time.
2023 Buildings & Grounds Committee Members
Jane Greenwood, Co-Chair
Sally Harvey, Co-Chair
Adelle Brunstad
Frank Carbonneau
Peggy Gibson
Bob Hunt
Peter Martin