It was in the family homestead in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, that a vacationing Vice President Calvin Coolidge received an urgent message from Washington.

Moments later, by the light of a kerosene lamp, Coolidge took the oath of office from his father, the local notary public, following the untimely death of President Warren Harding.

Years later, Coolidge wrote, "It seemed a simple and natural thing to do at the time, but I can now realize something of the dramatic force of the event."

The homestead remains exactly as it was the night Coolidge took office. In fact, much of the village of Plymouth Notch is unchanged since the early 20th century. The Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site is considered one of the best preserved Presidential sites in the nation.

In addition to the homestead, visitors may tour the Plymouth Cheese Factory - established by the President's father - and sample the granular curd cheese produced there.

Other buildings open to the public include the Cilley General Store, the Post Office, the Wilder Restaurant (serving lunch), the church, several barns displaying farming tools of the era, the dance hall that served as the Summer White House, and the home where the future President was born.

More about the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site

The Municipal & Community Website for the Town of Plymouth, VT

Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation

Black River Academy Museum

Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library & Museum - Forbes Library


2010 Summer Internship Opportunity

Collections Management Internship

A wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in farming and American history, The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth, VT is offering a collections management internship this summer.

The Coolidge Historic Site is a National Historic Landmark and is regarded as one of the best preserved presidential sites in the nation. The site contains 25 buildings and 560 acres. Many of the objects in the collection belonged to the Coolidge family and date from the late 18th to early 20th centuries.

Interns will focus on cataloging late 19th/early 20th century agricultural tools and equipment using PastPerfect software. Although the emphasis will be on enhancing the collection database, the position allows flexibility for individual projects and interests. The internship will last between four and ten weeks. Although there is no stipend, free on-site housing with kitchen facilities is provided. Remote rural location requires intern to have own transportation.

Qualifications: Interest and knowledge of American history. Should either be enrolled in or a recent graduate of an undergraduate or graduate program emphasizing history, museum studies, sustainable agriculture, natural resources, or related field.

For more information about the Historic Site, please visit our website: http://www.HistoricVermont.org/coolidge/ or find the museum on Open Museum (www.openmuseum.org).

Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references to:

Amy Mincher
Collections Manager, President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site
Morrill Mountain Consulting
amymincher@yahoo.com