The event commemorates one of the most exciting episodes in Vermont’s history.  In early July 1777, delegates to the Windsor Convention adopted Vermont’s constitution literally “amidst a baptism of thunder, lightning, and rain.”   News of the Hubbardton Battle and withdrawal from Mount Independence and Fort Ticonderoga reached Windsor just when the constitutional delegates had adjourned for the day at Elijah West’s tavern.  The group almost immediately disbanded, but a sudden thunderstorm delayed them long enough so that the constitution could be voted on and accepted.  West’s tavern soon became known as the Old Constitution House and is now a state-owned historic site. 

The Old Constitution House has teamed with the 1777 Republic of Vermont Committee for this year’s celebration.  The public is invited to join re-enactors and traditional artisans at the old tavern where it all began.  Guides in period attire will give tours that focus on Vermont’s early years and the first constitution in America to prohibit slavery.  The event culminates with “Vermont’s Revolutionary Trek,” a symbolic relay from Hubbardton Battlefield to Windsor’s Constitutional Convention.  The relay is scheduled to leave Hubbardton on Sunday, July 6 at 9:00 a.m.; the “news” about the British invasion will reach Windsor at 4:00 p.m.
    
The 1777 Constitution Days Celebration is one of many events planned for this season.  “History Happens at OCH,” a series of programs organized by 18th century re-enactor Carl Malikowski, continues on August 30 & 31 and October 11 & 12.  On these weekends, Carl, his wife Carolyn, and their friends demonstrate a variety of period activities including brewing, blacksmithing, cooking, woodworking, and powder horn carving.  Other special activities will be held on Bennington Battle Day on August 16.     

William Jenney
Regional Administrator
President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site &
Old Consititution House State Historic Site
802-672-3773

THE VERMONT STATE HISTORIC SITES
History Where It Happened