Addison, Vt.— In a room recently reopened to the public, the Chimney Point State Historic Site in Addison presents “The Light of Dawn,” a continuing exhibition of contemporary art by Abenaki artists including Fred Wiseman, Dale Carson, Cheryl Heath, and William La Prairie. Many of the pieces were part of the first all-Abenaki exhibition that debuted here in 1994 and toured to other museums as a statement of Abenaki culture to the world. Artist Gerard Rancourt Tsonakwa generously donated the collection.

Some of the artists continue the traditions of their ancestors with birch bark and ash splint basketry. Others have created modern representations of characters from stories passed down through the generations. They all work in natural materials ranging from stone and wood to deerskin and feathers.

While viewing the 24 pieces, listen to stories of the People of the Dawn as told by Tsonakwa. A dugout canoe, recovered from Shelburne Pond, is at the center of the gallery. Traditional, woodworking tools used to fashion dugouts are on display in the museum’s permanent exhibits.

The Chimney Point State Historic Site in Addison is a late 1700s brick tavern listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:30 to 5:00, through October 13. Admission is $2.50 for adults and free for children under 15. It is located at the intersection of Vermont Routes 125 and 17, on the shores of Lake Champlain at the foot of the Champlain Bridge.

photos by Casey Carmolli,
VT Division for Historic Preservation

Elsa Gilbertson
Regional Administrator
802-759-2412

Vermont Division for Historic Preservation
Chimney Point State Historic Site
7305 VT Route 125
Addison, Vermont 05491