ORWELL, Vt. –The Mount Independence State Historic Site in Orwell, Vermont, has received a $28,500 Museums for America grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services for a project to create and install interpretive signage on the 1-¼ mile-long trail under construction this fall.

Enjoying a handicapped accessible trail at Mount Independence

The new trail, which meets outdoor standards for handicapped accessibility with gentle grades and packed surfaces, reworks the old Red and White trails on the southern half of the Mount.

The signage project will draw in visitors to experience and learn about the beautiful landscape and historic, archaeological, and natural features at one of the best-preserved Revolutionary War archaeological sites in America. The signage will complement the story of the site as told in the state-of-the-art visitor center. The trail, with the new signage, will be opened in early summer 2007.

“Visitors have told us they enjoy learning about Mount Independence through our interpretive signage and we’re thrilled to receive this grant for signage on the new trail,” said John Dumville, state historic sites operations chief.

IMLS, the primary federal support for America’s museums and libraries, awarded 177 grants out of 448 applications from around the country.

Dr. Anne-Imelda M. Radice, IMLS director, explained that “Museums for America will help strengthen museum service in communities across the United States. These awards will support hundreds of hands-on educational programs, the digitization of thousands of objects in museum collections, and exciting ventures using new technology. Museums will use these funds to advance community partnerships; spur cultural tourism; and support classroom teachers with educational curriculum, training and much more.”

Mount Independence, a National Historic Landmark, is located in Orwell on 497 Mount Independence Road, six miles west of the intersections of VT Routes 22A and 73 near Orwell village. It is open daily through Columbus Day.

Regular admission is $5.00 for adults and free for children under 15, and includes access to all the trails and a visit to the air-conditioned visitor center with its exciting exhibits. Call (802) 759-2412 for more information or visit: www.HistoricVermont.org/mountindependence.

Elsa Gilbertson
Regional Administrator
802-759-2412

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