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Special Events Calendar 2008

We are open daily, 10am - 5pm, from May 24 through October 30, 2008. All special events held rain or shine 10am to 5pm, unless otherwise noted. All special event activities are included with regular museum admission, unless otherwise noted.

Exhibit buildings and performance areas at the museum are wheelchair accessible. Access to activities at the museum's North Harbor waterfront is limited for people with mobility challenges. For ASL interpretation of performances, please contact the museum five days in advance.

May 22
Champlain Longboats Launch Day
May 24
Opening Day (Memorial Day Weekend)
May 31-June 1
 Season Preview Weekend - Member Days
Spring Wave Rowing Competition
June 14-15
 Kids Pirate Festival
June 20 - July 6
 In Their Own Words - Special Exhibit from VT Folklife Center
June 28
 Gala Raffle Fundraiser
July 3-6
Independence Day Celebration
July 12-13
 Abenaki Encampment & Craft Show
July 19-20
 Messing About With Boats Small Boat Festival
Challenge Race
August 16-17
“Rabble In Arms” Living History Weekend
Sept. 1 - Oct. 14
 "Thru The Lens" Photo Show
Sept. 13-14
Archaeology Weekend
James Wakefield Rescue Row in Burlington
Oct. 11-12
 Maritime Storytelling Festival
Oct. 14
 Season Closing


Storytelling Festival

Maritime Storytelling Festival October 11-12
The first annual Lake Champlain Storytelling Festival will showcase the region’s best storytellers, historians, and fireside yarn-spinners and give them a chance to share their knowledge of the lake and its environs.

Saturday, October 11 1pm - 5pm:

Sunday, October 12 10am - 5pm:

Saturday and Sunday:

Joe Citro
Native Vermonter, novelist, and public radio commentator, Joseph A. Citro has done a lot to keep New England’s history and folklore alive in the popular culture. His twelve books include five novels of suspense, three volumes of historical oddities, a collection of regional humor, two travel guides, and a co-edited book of essays. He is a well-known commentator on Vermont Public Radio, offering stories of the occult, creepy inexplicable events, and a variety of good old Vermont ghosts!

Marge Bruchac
Margaret (Marge) Bruchac, PhD, is an Abenaki Indian with roots in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, and deep research interests in the Connecticut River Valley of Vermont and Massachusetts. The Wordcraft Circle of Native American Writers and Storytellers has recognized Bruchac as "Storyteller of the Year", and Dr. Bruchac has taught college courses on Native American studies as visiting faculty at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst College, Keene State College, and Tufts University. Her children's book "Malian's Song" (2006 for the Vermont Folklife Center) recently won the American Folklore Society Aesop Award. She often performs with her husband Justin Kennick, who complements her beautifully in song and dance.Marge and Justin will take us back to the days when Abenakis and Iroquois used the lake and related waters as their highways.

Roger Longtoe
Roger is a member of the El-Nu Abenaki tribe. He devotes his time to the historical or living history aspects of Wabanaki culture and is dedicated to studying, teaching, and passing his knowledge of traditional Wabanaki skills on to the next generation. He has fascinating expertise in Native handcrafts including wampum, which connects Native American cultures across hundreds of miles.Here Roger will tell about underwater spirits and connections between inland and coastal Algonkian peoples.

Geoff Kerr
Geoff is a master boatbuilder who has traveled and sailed widely. He has visited Cornwall, England to research the history of “pilot gigs”, which are rowing longboats of which we have made several replicas here at the Maritime Museum. Geoff designed and crafted each of the unique rudders for all of our student-built pilot gigs.

Atlantic Crossing
Vermont band Atlantic Crossing thrills audiences with traditional songs and acoustic instrumental music from New England - music which has its roots in the Celtic British Isles and in French & Maritime Canada - together with original compositions inspired by these traditions. (See http://www.atlanticcrossingvt.com/ ). The band teams up with Art Cohn to perform a multi-media show in which vivid stories and rare early images accompany songs of the lake.

The Vermont Folklife Center
The Vermont Folklife Center preserves and presents the folkarts and cultural traditions of Vermont and the surrounding region. Through ongoing field research, a multimedia archive and an apprenticeship program, they document and conserve cultural heritage of oral traditions that could easily be lost. The Center has made preservation of the spoken word the core of its endeavors, and the VFC archive now comprises over 3,800 taped interviews, which have been transcribed and electronically indexed.

The Vermont Folklife Center has recently launched a pilot project called the “Vermont Story Project” whereby Folklife center staff record the impromptu stories of members of the public at locations out in the field. VFC will be recording the maritime and lake stories of local residents at our Maritime Storytelling Festival.

Museum Staff
Art Cohn, LCMM’s executive director is a compelling speaker, historian, underwater archaeologist, and man of the woods as well as the water. On Sunday, he will be leading a fascinating field trip to Arnold’s Bay on the Vermont shore just a few miles south of the Museum to bring history and archaeology alive at this remarkable site. Arnold’s Bay was so named after Benedict Arnold scuttled and set fire to the remnants of his fleet in 1776 as he and his men fled from the British. Arnold’s Bay was also previously the site of one of the first European-American families to settle in our area: the Ferris family (it was then known as Ferris Bay). Art and Atlantic Crossing will also be performing together later the same day….
Captain Erick Tichonuk is a gifted re-enactor, interpreter and storyteller who has been casting his spell on audiences for two decades. He is also an underwater archaeologist, draftsman, spicy-pepper gourmet, and skilled mariner.
Eloise Beil, LCMM’s archivist, director of exhibits, and community relations manager is also an accomplished visual artist with a wide range of experience in traditional and contemporary crafts. Eloise will be leading the kids’ bookmaking activities in the Museum’s schoolhouse, where you will find the Fish Stories exhibit that she co-created.
In our Conservation Lab, scuba divers and underwater archaeologists Chris Sabick and Brian Spinney tell shipwreck stories based on research done in the depths of Lake Champlain and here at the Maritime Museum.
Matthew Witten, the Maritime Museum’s Champlain Troubadour, is a performing and recording artist, outdoor educator, aquatic naturalist, and author. He will be sharing stories he has collected and performed about life on and around Lake Champlain. Matthew co-produced LCMM’s CD recording, Life on Lake Champlain: Songs and Stories, which is available for sale in our gift shop.
Sarah Lyman, LCMM’s education director, is a fine speaker, underwater archaeologist, and singer. She leads our R.O.V. tour out on Lake Champlain on Saturday to explore the underwater wreck of the steamship Champlain II and weave the story of the vessel’s demise.

SPECIAL NOTE:
You can take some of the stories told here at the Maritime Museum home with you! Check out our fine recording of superb area performers sharing their songs and stories about Lake Champlain: Life on Lake Champlain: Traditional & Contemporary Songs and Stories is an exciting, fun, richly musical and interesting album that brings together guest musicians and tradition-bearers with the Museum’s own educators.
This CD looks back 450 million years to the fossils of tropical coral reefs found in Button Bay and Isle LaMotte, then forward through history. Listen to the Abenaki traditional Ojihozo tale about how the Lake Between the Mountains was formed, hear songs about Otter Creek, the War of 1812, horse ferries, canal boats, and ice shanties. Eighteen pages of liner notes with song lyrics and historical background of each song and tale fully illustrate the rich history of Lake Champlain. LCMM educators and interpreters are joined by renowned artists Pete Sutherland and Atlantic Crossing to complete this compilation for Lake-lovers of all ages.


"Thru the Lens" Photo Exhibit
September 1 - October 14
The many seasons and moods of Lake Champlain are beautifully reflected in this exhibit of outstanding work by professional and amateur photographers. Comments from the panel of judges illuminate the details. Come and cast your vote for the “People’s Choice Award.”

Want to get involved? The Call for Entries goes out in June and ready-to-hang photographs are delivered to the museum in August. Read about how to submit a work.


 

Previous 2008 Events ....

Champlain Longboats Launch Day May 22
LCMM’s on-water season officially begins with the launching of a 25-foot pilot gig, just named Bowfin. Built at the LCMM Boat Shop from January to May by students and staff from the Diversified Occupations Program of the Patricia Hannaford Career Center. Student boat builders speak about their experiences and then lead an on-water “parade” of student-built pilot gigs.

Season Preview Weekend/Members Days May 31-June 1
New this year, the weekend will feature previews of each upcoming Special Event; gallery tours of new exhibits, promotions of courses and workshops; member specials; volunteer recognition; and a preview of Schooner Lois McClure’s journey to Quebec City.

JUST ADDED - FREE SHIPWRECK TOUR - This weekend only! See a Shipwreck - without getting wet! Take a boat ride out on Lake Champlain and view a historic shipwreck with an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) - FREE TO MEMBERS ONLY (This is a $22 value - don't miss out!) Great for all ages. Offered ONLY on Sat May 31 at 1pm and Sun June 1 at 1pm. Preregistration is required: call (802) 475-2022.

Not a member, not a problem! You can purchase a membership over the phone, or even online. Find out all the benefits to becoming a member...


Young pirates make LCMM Director Art Cohn walk the plank
Kids Pirate Festival - ARGGGGH!

Kids Pirate Festival June 14-15
The ever-popular weekend of kid-friendly, pirate-themed activities, crafts, and live performances. This year’s festival will feature a Marionette Theater, fiddling, a capella singing, a drumming circle, and LCMM’s Champlain Troubadour Matthew Witten. Come in costume and board schooner Lois McClure and gunboat Philadelphia II, test pirate skills on Maritime Machines, and help a shipwrecked crew of LCMM pirates rescue their treasure!

SATURDAY JUNE 14

10:00am Pirate Storytime
10:30am Drumming Circle
11:30am No Strings Marionette Theater
12:30 Pirate Storytime
1pm Pirate Dive Begins!
2pm Scrape the Barrel Sea Chanteys by LCMM's Crew!
2:30pm No Strings Marionette Theater
3:30pm Pirate Storytime
4:15pm Champlain Troubadour songs and stories

SUNDAY JUNE 15

10:00am Pirate Storytime
10:30am Scrape the Barrel Sea Chanteys by LCMM's Crew!
11am Fiddleheads Young Fun Fiddlers from Fairfax
11:30am No Strings Marionette Theater
12:30 Pirate Storytime
1pm Pirate Dive Begins!
1:30pm Fiddleheads Young Fun Fiddlers from Fairfax
2:30pm No Strings Marionette Theater
3:30pm Pirate Storytime
3:30pm Champlain Troubadour songs and stories

 

In Their Own Words

"In Their Own Words" Special Photo Exhibit from the VT Folklife Center
June 20—July 6
A special photographic exhibition on loan from the Vermont Folklife Center brings the perspective of some of the newest arrivals in the Champlain Valley. In Their Own Words: Stories from Refugees Settled in Vermont Communities is a collection of photographs and personal histories that offer a glimpse into the remarkable diversity of life experiences that these individuals bring to our community. Viewing the exhibit leaves no doubt that the values expressed in the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence reflect timeless human aspirations.


Moonfleet
Win a cruise aboard Moonfleet
on Lake Champlain: just one of MANY raffle
prizes and auction items this year!

Gala Raffle Fundraiser June 28
The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum’s Annual Gala Raffle is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Museum! This event raises over $40,000 each year for one of the Museum’s greatest needs, operational support. Without the generous and faithful support of local businesses and museum members and guests, this would not be possible! See some of the prizes and how to get your tickets to this Gala Raffle!


Independence Day Celebration July 3-6
Take a special tour of the museum’s Key to Liberty Exhibit and the replica revolutionary war gunboat Philadelphia II. Share the remarkable experiences of some recent arrivals in the Champlain Valley in the Vermont Folk Life Center traveling exhibit In Their Own Words: Stories from Refugees Settled in Vermont.

Abenaki Encampment
& Craft Show
July 12-13
Members of the El-Nu Abenaki dressed in 17th-century garb will demonstrate singing, dancing, and life skills, joining visitors, artisans and tribal dignitaries in LCMM’s second annual celebration of Native American heritage.

 

Saturday

Sunday

OnGoing


Messing About in Boats Small Watercraft Festival July 19-20
This perennial LCMM favorite features LCMM’s small watercraft collection, the Duct Tape Regatta, the Champlain Challenge Race, other great kids activities, food, and boatbuilders from Vermont, New York, and New England showing their wares.

OnGoing - Saturday July 19 & Sunday July 20: 10am - 5pm

 

Saturday July 19


Reenactors operate the replica gunboat Philadelphia II
Reenactors aboard Philadelphia II.

Rabble-In-Arms Living History Weekend August 16-17
Perhaps the most famous of all LCMM events, this year’s Rabble will include demonstrations of maritime machines, re-enactors, construction and use of a traditional field kitchen, and special eighteenth-century-themed workshops.

Saturday
1pm Warping Demonstration with Philadelphia II
3:30pm Officers Supper

Sunday
1pm Warping Demonstration with Philadelphia II

Ongoing
Childrens Crafts
Guided Tours of Mechanical Advantage Displays
Music by Roving Musicians 11am - 4pm by Lausanne Allen (Sat) and Lausanne Allen & Susie Hurd (Sun)

In addition to the support of our Season Sponsors (see them on the right), there are many others who make Rabble in Arms possible:

The Reenactors who volunteer their time & knowledge.

Champlain Orchards • Champlain Valley Apiaries • Dakin Farm •Fat Hen Market • Golden Russet Farm • Greg’s Meat Market • Klingers Bread • Lewis Creek Farms • Maple Meadow Farm • Maple Top Farm • Misty Knoll Farm • Shaws Supermarket • Vermont Coffee Company • Wood Creek Farm Beef


Archaeology Weekend at LCMM!

Archaeology Weekend September 13-14
New this year, Archaeology Weekend features on-water workshops including Native American Archaeology Workshop and Sloop Island ROV/ Shipwreck Excursion (preregistration required), as well as special tours of LCMM exhibits and Conservation Lab.

Celebrate Vermont Archaeology Month with us! 

Dive into the exciting world of archaeology with the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, a national leader in nautical archaeology for the past 25 years.  The museum's active fieldwork and research are the source of new exhibits, publications, films and programs every year.  

FILM PREVIEWS  

ONGOING ACTIVITIES  

ON-WATER TOURS  Space is limited - register in advance by calling (802) 475-2022. 

CHALLENGE RACE
Saturday September 13, 11:30am

Challenge Race
Join us for a Three Mile Rowing/Paddling Race at LCMM! Bring your canoe, kayak, rowboat and head out on Lake Champlain for this family-friendly boat race.