Major restoration projects start at state historic sites
Major preservation and restoration projects have begun at several Vermont state historic sites—especially in Windsor County—and advocates are framing the work as a chance to integrate climate resilience and local green‑job creation. (mountaintimes.info)
The VDHP’s 2026 slate names five specific state sites receiving work this season: President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site (Plymouth Notch), Senator Justin S. Morrill State Historic Site (Strafford), Old Constitution House (Windsor), Theron Boyd State Historic Site (Quechee), and the Bennington Battle Monument (Bennington). (publicnow.com) At the Calvin Coolidge Homestead crews are addressing foundation, drainage, and brick‑chimney repairs and the homestead building will remain closed to the public through September 2026 while ADA‑compliant paths are installed this spring. (publicnow.com) The Justin S. Morrill State Historic Site in Strafford is closed for 2026 while contractors correct the home’s foundation, improve surrounding drainage, remove damaged trees, and upgrade electrical utilities, with the Friends of the Morrill Homestead planning to host summer events. (publicnow.com) Old Constitution House in Windsor received a Semiquincentennial grant of $409,960 with a state match of $53,714 and FEMA Public Assistance of $64,298 to infill the basement, install an elevated HVAC system, remediate mildew, restore historic windows, and target a 2027 reopening. (outside.vermont.gov) At the Bennington Battle Monument the VDHP has funded archaeological work on Monument Circle to search for the 1777 storehouse linked to the battle, even as an engineering assessment has estimated roughly $40 million will be needed for full stabilization and repair of the 306‑foot obelisk. (ebs.publicnow.com) The Theron Boyd (Quechee) project is focused on essential structural and flood‑mitigation work to stabilize the late‑18th‑century house—notable for lacking modern utilities like electricity—by addressing foundation and site issues. (ebs.publicnow.com) State grant programs are funding related work statewide: VDHP and the Vermont Advisory Council awarded $365,350 in Barn Preservation Grants in 2026 and $330,211 in Historic Preservation Grants to municipalities and nonprofits this year, a funding stream the ACCD frames as supporting economic activity and community development. (article.wn.com) VDHP guidance and partner organizations link preservation to energy efficiency and resilience—VDHP materials highlight historic building efficiency and reduced carbon impacts, and the Preservation Trust of Vermont works with Vermont Interfaith Power & Light on workshops and technical assistance that can translate retrofit projects into local green‑job and weatherization opportunities. (accd.vermont.gov)
