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Exciting Announcements from VT Granite Museum
(by Board of Directors, Vermont Granite Museum & Stone Arts School B - June 24, 2009)
Editor:
It has been a busy winter of developing workshops, sorting our collection, and planning/preparing for the Vermont Granite Museum and Stone Arts School. We continue to work on capital improvements to the Museum, the School, its property and the exhibits. We now have a bocce court and the blacksmith shop is nearing completion. We also have two exciting announcements.
Most of you know the VGM owns the Barre Central VT Railroad Depot, also known as Pinsly Depot. What you might not know is that we are doing a beautiful historic renovation! Once work is completed in June, we expect to complement Barre City’s only Visitor Center with 1,600sf of retail space. This is in addition to the space used by TD Bank. Income from both the retail lease and the bank lease will cover all expenses associated with the Depot and help us meet ongoing operating expenses. However, charitable contributions continue to be critically important for the future development of the museum.
The cost of this renovation is being paid for by a Federal Transportation Enhancement Grant along with a generous matching grant from Cabot Creamery. On March 23rd we started work on the building. The project includes an updated and expanded Visitor Center at the entrance of the building, and a handicapped accessible bathroom and entrance. Some of our train artifacts and photographs will be on display in this building.
We also have a new quarry exhibit! This June, we are opening the Vermont Granite Museum at Millstone Hill. The annex will be housed in the renovated General Store at 34 Church Hill Road in Websterville. This three-room self-guided exhibit will display artifacts, photography and educational material relating to the history of quarrying in Central Vermont. The location will accommodate tour busses, have a sports touring center, café, bicycle rental and repair shop, antiques, local artwork, and will feature Vermont Flannel, Lenny’s, and Vermont Butter and Cheese. This opportunity enhances our exhibit space and exposure at little cost, without drawing on resources dedicated to our original plans and vision for the Jones Brothers site. On June 28th, we will hold a dinner at Millstone Lodge to celebrate the opening, 4:30-7:30pm. Please call Pierre Couture at 479-1000 to reserve a place.
Funding is vital for our development. Your ongoing contributions are critical to completing our plans. We thank you for your past support and hope you have a wonderful summer. See you September 12, at the Granite Festival!
Board of Directors, Vermont Granite Museum & Stone Arts School
Barre
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