Swanton Historical Society - The R.R. Depot Museum

January: "When Embers Glowed on Merchants Row" The 40th Anniversary of the Swanton Fire, January 28, 1970 A crowd of Swanton residents and guests gathered together to recall the terrible night and morning of January 28 & 29, 1970 when most of Swanton's business district was destroyed by a wind-swept fire, including a big part of Swanton Lumber Co February: The "Robinson School" visits the Railroad Depot Museum. 15 students, teachers and parents from the Robinson School in Starksboro paid us a visit on their field trip to learn about trains, round houses, turntables, cabooses, Toll Houses, long houses and lots of other things not available in their small community South of Hinesburg and North of Bristol. March: "Antique Appraisal Night" A very popular program presented by Duane Merrill and Company of Williston with staff who provided appraisals for all antiques and artifacts brought in as well as discussing the trends and values for many collectible objects. May: "Swanton Memories - Tell Me a Story" A group of Swanton octogenarians gathered at the Swanton Municipal Complex to reminisce about growing up in Swanton as they shared stories of a more youthful time while historic photographs were projected on screen. June: 26th Annual Meeting & Election of Officers, featuring a strawberries and ice cream. "Certificates of Appreciation" were presented to Principal Julie Benay in recognition of her years of service to Swanton school children and to Andy Leduc, Skip Root and Colleen Root for restoring our caboose, and to Robert Blakeslee for his service as Curator for the Society. September: "Family Fun Day" A partnership with the Swanton Rec. Dept, Library, Local businesses and NMC to celebrate families and fun on a Sunday afternoon under a tent provided by the Fire Dept. complete with balloons, prizes and healthy snacks. November: "A Vermont Music Sampler" With the assistance and support from the Vermont Humanities Council, Dr. William Tortolano, Professor Emeritus of Fine Arts/Music at St. Michael's College provided music on tape, slides and commentary about fascinating Vermont musical folklore. December: "Holiday Trains at the Depot" A continuation of our popular Christmas program with Dr. Fred Wiseman's vintage Lionel trains operated by Chief Engineer Roger Livingston assisted by Carmen St. Germain, Ron Kilburn and others. Certificates were issued to each youngster who successfully operated the trains. The following members of the Swanton Historical Society have graciously agreed to serve until the next Annual Meeting in June, 2011. They also serve as ex-officio members of the Board of Trustees.