Calendar

This new exhibit explores the dynamic life and memory of the last member of the Lincoln family to live at Hildene. In addition to seeing many of Peggy’s personal belongings, visitors will delight in a collection of oral histories gathered over the years featuring many entertaining and illuminating stories. For more information, contact Jesse Keel, Collections & Exhibits Manager at jesse@hildene.org

All Month of December

Step back in time and enjoy Christmas at Hildene! Throughout the month, the home will be decorated to evoke Christmas Eve 1912—one of a handful of years that the Lincoln Family spent the holidays in residence at their Vermont home. On weekends, musicians will get you into the spirit as they play the family’s piano and organ.

For more information, contact stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960

Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 - 4:30 

The Museum Store welcomes members, neighbors and friends new and old to begin the holiday season at its annual Appreciation Days event. The spirit of the season abounds in the 117-year-old carriage barn, dressed in all its holiday finery. 

Enjoy 20% off everything throughout the weekend, as you shop in the Lincoln family’s restored 1903 carriage barn.  Hildene-made honey, maple syrup, soap, yarn, shawls, and blankets are just some of the delights in store. The Museum Store has something for everyone on your list.  Happy holidays!

For more information, call 802-362-1564, or email: themuseumstore@hildene.org

Saturday, Dec. 2, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Kirk B. Hartung plays the Lincolns' Aeolian organ.  He served most recently as full-time Director of Music and Organist at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Norwood, MA, having played for churches in Washington State and Massachusetts for over 40 years. He received his Master of Sacred Music (MSM) degree from Boston University School of Theology. 

Sunday, Dec. 3, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Gene Marie Callahan is the organist and choir director at the Old First Church of Bennington. She is the artistic director of the Battenkill Chorale and is a lecturer in Creative Arts at Siena College where she directs the Chorus and teaches Basics of Singing. Ms. Callahan will play the Lincolns’ Aeolian organ.

Sunday, 1:00 to 3:00pm 

Come join the fun and learn to felt ornaments using Hildene’s roving. Handmade ornaments make lovely gifts as well as cheerful decorations on holiday packages. $35 members, $40 non-members, which includes materials fee. Limited to 15 participants. Preregistration required by Thursday, November 30:  stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960.

Thursday, 7:00 to 8:30pm, via Zoom. Free

Join Hildene staff to discuss Jon Meacham’s masterpiece And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle  Free. Register at  stephanie@hildene.org  or call 802-367-7960

“... deeply researched ... The author provides in-depth analysis of Lincoln’s career as president and on how his thoughts on the issues of slavery and the status of African Americans changed during the course of the war, right up to the Union victory ... While there are countless books on Lincoln, one of the most studied and written-about figures in history, Meacham’s latest will undoubtedly become one of the most widely read and consulted ... An essential, eminently readable volume for anyone interested in Lincoln and his era.”  -KIRKUS

Register at stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960.

11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Lorri Bond teaches piano at her private studio in Londonderry. She has been music director at The Peru Congregational Church, Rindge Congregational Church and Chester Congregational Church and is now music director at The Second Congregational Church in Londonderry. You can also see her at the upcoming performance of A Charlie Brown Christmas at The Dorset Playhouse on December 16th. Mrs. Bond will play the Lincolns’ Steinway piano as well as the organ.

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Joanne Beck is a musician in private social work practice in Manchester.  She will play the Lincolns’ Steinway piano.

Saturday, 9:00 to 10:30 am, At Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home. Free 

In 2000, Vermont was the only state in the contiguous US without nesting Bald Eagles. Thus, in 2004, four Vermont federal and state wildlife organizations and Central VT Public Service began raising and releasing young birds in the Champlain Valley. Since then, there has been annual monitoring of Bald Eagles in Vermont. During 2023, there were 38 known nests monitored producing 48 fledglings. 

This summer, Arlington, VT hosted Bennington County’s second nest record for the Bald Eagle. One eaglet was observed about ready to leave the nest in early June.  Unfortunately, a week later the chick was motionless in the nest—although an adult kept vigil nearby. Avian flu? As with many birds, Bald Eagles are site-faithful. It is hoped they will be back next year. Bald Eagles are here year-round, especially when waters such as the Battenkill do not freeze. No matter where you are, any sighting of a Bald Eagle is cause for celebration!

Join local birders to gather long-term data on the presence of birds, their abundance, and changes in populations. Appropriate for birders of all skill levels, the walks run along forest and meadow trails and around the main house. For more information, contact stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960

Saturday, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Judy Cyr is the music director and pianist/organist at the Peru Congregational Church in Peru, VT.  Previously she has been the pianist at St. Vincent's Church in Naugatuck, CT, and has participated in music programs for Neighbor to Neighbor and Equinox Terrace. Ms. Cyr will play the Lincolns’ Steinway piano and Aeolian organ.

Saturday, 2:00 – 4:00 pm: Gene Marie Callahan is the organist and choir director at the Old First Church of Bennington. She is the artistic director of the Battenkill Chorale and is a lecturer in Creative Arts at Siena College where she directs the Chorus and teaches Basics of Singing. Ms. Callahan will play the Lincolns’ Aeolian organ.

In The Museum Store, Saturday, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Equinox Consort, Early Music Trio Julie Freebern & Tim Achor-Hoch on soprano, alto, tenor, basset, and bass in C recorders & Lynda Corbett flute

Sunday, 2:00 - 4:00 pm: Rob Ellis has been performing and singing since the age of 5. He spent fifteen years performing on a cruise ship and has worked as a ballet accompanist for over 50 companies.  Rob will play the Lincolns’ Steinway piano.

Third Saturday of Every Month 1:00 to 2:00 pm, through April

There’s plenty to discover in winter! Join ECO AmeriCorps member Rose West on an exploratory walk to learn about the natural world and the systems that sustain the land and its inhabitants. $5/person with admission;  Members free. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

Contact stephanie@hildene.org or call (802) 367-7980. 

11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Rob Ellis has been performing and singing since the age of 5. He spent fifteen years performing on a cruise ship and has worked as a ballet accompanist for over 50 companies.  Rob will play the Lincolns’ Steinway piano.

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Joanne Beck is a musician in private social work practice in Manchester.  She will play the Lincolns’ Steinway piano.