The Legacy Gala
ANNOUNCING:
Doris Kearns Goodwin
In conversation with Craig Gemmell
at The Legacy Gala, Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Doris Kearns Goodwin is a world-renowned presidential historian, public speaker, and Pulitzer Prize-winning, New York Times #1 best-selling author and partner in Pastimes Productions.
Exploration Backpack Program
June – October
10:00 am - 4:30 pm
This program is free with admission.
Looking for a fun way to nurture your child’s appreciation for the natural world? Check out our self-guided Into the Woods exploration backpack which contains all the essential tools and activity cards for discovery. Through a series of stops along a Hildene trail, children will engage in hands-on forest activities. Suggested for ages 5 to 10, the adventure is intended to take between 1- 2 hours. The pack is designed for 1 to 3 children, but more could participate if they are willing to share tools. This experience is free with admission. While packs may be checked out from The Museum Store, it is recommended that you reserve one in advance by contacting Stephanie at (802) 367-7960 or click here.
Farm Chores
Fridays & Saturdays from June 19th through July 25th
9:30 am – 10:30 am
Fridays - At the Goat Dairy
Saturdays - At the Animal Barn
This program does not require or include admission.
Farm Chores will be offered on Fridays at the goat dairy on the property’s upper level and Saturdays at the animal barn on the lower level known as the dene, from June 19-July 25. Children ages 3 to 12 will have fun assisting farm staff in the morning chores routine which includes feeding and grooming the animals, pitching their pens and cleaning their feeders. Sessions are limited to no more than 5 children, all of whom must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required at least 48 hours in advance. $15/per child (aged 3 and up).
Juneteenth With Harps at Hildene
Friday, June 19th
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Join us at Hildene in the Formal Garden on June 19th from 5-6pm for a delightful evening of music performed by The Dorset Harp Colony. Student harpists will perform a repertoire of solo and ensemble pieces. The concert will conclude with "Lift Every Voice and Sing" to celebrate the observance of Juneteenth. All welcome to attend, free to the public.
The Dorset Harp Colony is a premier summer program dedicated to cultivating the next generation of harpists through intensive study, mentorship, and performance. Founded in 2024 by acclaimed harpist and educator Alix Raspé Gray, the Colony brings together talented students in a supportive, inspiring environment that emphasizes artistry, individuality, and career sustainability. With a focus on both musical excellence, mindfulness and real-world skills, participants leave empowered, confident, and prepared for a lifelong journey in music.
Celebrate Father’s Day at Hildene Farm
Sunday, June 21st
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
This program is free with admission.
Celebrate Father’s Day at Hildene Farm in the dene with a fun-filled day on the farm!
Join us for a special Father’s Day Storytime from 11:00am- 12:00pm featuring tractors, jumbo building blocks, a corn sandbox, and Peaches' Mud Kitchen for hands-on play and exploration. Hildene’s tractors and gators will be nearby for all the future farmers to check out.
Stay for the afternoon and enjoy complimentary wagon rides through the dene from 12:00am- 4:00pm. Pack a picnic, relax on the farm, and make memories together with family and friends.
Perfect for little farmers, tractor lovers, and dads who enjoy a day outdoors!
Questions? Call (802) 367-7960 or email Stephanie.
A Summer Night at Hildene
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Experience the storied elegance of the Lincoln family legacy during an intimate, after-hours journey through the breathtaking 412-acre estate of Hildene. We invite you to step back in time for a curated evening of historical grandeur, agricultural wonder and refined flavors.
