Keep up efforts to save homestead

September 17, 2006
The Ethan Allen Homestead should remain open for generations to come.

This important historic site, facing a decline in visitors and revenues, might close for good this winter. Trustees should look under every rock, both public and private, for stable funding to reopen the site on schedule next year.

Ethan Allen is probably Vermont's best-known historic figure. Vermonters often raise his image when defining their Yankee independence and willingness to fight for their beliefs. There are bowling alleys, Laundromats and hotels named after the original Green Mountain Boy.

The most tangible connection Vermont maintains to Allen is the Burlington home where he spent his final years. The Ethan Allen Homestead, in partnership with the Winooski Valley Park District, is maintained as a museum.

Like smaller museums nationally, the homestead is struggling to find stable funding. Closure of the site, which has educated children, adults and tourists about this colorful Vermonter and the state's history, would be a real loss.

Every potential option for funding should come before the trustees. That includes actively recruiting benefactors who can provide endowments. Perhaps the threatened closure will prompt one or more big-hearted Vermonters to step forward with an offer of financial assistance.

The trustees should work with the state on a possible public-private partnership that includes the Vermont Historical Society. And Chittenden County lawmakers should also look for state funding to keep the facility open.

One idea worth considering is revamping the museum or its programs to appeal to visitors. The Strong Museum in Rochester, N.Y., a culture collection, underwent a makeover about 15 years ago, transforming into a successful children's museum.

The homestead trustees could work out legal issues with the park district to launch appropriate money-making ventures for the site. Moderately sized events such as concerts or an historic drama might draw revenue.

Perhaps the homestead could pair with another historic venue, such as the Shelburne Museum, to stabilize revenues and programs. Outreach work to promote the site should be strengthened, as well.

The Ethan Allen Homestead is a state historic treasure. Vermont must fight to preserve this piece of our beloved history. TO LEARN MORE Visit the historic site's Web page at http://www.ethanallenhomestead.org/, or call 865-4556.


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