[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6083111,"mediaKeyId","2935358-c79ee209df39f306cea19c9cc9445ed6","parentId",2935358,"title","Vermont Historical Society asks for emergency capital work after basement flooding at Barre site","audioSeconds",390,"startMs",3546000,"endMs",3936000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2935358-c79ee209df39f306cea19c9cc9445ed6&start=3546&end=3936","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2935358-c79ee209df39f306cea19c9cc9445ed6/thumbnail_3546000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6083111/Vermont/Vermont-Historical-Society-asks-for-emergency-capital-work-after-basement-flooding-at-Barre-site","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083111-6df3133294a9a28f7c20eba95a7d52cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161595&Signature=GJktY1j8Bri7inOvDGfXynyds5lDo8l9Q5~BSxtAtgRCtvs903EGDHizlYyw95C23UPkm4ljml0q8O7QIc2oTpVP1TZPyJ0nuxuMk6uIthpIUtf5aWOxNmv080bIR6ozlboXE4zcSSW925eYK916uufrpszVm3ipQfQLRiEqjuTw2WF36yul1uhaaXEvoP13yGSICXj6e8-WrGtdanNGva8o0F2aso-0B~YXg6aB4eDei4o5N2jp-1pyR0wE0peYos0Ey11pU7xwSI36UuDonf6DolHCl~nqDGFomWpJZ61DwZgWMReKMs91ij7JgeTm5tv~3ZxRGFDgKDTvzGfhHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-09T20:35:07.033Z","article","Steven Perkins, executive director of the Vermont Historical Society, told the Senate Committee on Institutions that the society’s main facility in Barre suffered significant water infiltration following recent floods and that the organization is requesting emergency capital repairs.

Perkins said the society relocated its collections and offices to the former Spaulding High School site in Barre after repeated flooding in Montpelier and that the building’s drainage system, installed in the late 1990s, failed during the 2023 floods. “The drainage system around the building … it wasn’t moving water away from the building,” he said.

Perkins said the society hired engineering and assessment teams, including Brattleboro‑based specialists, and now seeks an initial $700,000 for immediate, emergency work (drainage repairs, masonry and roof work). He said the full project would approach an additional $2 million but that federal partners were being pursued for larger scale work. “It’s fixable,” Perkins said. “The drainage system … has failed, much in the same way that Laura described with the drainage at the Morrill Homestead.”

Perkins described the society as a quasi‑state entity: it receives roughly half of its budget from the state, houses the state Department of Libraries collections and the Office of the State Archaeologist, and uses classified staff who function similarly to state employees. Jennifer Blair, the society’s director of finance and operations, joined Perkins for testimony.

Committee members said they would review the documentation the society provided and consider a site visit. Perkins said the society is prepared to meet with committee members and supply detailed spreadsheets and images of the damage for appropriation review.

Why it matters: The society holds archives, library and archaeological collections valued for public research and state heritage; basement flooding and drainage failures threaten collections and require capital repairs to protect irreplaceable material.

Perkins asked the committee for expedited consideration of the emergency request and offered to provide detailed cost breakdowns and to host a site tour for committee members.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Institutions - 2025-04-08 - 1:15 PM","oneSentenceSummary","The Vermont Historical Society told the committee that drainage failures around its Barre facility led to water infiltration that damaged collections and building systems; the society requested $700,000 in emergency funds and described larger follow‑on needs.","taxTitle","Institutions, SENATE, Committees, Legislative , Vermont","taxId",38865,"location","Vermont","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6083116,"Bennington Monument work to proceed in phases; drying and monitoring precede major restoration",308,2887000,3195000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2935358-c79ee209df39f306cea19c9cc9445ed6&start=2887&end=3195","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2935358-c79ee209df39f306cea19c9cc9445ed6/thumbnail_2887000.jpg","/articles/6083116/Vermont/Bennington-Monument-work-to-proceed-in-phases-drying-and-monitoring-precede-major-restoration","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083116-6d8d4f4a7b5a44d1ec66a8dff1f54fe2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161595&Signature=VKJ0OVlNCyaWczjf49UN04R1wM4QkQKJp3onZpr7~gr06aE1SehWSAtnTM2W2iLddwHlm-FqJGVpMGMsPBLY3erjBZGW2ZG1OlaWi6A-GCp28xrq5AUuEG4l~UkX11ti4QY9hFSAZqU0C~4YB8XV~5wcNlh0~hB4Uty0N9Cy7KET6DbWiXt8ngY1WEMbNB8HSR7RTQCXPsUL0zzQsLXK9LU1EzFaUcgNOmpJ0rhFMUGsr~41agUE69UrpqTZ6AisqaWkAkmgl3xvQaYeBUHerJ6GF91oCTc7gBbpUDL-GRVNA~q~kna90XizRbxjseWeIcDCLyC1FtuH0ywsJktLeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation told the Senate Committee on Institutions that the Bennington Battle Monument requires phased work before full restoration can begin, and that the immediate focus will be monitoring, removing loose stone and designing scaffolding to allow the structure to dry.

Laura Treishman said severe winds and prior incomplete repairs have left the monument holding a large volume of water in its stonework; she cited a monitoring log showing the monument currently holds more than 66,000 gallons of water in its fabric. “The materials that are falling off the building now are 99% related to incorrect, incomplete restoration projects that took place in part,” she said. Trishman said repeated attempts to patch mortar have failed because the stone remains wet; the office therefore plans an enclosure or scaffolded enclosure to dry the monument before long‑term repair.

Trishman said repelling crews will remove loose materials and document cracks during a week of work starting May 13; the monument is scheduled to open for visitors on May 16 with temporary measures in place. She said the agency expects drying to take roughly three years before major restoration can proceed and described phased work to follow design, scaffolding and restoration. Trishman noted the full restoration estimate is large — she cited an approximate $40 million figure for complete work — but stressed the immediate steps are smaller, focused actions that will prepare the building for repair.

She told the committee the project has received congressionally directed spending earmarks that will fund archaeology at Monument Circle, repelling to remove loose materials and monitoring work; the state will prioritize design and scaffolding that allow the monument to breathe while drying.

Trishman also praised staff responsible for the monument’s care and identified a long‑serving site manager by name during testimony. Committee members asked about comparative expertise; Trishman said a team of contractors with experience on large stone monuments (including work on the Washington Monument and the Alamo) is advising the project.

Why it matters: The Bennington Battle Monument is one of the state’s most visited historic sites; restoring it is a major capital undertaking that will require phased design work, long drying timelines and specialized stone conservation skills.","State historic preservation testimony described damage assessment and a multi‑year plan for the Bennington Battle Monument, including monitoring, removal of loose stone, and a multi‑year drying period before full restoration; congressional earmarks and phased work are planned.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6083121,"Historic sites need millions in repairs; preservation office seeks larger maintenance bucket",1817,808000,2625000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2935358-c79ee209df39f306cea19c9cc9445ed6&start=808&end=2625","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2935358-c79ee209df39f306cea19c9cc9445ed6/thumbnail_808000.jpg","/articles/6083121/Vermont/Historic-sites-need-millions-in-repairs-preservation-office-seeks-larger-maintenance-bucket","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083121-9f42fcf7244762378847748ea641a820/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161595&Signature=ZRVGXD6UoJfWLbw0aGe5aXb9HrrL9qcrQCyIz6j3pRTnRwl~5maBo8O3gG8mV5YzMlQfqC-lS47B9SeBgq6mrpiE5GVTERl5IHgW71kCmFSwY1wVRkWH2gjIsEqVWl7mh8~r4n9-vC2h8w-v5XFmtfwNwPBji555~AHxQlrhQQJ0Vh8z2iVBZUzAToNFtS0iJh4QcZ6FOkS5N2iCHEp8D2u7jabZXrf9yLd5LJcvtZ77SWyNXgUJx8rFW1trQ6NGYb5jAVKes6m61wWbxiwdMKsNaKY7XaWs5jKuyicjY~5ZfkCpk5ZYNQTOm7qbJ7E2bNTH3aDWlXaxJLOsjGiSFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Laura Treishman, Vermont’s state historic preservation officer, told the Senate Committee on Institutions that the division’s recommended major maintenance appropriation would help address accumulated damage at multiple state historic sites and allow more flexible prioritization than piecemeal line items.

Trishman said the capital bill draft recommends $550,000 for fiscal 2026 and the same amount for fiscal 2027 for the state historic sites account; she described that as a basic operations level. “Our future estimate based on current and, expected conditions, assessments, design plans, energy efficiency, material costs, etcetera, inflation … our anticipated need for these two fiscal years is $2,200,000,” she said, and added the program lacks in‑house maintenance staff and must contract out specialized craftsmen.

Trishman described a set of high‑priority sites and specific needs:

- Chester Arthur site (Fairfield): visitation rose to 614 last year from under 100 pre‑COVID; the building has significant moisture problems and needs stabilization, exhibit replacement and security work.

- Kent’s Corner (Calais): a barn built in 1865 needs stabilization and may be adapted for exhibit use; a separate tavern needs plaster repairs.

- Chimney Point (near Lake Champlain Bridge): about 2,000 visitors and roughly $10,000 in revenue were reported; small features such as a three‑hole privy required foundation rebuilding, and painting the complex cost more than $100,000 in a recent project.

- Hubbardton Battlefield (Hubbardton): site visitation is increasing ahead of the semi‑quincentennial; the visitor center and battlefield features suffer water infiltration and need a longer‑term roof and conservation plan, including stone conservation and wrought‑iron fence repair.

- Calvin Coolidge Boyhood Home (Plymouth): structural repairs and foundation stabilization are needed; Trishman estimated about $700,000 in projects this year and said the birthplace foundation stabilization alone was estimated at about $300,000 with full accessibility and structural work near $400,000.

- Justin Morrill Homestead (Strafford): the site has a Save America’s Treasures grant of $226,000 requiring a $279,000 match; Trishman said final structural repairs will be about $300,000 and FEMA funds have been awarded for some repairs.

- Theron Boyd House: repeated flood damage has bowed foundation walls; FEMA funds have been secured to shore up foundations and reconstruct masonry.

- Old Constitution House (location of the 1777 constitution): damage from flooding and mold required mechanical system replacement; Trishman said the site received a semiquincentennial grant of about $460,000 that requires a $53,000 match, and that FEMA public‑assistance funds would help relocate mechanicals (Trishman gave varying FEMA amounts during testimony; see provenance). The office contracted dendrochronology work for $15,000 to better date the building’s fabric and clarify restoration needs.

Trishman emphasized capacity constraints: the division has one preservation director and no permanent maintenance staff, so higher appropriations would require contracting project managers and specialist trades. She added that securing contractors in rural New England is difficult and has driven repeated rebidding of projects.

Why it matters: The sites represent state historic assets and tourism draws; deferred maintenance can generate escalating costs and limit public access. Trishman said a larger, flexible major maintenance appropriation would improve prioritization and reduce administrative friction.

Committee members asked for additional detail on staffing and contracting assumptions and for follow‑up materials on specific projects and funding matches.","State preservation officials outlined multiple deferred maintenance needs across 24 historic sites, recommended a larger, flexible major maintenance appropriation and provided project details and cost estimates for several high‑priority properties.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6083126,"State preservation office seeks steady funding for underwater preserves, roadside markers",262,110000,372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2935358-c79ee209df39f306cea19c9cc9445ed6&start=110&end=372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2935358-c79ee209df39f306cea19c9cc9445ed6/thumbnail_110000.jpg","/articles/6083126/Vermont/State-preservation-office-seeks-steady-funding-for-underwater-preserves-roadside-markers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083126-bf50fd396456b9a2bf699e4d13e4ca34/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161595&Signature=cNgUXjNoIp16q360HnciqEiNCG9Ik51snCR4JDJNLNhkOBuxRm0epziidj6m~2tVercGBnFE-xFGGbmrUmfTz0XQXQxCRs4A1uAKhZwDuodX3yMq~T5U3wGWxoeE0eGj4Equ~1ARd6KC2QITCg5NBNC2uZcNlpJLKPAEOaulnz8FIgzCyaHUAEWzaKkoXn-176b3o9f2wMcmahZWH28iwtP2Sj0nWUMVbTTzykTEoPeAZhGDWsq6ef3l6AFALVZxp9jLP0ZXQHJ-EtlUbyLYd1FgbWmO9CazD~w8IvGIWFr~hWphlkt3Ty3pumhNIcXF3T9QCbA8599Oa850xElhZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Laura Treishman, Vermont’s state historic preservation officer, told the Senate Committee on Institutions on April 8 that the preservation office’s capital requests include support for the state’s underwater preserves and continued funding for roadside historic markers.

Trishman said the capital bill recommends $46,000 for underwater preserves, which protect and interpret shipwrecks in Lake Champlain, and described about 11 preserves that are open seasonally from May through October. “We now have 11 preserves that are open to the public … we had 300 registered divers and we clocked in over 600 dives,” she said. Trishman said the preserves include 19th‑century canal boats, schooners, tug boats and horse ferries and that the office has been producing 3‑D modeling and video so people can see wrecks without diving.

The Senate chair said she wanted an update on the agency’s overall budget. Trishman also described the roadside historic marker program, a long‑running public interest effort traditionally funded at $25,000 a year. She told the committee the governor did not recommend funding for the roadside markers in the proposed budget but the House reinstated $25,000. “We have about 330 roadside markers in Vermont and 1 in Virginia,” she said, and added the markers cost about $3,000 apiece, including pole and typical installation. Trishman said 28 applications were on her desk at the time of testimony, with about 12 related to Vermont’s 250th anniversary observances.

Committee members asked practical questions about marker weight and installation. Trishman said a single marker weighs about 75 pounds (not including the pole) and that foundry packaging can raise shipping weights to roughly 300 pounds. She also told the committee the state uses a single foundry that has supplied markers since 1947 and that VTrans often installs markers along state rights‑of‑way.

Trishman said the preservation program has other small recurring expenses beyond new markers, including annual refurbishing and repainting. “If it’s repainting and just a refurbish, it’s about $800. If we have to replace some words … it can be about $1,000, but most of the time we have to start over,” she said.

Why it matters: The preserve and marker programs are public‑facing tools for interpreting Vermont history and tourism; steady capital support and maintenance funding determine whether markers and preserves remain accessible and accurate.

Trishman urged continued funding and said the House action to restore the $25,000 marker line reflected orders already in production at the foundry and continued demand. Committee members said they would follow up with the administration to clarify the governor’s decision on the marker funding.

The session moved next to a longer discussion of major maintenance for state historic sites and separate testimony from the Vermont Historical Society.","Laura Treishman, Vermont’s state historic preservation officer, updated the Senate Committee on Institutions on the office’s capital requests and described programs including underwater preserves and a popular roadside historic marker program; she noted the governor did not recommend marker funding but the House restored it.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Vermont Historical Society asks for emergency capital work after basement flooding at Barre site

Bennington Monument work to proceed in phases; drying and monitoring precede major restoration

Historic sites need millions in repairs; preservation office seeks larger maintenance bucket

State preservation office seeks steady funding for underwater preserves, roadside markers