For Immediate Release:
May 30, 2008
Windsor, VT- The 1777 Republic of Vermont Committee (1777 RoVC) is announcing the suspension of the “Republic of Vermont Celebration- Vermont Heritage Days” event for 2008. The committee decided to postpone the event due to difficulty coordinating meetings of the active volunteers and the tough economic conditions for fundraising. The 1777 RoVC was established in 1999 by the Town of Windsor Selectboard to re-establish a town-wide event in Windsor, VT focused on the unique history of the town. Originally known as “Windsor Heritage Days,” the event transformed from a small local event to one of state-wide importance during the first 9 years. The event was named a Top Ten Summer Event by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce four times (2002, 2003, 2005 & 2006), and was named the official celebration of Vermont’s historic independence by the Vermont Legislature in 2006 and 2007. The event known best known for its celebration of the adoption of the Vermont Constitution on July 8, 1777 included several popular events during the two-day street festival atmosphere including; the Vermont Independence Parade, the Cavalcade of Horses equestrian parade and encampments of living historians representing the French and Indian War through World War II.
The “Republic of Vermont Celebration” is the only state wide event that celebrates the “Birth of a Republic” that would become the State of Vermont. On July 8, 1777, Vermont became an Independent Republic like Texas and California. A fact that was not widely known before the ‘1777 Republic of Vermont Celebration” began. The publicity of Vermont’s historic independence still has not reached the same level, as that of the Bear Flag Republic (California-1846-1848 ) and the Lone Star Republic (Texas – 1836-1845), even though the Republic of Vermont not only preexisted, but lasted longer than both of these well known Republics combined. The Republic of Vermont (1777-1791) existed for fourteen years before becoming the fourteenth U.S. State in 1791. The fledgling Republic of Vermont was only one year and four days younger than the newly established United States (July 4, 1776) and actually established its Constitution before the United States, in part to truly establish Independence. The existence of the Republic of Vermont is just the beginning; the most notable aspect of the Republic of Vermont was the establishment of the “Windsor Principles.” These principles were the true birth of civil rights in North America. Vermont, through its constitution established three basic civil rights that are taken for granted today. First, the Constitution abolished slavery (almost 100 years BEFORE the Civil War), second it established common voting rights for men (meaning you did not have to have money in the bank or own property to vote), and finally it developed the first system of Public Education requiring all citizens to be educated. Education, freedom and voting rights were established for people that otherwise would never had the opportunity for such. “The Republic of Vermont Celebration” highlighted these advancements, by highlighting Vermont’s Independence. Vermont needs to promote its history and rightful place as the true birthplace of Civil Rights and what it means to be an American Freedom-Education-Democracy.
The 1777 Republic of Vermont Committee will focus supporting the efforts of Old Constitution House (OCH) for 2008. Old Constitution House (originally Elijah West’s tavern in 1777), will host several events this year. Beginning with the historic sites opening weekend on May 24 & 25, June 14 & 15, August 30 & 31, and again on October 11 & 12, living historian Carl Malikowski and others will demonstrate skills and traditions of the 18th century. During these dates the guides will also be dressed in appropriate 18th century attire.
On June 14 & 15, OCH will participate in “Vermont Days”, when admission is free at historic sites. A special program involving Mr. Makowski and others will take place on July 6 where a messenger from the “Battle of Hubbardton” will be dispatched to “Elijah West’s Tavern” to warn the Constitution Convention delegates of the British invasion and the fall of “Fort Ticonderoga.” A special ceremony on the adoption of the Vermont Constitution will also take place at this time.
The 1777 RoVC invites all those that support OCH, or are interested in history to join us on these dates. Planning for the “Republic of Vermont Celebration- Vermont Heritage Days” will resume at a later date this summer. For more information or to join the effort please contact the 1777 RoVC, P.O. Box 531, Windsor, VT 05089 or e-mail rovc1777@yahoo.com.
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