NEK Women Lead 2020

NEK Women Lead Network, 2020 - 2021

NEK Women Lead is a networking group for community-engaged women in the Northeast Kingdom. It is a unique and informal experience designed to facilitate women forming connections and mutually supporting each other. 

This circle is a space for rich, honest dialogue between women leaders who want to help each other thrive and drive change. Empowerment, authenticity, and vulnerability are key. 

At the first gathering, we’ll take time to get to know each other through facilitated activities and group orientation. Subsequent gatherings will be unstructured networking through dinner and casual conversation.

COVID-19 Update: Ideally, the group will meet quarterly at a variety of NEK locations for food & fun. If we cannot do so safely, we will organize virtual gatherings.

Cost: FREE

What will you walk away with?

1. An amazing network of women working to make a positive impact in their communities.

2. A toolbox of leadership & policy engagement strategies

3. An opportunity to explore cross-sector partnerships in innovative ways to create change in the NEK and beyond

4. Access to the entire alumni network via the directory and listserv, plus invites to future network gatherings

This is not a training program, this is networking.

This network’s express purpose is to help leading women connect with other women on an interpersonal level. There’s no pressure to be productive or build skills. The goals for the network are:

• Build relationships

• Offer and receive support

• Float ideas & get feedback

• Enjoy time with other women in leadership

Who is eligible to participate?

We want to hear from women leaders and aspiring leaders from a diverse set of backgrounds, work & personal experiences, across private, public and nonprofit sectors. We will make selections so that the network reflects a diverse cross-section of experience and expertise across the region. 21+ please.

How do I apply? 

Complete this application by October 23, 2020. Selected cohort members will be notified by October 30, 2020

2020-2021 Program Dates:

Tuesdays: November 17, February 16, May 18, August 17

For more information, contact Carey Crozier: carey@nekcollaborative.org

Front Porch Forum for Libraries

Are you a librarian or friend of the library? The NEKC is hosting a workshop dedicated to helping you use Front Porch Forum to increase connection and library engagement in your community.

Co-Founder of Front Porch Forum, Michael Wood-Lewis, will be one of the presenters and available during a Q & A session at the end of the workshop.

We'll cover:

• What Front Porch Forum is and how it's changed

• The technical side: how to actually use the tool

• Front Porch Forum success stories from NEK libraries

• Best ways to use Front Porch Forum for your library

After the presentation, we'll break into groups to share ideas and get feedback before finishing up with a Q & A.

What: Front Porch Forum Training for Libraries
Who: Librarians & community members
When: Sept. 29 | 10a - 11a
Where: Virtually, via Zoom
How much: FREE

If you can make it, RSVP here →

2019 - 2020: It's been a BIG year!

Wow -- this year has been BIG. 

As we wrapped up the fiscal year and took a close look at everything we've done, we can't help but be extremely proud of our region. In the wake of a global pandemic and mounting racial tension nationwide, new and established leaders from every corner stepped up to support residents of the Northeast Kingdom.

The NEKC's mission is to improve the quality of life for all residents of the Northeast Kingdom through coordinated economic and community development.

As the neutral, non-partisan facilitator, our role is bringing communities together to address fundamental challenges and develop plans that lead to direct and practical results. Last year, our planned focuses were:

• Advancing economic development through the intersection of creative, recreational and food sectors

• Advancing the next generation of leadership in the Northeast Kingdom

Additionally, we pivoted as necessary to include:

• Coordinating regional responses to COVID-19

• Racial justice work

Take a look at the full report for details and get in touch if you'd like to learn more and get involved.

NEK Recovery Plan

The devastating effects of the COVID-19 crisis have illuminated the Northeast Kingdom’s most pressing issues. With increased community engagement and funding, we can seize this opportunity to manifest our shared vision for a vibrant, thriving Northeast Kingdom.

As the lead convener for our region, we at the NEK Collaborative have partnered with key thought leadership in the region to articulate this series of immediate strategies for community and economic recovery.

Through extensive expert interviews, we’ve outlined the most feasible and impactful action steps to accelerate the recovery of the Northeast Kingdom in five priority areas:

1. Broadband: Ensure affordable, high-speed internet for all NEK residents.

2. Housing: Meet all NEK residents’ housing needs.

3. Education: Reimagine a high-quality, sustainable birth to career educational system.

4. Business Support: Organize and promote structured business support for long-term recovery.

5. Cultural & Civic Infrastructure: Reinvigorate the cultural and civic infrastructure of the NEK.

The following steps are just the beginning. With our eye on long-term systemic change, we propose these short-term projects as a springboard for continued action.

Broadband

1. Install fixed wireless projects as short-term solutions to be completed in 2020. Partner: NEK Community Broadband CUD

2. Maintain subsidies for internet service & device purchase for low-income Vermonters. Partner: Vermont Rural Education Collaborative

3. Fully fund build-out of a regions-wide last mile high-speed broadband network through a combination of federal and state grants, loans, private investment and bonding. Partner: NEK Community Broadband CUD

Housing

1. Designate and/or build permanent, year-round supportive housing to address those struggling with chronic homelessness. Partner: RuralEdge

2. Expand integrated mental, physical health, and social supports that can stabilize families and prevent future homelessness. Partner: Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA)

3. Initiate time-limited rental/mortgage assistance program for households earning up to 80% of median income. Partner: RuralEdge

Education

1. Increase Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) reimbursement rates for early childcare programs to reflect the increased cost of providing care during this time. Partner: Vermont legislature

2. Conduct a community child care needs assessment to identify new/emerging child care challenges and develop solutions. Partner: Building Bright Futures

3. Bring state appropriation for the Vermont State College system up to $30 Million to be in line with other New England states. Partner: Vermont legislature

Business Support

1. Provide direct financial assistance to small businesses for fixed cost expenses (rent, mortgage payments, utilities, inventory, and other essential operating expenses).
   Partner: Vermont legislature and Vermont Community Foundation

2. Assign NEK Recovery Guides who would provide technical assistance, business and financial planning, grant and loan writing support, and business support to help businesses successfully re-emerge from the crisis. Partner: NEK Small Business Technical Assistance Network

3. Fund shovel-ready municipal capital projects to restart jobs & construction. Partner: Individual municipal partners

Cultural & Civic Infrastructure

1. Provide bridge overhead funding for 12--18 months for arts and cultural institutions that are unable to reopen yet. Partner: Catamount Arts (NEK Zone Agent for VT Creative Network)

2. Develop best practices guide and coaching to help towns develop recovery plans. Partner: Northeast Kingdom Collaborative

3. Provide public funding to put artists and creative economy back to work. Partner: Catamount Arts (NEK Zone Agent for VT Creative Network)

These recommendations are interdependent and will have the greatest impact when implemented together.

We invite partners, legislators, funders and all community members to join us in this work, the results of which will be a healthier, happier region for everyone. We’re calling for a commitment to authentic partnership and efficient coordination to ensure these plans are noticed, funded and carried out. 

Through ongoing revision and reflection, this strategic action plan will serve as a model for affecting systemic change to solve our region’s most pressing obstacles. 

View Pull Plan →

NEK Collaborative Board of Directors

• Kathy Austin, President and CEO, Community National Bank

• Dr. Elaine Collins, President, Northern Vermont University

• Nick D'Agostino, Executive Director, Rural Community Transit

• Jon Freeman, President, Northern Community Investment Corp.

• Jody Fried, Executive Director, Catamount Arts

• Jeanne Gervais, President, Island Pond Chamber of Commerce

• Joe Kasprzak, Ast. Town Manager, Town of St. Johnsbury

• Jim Kisch, President and CEO, Passumpsic Bank

• Julie Laforce, Owner; Dir. of Organizational Dev., Built by Newport

• Abby Long, Executive Director, Kingdom Trails

• Tom Lovett, Headmaster, St. Johnsbury Academy

• Patrick Shattuck, CEO, RuralEdge

• David Snedeker, Executive Director, Northeastern Vermont Development Assoc.

• Shawn Tester, CEO, Northern Vermont Regional Hospital

• Steve Wright, President and General Manager, Jay Peak Resort

• NEK Collaborative Advisory Members

• Suzanne Legare Belcher, Field Service Director, VT Agency of Human Services

• Ben Doyle, Ast. State Director VT/NH, USDA Rural Development

• Tim Tierney, Director of Business Recruitment, VT Agency of Commerce

• Sarah Waring, Vice President for Grants and Community Investments, VT Community Foundation

The Northeast Kingdom Collaborative (NEKC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a vibrant, thriving Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. For more than 20 years, the NEKC has been working to improve the quality of life for all residents of the NEK through coordinated economic and community development. We do this by (1) building a common vision for the region through community convenings (2) supporting collaboration to achieve collective action on shared goals and (3) connecting people and projects to resources.

Thank you!

Thank you to the following industry experts who contributed their feedback and advice: 

• Suzanne Legare Blecher, Field Services Director, Vermont Agency of Human Services

• John Castle, Superintendent, North Country Supervisory Union

• Amanda Cochrane, Executive Directory, Umbrella

• Amy Cunningham, Deputy Director, Vermont Arts Council

• Catherine Cusack, Executive Director, Green Mountain Farm-to-School

• Xusana Davis, Executive Director of Racial Equity, State of Vermont

• Meg Burmeister, Executive Director, NEK Council on Aging

• Rob Fish, Rural Broadband Technical Assistance Specialist, Vermont Department of Public Service

• Leah Hollenberger, Development and External Relations Officer, Northern Vermont University

• Heidi Krantz, Small Business Advisor, VT Small Business Development Center

• Ann Lawless, HEAT Squad Northeast Kingdom Outreach Coordinator, Neighborworks of Western Vermont

• Chelsea Bardot Lewis, Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Vermont Community Foundation

• Margaret Maclean, Executive Director, Vermont Rural Education Collaborative

• Janet McLauglin, Chief Operating Officer, Let’s Grow Kids

• Linda Michniewicz, Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Area Regional Coordinator, Building Bright Futures

• Sha’an Mouliert, Racial Equity trainer

• NEK Community Broadband Communication Union District including Evan Carlson, Kristen Fountain, and Nicolas Anzalone

• Jenna O’Farrell, Executive Director, NEKCA

• Grace Oedel, Executive Director, NOFA-VT

• Monique Priestley, Space on Main

• Jon Ramsey, Executive Director, Center for an Agricultural Economy

• Brian Ricca, Superintendent, St. Johnsbury School District

• Rebecca Sanborn, Community Workshop

• Joe Short, Vice President, Northern Forest Center

• Vermont Council on Rural Development including Jenna Koloski, Jon Copans, & Nick Kramer

Summer Meals for Kids

Nearly every NEK school district is working out a system to continue providing free meals for NEK kids 18-years-old and younger throughout the summer.

Check this listing for information on your district. We'll update as we have more information.

The NEKC Stands with People of Color

The Northeast Kingdom Collaborative stands in solidarity with people of color. We are committed to listening, learning, supporting, and taking action to dismantle systemic racism. 

We encourage you to watch Sha'an Mouliert's interview series "I Am Vermont Too" and the Visible in Vermont panel, both of which shine a light on the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) across Vermont. Both provide an opportunity for reflection and dialogue for people who may be unaware of the ways they perpetuate racial stereotypes and harm. 

As a white-led and predominantly white network, the NEKC is digging into what it means to actively participate in building a racially just society. We know that words are not enough and that we have work to do. We are partnering with local BIPOC leadership to identify steps we can take as an organization and how we can use our organizational privilege to do better. 

Sha'an Mouliert will be hosting her much-anticipated 6-session series on racial literacy as soon as it is safe to gather. In the meantime, we are talking with Sha'an about leading single-session trainings. Email katherine@nekcollaborative.org if you're interested.

We welcome your feedback--please email us your thoughts and consider joining the NEK Allies for Racial Justice Facebook group to add your voice to conversation.

Funding Recovery Efforts: Grants for Nonprofits & Community Groups Responding to COVID-19

Nonprofits and community groups in the Northeast Kingdom are working hard to accelerate the recovery of our region, which has been hit hard by the effects of the COVID-19 crisis.

Funding is available right away for all kinds of projects that aim to help the NEK recover from the COVID-19 crisis. Check out this list we've compiled to see if your group qualifies for immediate funding.

Working Lands Enterprise Grant

Who it's for: Agriculture and forestry operations
What it's for: Complement a business's ability to maintain operations while increasing capacity to rebuild and/or recover
Funded by: Working Lands Enterprise Board
Grant amount: $5k-$25K
When to apply: Now 'til May 31

Special and Urgent Needs

Who it's for: Vermont nonprofits with unexpected expenses that impact their ability to meet their mission.
What it's for: Unforeseen, and time-sensitive short-term needs. Although VCF recognizes that many organizations are feeling the strain of lost revenue associated with pandemic response and social distancing, this grant program is not designed to supplant lost revenue.
Funded by: Vermont Community Foundation
Grant amount: $500-$5000
When to apply: Now

Planning Grants

Who it's for: Municipalities with a confirmed local planning process
What it's for: Community recovery efforts
Funded by: DHCD
When to apply: June - October
Grant amount: Up to $22k (individual municipalities), up to $35k (group of municipalities)

COVID-19 Urgent Response Grant

Who it's for: Groups working on community recovery projects
What it's for: To support basic needs like food, shelter, and economic assistance.
Funded by: Haymarket People's Fund
Grant amount: $5k-$15k
When to apply: Now

Rapid Response Seed Grant

Who it's for: Grassroots groups
What it's for: Responding to local needs and building resilience in communities in response to the COVID19 pandemic and associated events.
Funded by: New England Grassroots Environmental Fund
Grant amount: Up to $1k
When to apply: Now

Vermont COVID-19 Cultural Relief

Who it's for: Vermont arts and humanities organizations facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What it's for: Recovery
Funded by: National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020.
Grant amount: $5k-$10k
When to apply: Now 'til May 31

Firefighters Assistance - Cares Act

Who it's for: Eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations and state fire training academies
What it's for: To purchase personal protective equipment and supplies
Funded by: FEMA
Grant amount: N/A
When to apply: Now 'til May 15

Farmer Resiliency Grants

Who it's for: NOFA-VT member farms, as well as farms certified by VOF who have had their businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
What it's for: To mitigate the impact of the COVID pandemic as they pivot their operations and respond to the unexpected changes brought about by this crisis.  
Funded by: NOFA-VT
Grant amount: Up to $5k
When to apply: Now 'til May 15

VT Community Action Team Program

Who it's for: Local, community-based Vermont non-profit programs
What it's for: Immediate community needs as they relate to this crises; access to housing, food, health care, elder and child care, and focusing on populations with the greatest need
Funded by: Ben & Jerry's Foundation
Grant amount: Up to $2k
When to apply: Now

Northern Border Regional Commission Economic & Infrastructure Development Grant

Who it's for: Nonprofit and governmental entities
What it's for: Employment-generating projects that help reduce poverty, unemployment, and out-migration
Funded by: NBRC
Grant amount: N/A
When to apply: Now 'til June 1

COVID-19 Emergency Relief & Response Fund

Who it's for: Essential non-profit agencies
What it's for: Work to ensure that individuals are: well-nourished, well-housed, physically and mentally healthy, financially stable, have the ability to meet basic needs
Funded by: Green Mountain United Way
Grant amount: $250-$2000
When to apply: Now

Local Grants Program

Who it's for: Nonprofits and community organizations
What it's for: Community revitalization
Funded by: Neil & Louise Tillotson Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
Grant amount: Up to $20k
When to apply: June 1

Other local grant opportunities can be found in the NEKC’s Grant Directory.

Small Acts, Big Impact: NEK Communities Step Up

Across the region, towns are banding together to care for their community members. Most have put up webpages featuring resources for food, healthcare, education and more. Many have mobilized phone trees and help lines to check on neighbors without internet access. Food pantries and school districts are working to ensure everyone is fed.

We absolutely need community response efforts. These groups compliment what state and federal agencies are doing to help. Without these local efforts, many of our neighbors would fall through the cracks.

Some towns have taken their response efforts to the next level. Check out these unique town projects that demonstrate just how resilient and innovative our region really is.

Irasburg

The Leach Public Library's "Staying in Common Project." is an Irasburg-specific project aiming to generate neighborliness, inspiration and community. Community members are encouraged to design signs to place along the perimeter of the Common, sharing messages of hope and comfort during social isolation. Email Molly Veysey for more info: director@oldstonehousemuseum.org

Brownington

To capture this moment in history, the Old Stone House is accepting hard copy and electronic submissions of peoples' written experiences during the COVID-19 crisis. OSH will also expand its gardens and team up with Green Mountain Farm to School to distribute produce to families in need. And Kids' Fridays, every Friday of the summer for children under the age of 15, will provide a to-go heritage activity kit plus a free lunch to children who participate. Email Molly Veysey for more info: director@oldstonehousemuseum.org

Orleans

This January, the Orleans Federated Church started a “Blessing Box”. Similar in design to a little free library, this mini food pantry was installed on an exterior wall of the church and provides emergency food access 24/7. During the pandemic, this resource has proven more valuable than anyone could have imagined! Email Alyssa May for more info: <vtrevam@hotmail.com>

Wheelock

The VT Public Service Department reached out to Wheelock's Town Clerk offering installation of a public WiFi hotspot at Wheelock Town Hall, thanks to donations from Microsoft and RTO Wireless. Wheelock's first publicly-accessible WiFi hotspot was operational in a matter of days!  Check out Wheelock's Facebook page to learn more.

Barnet

Three St. J Academy alums have spearheaded the Neighbors Helping Neighbors food drive for the Barnet area out of McIndoes Academy. Community volunteers drop off food, provide monetary support, assist with outreach efforts, and are now procuring a refrigerator to store perishable items like milk, eggs, cheese, and meat. Email Claudia Heisholt for more info: <cheisholt@hotmail.com>

Hardwick

The Hardwick Area Neighbor to Neighbor grassroots organization has initiated a whirlwind of activity in just one month. After reaching out for help making masks for free distribution, the organization connected with 26 people seeking to help meet the initial goal of 1500 masks. Over 200 masks have already been received, and the Hardwick Area Food Pantry has started distribution. Email for more info: hardwickneighbors@gmail.com

Greensboro

The Greensboro United Church of Christ has set up a Little Food Shelf at the door of Fellowship Hall which allows anyone who is hungry to take what they need and leave non-perishable items to share. The greater purpose is that no one goes to bed hungry.

Glover

Glover Pioneer Camp has an interactive, online plan to educate and entertain would-be campers and anyone else who wants to participate this summer.  They will post a new challenge every week on Facebook page related to early Glover history, the natural world and a “What Is It” question.  The answers will appear on their website the following week. Email Bethany Dunbar for more info: <bethany@hardwickagriculture.org>

Brighton

When a five-year-old’s birthday party was canceled, the community created a parade route filled with birthday wishes and smiling faces.  The teachers also created a parade to let the students know that they were missed.  And an anonymous community member posted handmade “Thank You” signs on each of the essential businesses in town. Email Michael Strait for more info: Mike@hearthandhomecountry.com

Lowell | Jay | Westfield | Troy

The #WeAreLowellJayWestfieldTroyAreaStrong Facebook group has close to 400 people tuning in for news they can use. All four towns have initiated a support warm line (802.327.3434 & info@kingdomcommons.com) and phone tree to answer questions, meet needs, and organize volunteers. The group also intends to reopen the weekly community meal in Westfield.

Albany

In collaboration with the Albany Community Trust and the Albany United Methodist Church congregation, the Albany Community Task Force has bolstered the Church's food share availability and provided a homemade meal to community members. Their first meal served 60 people and they expect to increase that to 100 for their next meal on May 9. Contact albanyneighbors@gmail.com for more info.

Peacham

In Peacham, families can purchase a $30 bulk CSA food order that includes a variety of fresh, local produce, baked goods, dairy and more sourced through Green Mountain Farm Direct. Volunteer organizers take orders, pick up and deliver the food to the school where it is sorted and packaged into sanitized food totes and then picked up by or delivered to participants. The town has worked out a system so that no money exchanges hands during the operation. Bonus: this program offers fresh food and supports local farmers. Visit for more info: https://peacham.org/

Groton

COVID-19 Informational Updates, held bi-monthly via Zoom, feature a different speaker offering outside perspective & expertise. So far, they've hosted the CEOs of Cottage Hospital, Wells River Savings Bank, and the NEK Council on Aging. The sessions are recorded, published on GrotonTogether.com and highlighted in their email newsletter and social media. Email Michael Gaiss for more info mgaiss@gmail.com.

Craftsbury

The Craftsbury Community already had the infrastructure in place to hold a community meal once a month, but they seized the opportunity to expand, offering meals once a week. Participants share community meals from the safety of their own homes. The meal provides 100+ individuals in Craftsbury and Albany a weekly, nutritious meal, made from locally grown and donated ingredients. Kris Coville <mama.kris.coville@gmail.com>

Nice work, NEKers!

Our towns are proving over and over that we are indeed #nekstrong. To join your town's response efforts, sign up for your area's Community Mutual Aid group.

NEK Farms with Food for Pickup or Delivery during COVID-19 Outbreak

Check out this growing list of farms who have delicious food ready for your family. No grocery store required! List includes town, products available and contact information.

If you or someone you know is selling products from their farm and isn't listed, contact katherine@nekcollaborative.org to be added.

nek farms →

COVID-19 Support in the NEK

Now's the time to pull together as a community to care for each other.

Social distancing is crucial in slowing the spread of this virus, but it’s doesn’t have to mean disconnecting - none of us are alone. Seek support when you need it. And, take time for yourself and to be with your family.

Have a need or want to offer help?

Check out this list of volunteer opportunities in the Kingdom organized by category. Or visit the NEK Mutual Aid website for more information and to sign up. 

NEK-Wide Resource Lists

This document includes a comprehensive local resource list by category, health information, and ways for community members to help respond to this evolving situation. 

Food Access Support

Financial Support

Business Support

Health Support

Mental Health Support

Toolkit to Establishing Community COVID-19 Response

Whether you are already far along the path of organizing COVID-19 response in your community, or just getting started, this resource will help you develop your organizational structure and connect to nearby allies.

Directory of Community Organizers

Check out this contact information for local response leads at the town, regional, and statewide levels to see if you can help to identify gaps in response infrastructure. Click on the NEK tab for regional contact information. If you or someone you know is leading the COVID-19 response in your community, please consider adding your name to the directory, or encouraging them to add theirs.

Organizing Meetings

We host regular online convenings for NEK leaders to foster collaboration and information sharing between groups across the region. Visit this page for links to past meeting notes and video, and the next meeting date and login information.

Brownington Museum Celebrates Progressive African-American Legislator All Year Long

BROWNINGTON, VT—The Old Stone House Museum is pleased to mark Black History Month by announcing a year-long celebration of Alexander Lucius Twilight, the charismatic progressive African American educator, minister and legislator designed and built the monumental granite edifice in the Brownington Historic District after which the Museum was named. On April 24th, 2020 a concurrent resolution sponsored by Senators John Rodgers and Robert Starr and Representative Vickie Strong will be read at the Vermont State House. The resolution will designate Wednesday, September 23, 2020 as Alexander Twilight Day in Vermont. Several celebratory and educational events are scheduled during the museum season culminating with Alexander Twilight Day at the Old Stone House in Brownington on September 20th. The Museum invites the public to join them in celebrating the 225th anniversary of the birth of this remarkable man.

About Alexander Lucius Twilight

Born on September 23, 1795 Alexander Twilight graduated from Middlebury College in 1823, becoming the first black graduate of any American college or university. In 1829 he was hired to be principal of the Orleans County Grammar School and was minister to the Brownington Congregational Church. In 1836 he was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives, becoming the first African American to serve in a state legislature. Under his leadership, the Orleans County Grammar School thrived as a co-educational institution attracting both boys and girls from throughout New England who came from as far away as Boston and Montreal. Between 1834 and 1836 Twilight designed and built a four story granite dormitory, which he called Athenian Hall.

Twilight’s father Ichabod was born in Boston in July 1765. Both he and Alexander’s mother Mary were free and mixed race, most likely of African slaves and English colonists. Ichabod served in the Revolutionary War in a New Hampshire regiment and later moved with his family to Vermont where he and his wife were listed as “the first negroes to settle in Corinth” where they bought property, moving from Bradford on November 28, 1798.

Typical for children of his class, Alexander began working for a neighboring farmer when he was only eight. Reading and studying mathematics while performing farm labor, he was able to enroll in the Randolph Orange County Grammar School in 1815 at the age of 20. He enrolled in Middlebury College in 1821, graduating as the first known African American to receive a degree from any institution of higher learning in America in 1823.

In 1826 Alexander Twilight married Mercy Ladd Merrill from Unity, New Hampshire and taught in both New York and Vermont before assuming his position as principal at the Orleans County Grammar School. In addition to acting as minister for the Brownington Congregational Church, he led worship services and delivered sermons in numerous other churches. In 1847, he relocated to Quebec where he taught briefly.  However, without his leadership the Orleans County Grammar School experienced declining enrollment. He was persuaded to return to Brownington where he resumed duties as both teacher and pastor. In 1855 Twilight suffered a stroke and retired. He died on June 19, 1857 and is buried along with his wife Mercy in the Brownington Church Cemetery.  

About the Old Stone House Museum

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Old Stone House Museum was established by the Orleans County Historical Society and has been operating as a museum since 1926.  It has now grown from one building to become an impressive historic site with seven restored buildings and three neighboring structures, all dating from the early 1800s. Dedicated to its mission to preserve, educate and inspire, the Old Stone House Museum annually attracts nearly 10,000 visitors from across the country and abroad.

Education has long been a cornerstone of activity in Brownington. The former granite dormitory is not the only historic building at the Museum to tell the story of progressive education and diversity. Twilight’s 1830 Federal style home houses his books and letters, along with letters from his students, in an archival vault. Further up the hill an 1831 Federal-style Hall House stands as a testament to Samuel Reed Hall, a recognized pioneer in progressive education. Hall founded America’s first teacher training college in 1823 in Concord, Vt, invented the chalkboard, and published the first teacher-training textbook in 1829.

Through unique educational programs that use select items from its permanent collection as teaching tools, the Old Stone House Museum embraces hands-on, experiential learning as a way of connecting individuals to a way of life that still has much to teach us. Notable past activities have included a barn raising with area vocational students and a tree trimming and replanting project that was incorporated into the 3rd grade science curriculum at the Brownington Elementary School. A thriving adult education program teaches such traditional crafts as blacksmithing, rug hooking, stone wall building, and tree pruning. Spring and Fall Field Days for area schools, as well as its summer “Time Travelers Day Camp” emphasizes hands-on craft activities, theatre, and the scientific exploration of the garden and grounds.

The Old Stone House Museum is located in the Brownington Historic District just off Hinman Settler’s Road in Vermont’s scenic Northeast Kingdom. The Museum is open May 15-October 15, 11-5 pm, Wednesday-Sunday  

For more information, call (802) 754-2022 or visit www.oldstonehousemuseum.org.