The May 26th opening of a new exhibit, Made of Slate: 150 Years of Form and Function, leads the Museum's 2001 Special Events series that will also feature tours, lectures, concerts and classes. By comparing historic and contemporary examples, the exhibit chronicles architectural, structural, industrial and decorative applications of slate from the mid-1800's to the present.

The Museum's ever-popular slate tours are scheduled on June 28 and August 11. Fourth generation slate maker Peter Tatko leads the June tour of a working quarry and modern mill. In collaboration with the Fair Haven Historical Society, the August "walk & ride" slate day-tour begins in Fair Haven with an architectural walking tour and drive to the first slate quarry in Western Vermont opened on Scotch Hill in 1839. In the afternoon, the caravan continues to the museum in Granville where third generation slate maker Paul Labas will discuss historic quarrying methods and demonstrate splitting and trimming roofing slate. (August 11 is also the date for the "Great Museums' Duck Race.")

The season's lectures include Religion in the Lives of Italians and Italian Americans on July 21, and New Deal Art on September 8. The Italian lecture, presented by Adelphi University professor Salvatore Primeggia, will focus on

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Board Planning 2

Wish List 2

Education Expands 3

Calendar 4

Volunteer Orientation 4

Annual Meeting 4

VT History Expo 4

This spring the Museum breaks ground for a new 1,000 square foot wing to house a 24'x 24' education/program room, a 10'x 24' collection storage area and an office. Part of the original design for the Museum, the north wing completes the Museum's five-year building plan geared to accommodate an emerging education program and a growing collection. The initial phase of construction has been funded by private donations and grant support from the Leo Cox Beach Foundation.

The need for education space has become critical as program size and frequency has increased. School and adult classes often include 25-50 participants while the Museum's public Special Events draw between 100-350 visitors

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Mrs. James D. North
San Francisco, CA
JKL Slate Company
Wells, VT
Jenkins Slate Roofing Services
Grove City, PA
TUFS Rod & Bit, Inc.
Wells, VT

Thanks to all our members, especially those who have renewed since the Museum began five years ago. Please invite others to join us!