Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier

FAIN: BH-267178-19

Vermont Archaeological Society, Inc. (Burlington, VT 05402-0663)
Angela Marie Labrador (Project Director: February 2019 to October 2022)
Jason Barney (Co Project Director: August 2019 to October 2022)

Two one-week Landmarks workshops for 72 K-12 school teachers on the American Revolution in Vermont.

The Vermont Archaeological Society, in partnership with two museums and the Vermont State Historic Sites Program, proposes to offer a new Landmarks of American History and Culture Workshop entitled, “Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier.” The workshop will feature a program of place-based and participatory learning activities related to the events of the American Revolution at seven historic sites in Vermont’s Champlain Valley, including sessions held on Lake Champlain in a replica of the 1776 USS Philadelphia. The workshop will target educators who teach history and social studies at the 6-12 grade levels, as well as those who co-teach with social studies colleagues or wish to incorporate historic place-based education to engage students in their subject matter in new ways. In sum, the workshop will demonstrate methods of how to teach students about history and how to teach with historic sites to meet learning outcomes across the curriculum.

Associated Products

Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier
Author: Angela M. Labrador
Author: Jason Barney
Abstract: This remote, online workshop will feature an integrated program of place-based and participatory learning activities related to the events and personalities of the American Revolution at seven partnering historic sites in Vermont’s Champlain Valley. Participants will “virtually” follow a route, on land and water, from a yeoman Vermonter’s 18th century homestead to war, and back again. Along the way, they will encounter the landscapes, artifacts, sites, and primary sources that allow students to engage with the multiple stories and competing worldviews of frontier Vermont—and to relate them to the persisting tensions between rural and urban communities across contemporary America. Using the backdrop of the area’s Revolutionary War Sites, teachers from a range of disciplines and grade levels (although focused primarily on grades 6-12) will delve deeply into place-based education. This workshop will use interactive, web-based technology to enable participants to immerse themselves in the sites and material culture of Revolutionary Vermont. From the life-sized replica of Benedict Arnold’s USS Philadelphia gunboat to the nation’s best-preserved Revolutionary War archaeological site at Mount Independence, teachers will learn firsthand the potential of place-based education at historic sites: to provide personally resonant experiences that serve as a foundation for understanding contemporary issues of regional, national, or global importance. Additionally, participants will discover practical assignments and lesson plans for use in their own classrooms. During the week, participants will use the Vermont historic sites and characters as a lens, looking back at their own schools and home areas to find the undiscovered gems in their own local histories.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://vtarchaeology.org/wp-content/uploads/FinalSyllabus_2021-1.pdf
Primary URL Description: Link to the Syllabus
Audience: K - 12

A Civil War in the Colonies: Remember Baker, John Munro, and the Incident at the Arlington Gristmill (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: A Civil War in the Colonies: Remember Baker, John Munro, and the Incident at the Arlington Gristmill
Writer: Daniel O'Neil
Director: Daniel O'Neil
Producer: Daniel O'Neil
Producer: Ethan Allen Homestead Museum
Producer: Vermont Archaeological Society
Abstract: We often teach the American Revolution as a war of independence from the British Empire. But as we look closer at the events that unfolded in the New Hampshire grants, a different picture may emerge. Watch this presentation (15:20 mins, with captions) by Dan O'Neil (project faculty member and Executive Director of the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum), which posits that what was really happening here could be considered a civil war.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://youtu.be/3wPnqN372JE
Primary URL Description: Link to video
Access Model: Open access
Format: Digital File
Format: Web

Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier Canvas Course Shell (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier Canvas Course Shell
Author: Angela M. Labrador
Author: Jason Barney
Abstract: This is the online "course shell" used during the July 2021 NEH Landmarks of American History and Culture workshop, “Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier." The course was hosted using the Canvas Learning Management System. It features 40 hours of content: 20 hours delivered asynchronously (via Canvas) and 20 hours delivered synchronously (via Zoom). This remote, online course features an integrated program of place-based and participatory learning activities related to the events and personalities of the American Revolution at seven partnering historic sites in Vermont’s Champlain Valley. Please note that access to the course shell is limited to those who attended or taught the workshop at this time.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://canvas.instructure.com/courses/3802256
Primary URL Description: Link to the Course Shell
Audience: K - 12

Practical Patriots (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Practical Patriots
Writer: Susan Ouellette
Director: Daniel O'Neil
Producer: Daniel O'Neil
Producer: Ethan Allen Homestead Museum
Producer: Vermont Archaeological Society
Abstract: Many of our popular notions of the motives of the American revolutionaries have been mythologized by films, books, media, and political discourse. The popular image of a plucky American rebel who fought for freedom against a tyrannical king is a celebrated one. The reality was very different. Often practicality, economics, or even proximity to a particular army could determine which side was supported or could cause loyalties to change. This presentation (22:27 mins) features historian Dr. Susan Ouellette, who explores these complexities and introduces us to one such "practical patriot." This video was created as part of the National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks of American History and Culture Grant, “Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier," coordinated by the Vermont Archaeological Society and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://youtu.be/upg69DXikVo
Primary URL Description: Link to video
Format: Digital File
Format: Web

9000 Years under the Bridge Part One: Precontact (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: 9000 Years under the Bridge Part One: Precontact
Writer: Jess Robinson
Writer: Elsa Gilbertson
Writer: Daniel O'Neil
Writer: Jason Barney
Director: Daniel O'Neil
Producer: Daniel O'Neil
Producer: Vermont Archaeological Society
Abstract: Let's visit the Narrows of Lake Champlain where Chimney Point and Crown Point can be found. We'll join Vermont State Archaeologist Jess Robinson as he discusses the Native American occupation of this site. Filmed on location at Chimney Point State Historic Site. This video was created as part of the National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks of American History and Culture Grant, “Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier," coordinated by the Vermont Archaeological Society and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://youtu.be/XfXKSbo51Vs
Primary URL Description: Link to video
Access Model: Open access
Format: Digital File
Format: Web

9000 Years under the Bridge Part Two: New France (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: 9000 Years under the Bridge Part Two: New France
Writer: Elsa Gilbertson
Writer: Daniel O'Neil
Director: Daniel O'Neil
Producer: Daniel O'Neil
Producer: Vermont Archaeological Society
Abstract: Let's continue our time travel at Chimney Point with Elsa Gilbertson (project faculty member and Regional Sites Administrator for the State of Vermont Division for Historic Preservation) as she shares some of the highlights from the museum related to the French occupation of this site. Filmed on location at Chimney Point State Historic Site. This video was created as part of the National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks of American History and Culture Grant, “Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier," coordinated by the Vermont Archaeological Society and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://youtu.be/2i3PdC1IDtE
Primary URL Description: Link to video
Access Model: open access
Format: Digital File
Format: Web

9000 Years under the Bridge Part Three: English and Vermonters (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: 9000 Years under the Bridge Part Three: English and Vermonters
Writer: Elsa Gilbertson
Writer: Daniel O'Neil
Director: Daniel O'Neil
Producer: Daniel O'Neil
Producer: Vermont Archaeological Society
Abstract: Leading up to the Revolutionary War, Chimney Point and Crown Point remained focal points of settlement and political control in the Champlain Valley. Let's finish our time travel with Elsa Gilbertson as she covers the 18th - 20th centuries of the history at this strategic location. Filmed on location at Chimney Point State Historic Site. This video was created as part of the National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks of American History and Culture Grant, “Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier," coordinated by the Vermont Archaeological Society and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://youtu.be/ECjpwBwWkMA
Primary URL Description: Link to video
Access Model: open access
Format: Digital File
Format: Web

Hike on the Mount, Mount Independence, May 7, 2021 (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Hike on the Mount, Mount Independence, May 7, 2021
Writer: Ennis Duling
Director: Ennis Duling
Director: Alec Duling
Producer: Alec Duling
Producer: Vermont Archaeological Society
Abstract: Mount Independence, a peninsula that juts out into Lake Champlain to the east of Fort Ticonderoga, was the site of a critical military installation during the American Revolution. At the height of its occupation by the rebel forces in the fall of 1776, the Mount was the second largest "city" in New England. The peninsula boasted fortifications, batteries, blockhouses, encampments, storehouses, workshops, barracks, a large general hospital, a floating bridge, a wharf, and even a giant crane. Following the war, the site quietly reforested, and today is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites from the Revolutionary War in the country. In this short video, join our guest lecturer, historian Ennis Duling, for a virtual hike across the entire landform of Mount Independence. Filmed on location at the Mount Independence State Historic Site, May 7, 2021. This video was created as part of the National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks of American History and Culture Grant, “Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier," coordinated by the Vermont Archaeological Society and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://youtu.be/pHJGL3evkjg
Primary URL Description: Link to video
Access Model: open access
Format: Digital File
Format: Web

Picturing the Mount Part One: Artwork and Maps (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Picturing the Mount Part One: Artwork and Maps
Writer: Ennis Duling
Director: Ennis Duling
Producer: Ennis Duling
Producer: Vermont Archaeological Society
Abstract: Let's join historian Ennis Duling as we explore how the Mount has been depicted in artwork and maps over time. In this presentation, Ennis will survey a number of primary and secondary documents that illustrate the landform now known as Mount Independence. This video was created as part of the National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks of American History and Culture Grant, “Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier," coordinated by the Vermont Archaeological Society and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://youtu.be/qSZ4ZrRZWkc
Primary URL Description: Link to video
Access Model: open access
Format: Digital File
Format: Web

Picturing the Mount Part Two: Who They Were and How They Lived (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Picturing the Mount Part Two: Who They Were and How They Lived
Writer: Ennis Duling
Director: Ennis Duling
Producer: Ennis Duling
Producer: Vermont Archaeological Society
Abstract: Let's turn to the people who were part of Mount Independence's history. In this presentation, we join historian Ennis Duling as he takes us on an illustrated journey back in time to meet some of these historic characters including the famous, the infamous, and the lesser known. This video was created as part of the National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks of American History and Culture Grant, “Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier," coordinated by the Vermont Archaeological Society and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://youtu.be/lfTU3miGr58
Primary URL Description: Link to video
Access Model: open access
Format: Digital File
Format: Web

Picturing Mount Independence Part Three: 1777 (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Picturing Mount Independence Part Three: 1777
Writer: Ennis Duling
Director: Ennis Duling
Producer: Ennis Duling
Producer: Vermont Archaeological Society
Abstract: Let's join historian Ennis Duling for a final presentation in which he places the historic characters on the landscape and sets the wheels of time in motion beginning in October 1776. What were these people thinking? What was life like that winter? And how did this impact military strategy of both the Continentals and British after the thaw in 1777? This video was created as part of the National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks of American History and Culture Grant, “Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier," coordinated by the Vermont Archaeological Society and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://youtu.be/GFb8sxoJoRo
Primary URL Description: Link to video
Access Model: open access
Format: Digital File
Format: Web

Thinking Like an Archaeologist Part One (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Thinking Like an Archaeologist Part One
Writer: Angela Labrador
Director: Angela Labrador
Producer: Angela Labrador
Producer: Vermont Archaeological Society
Abstract: How do you define archaeology? What comes to mind when you think of an archaeologist? Let's join archaeologist and Co-Director Angela Labrador as she shares her definition and some of the common misconceptions that people may have about archaeologists. This video was created as part of the National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks of American History and Culture Grant, “Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier," coordinated by the Vermont Archaeological Society and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://youtu.be/Jt7b2MeoZGo
Primary URL Description: Link to video on Youtube
Secondary URL: https://pro.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?tid=5959594f-05b2-4abe-beb2-ad420149c35d
Secondary URL Description: Link to video on Panopto
Access Model: open access
Format: Digital File
Format: Web

Thinking Like an Archaeologist Part Two: Research Design (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Thinking Like an Archaeologist Part Two: Research Design
Writer: Angela Labrador
Director: Angela Labrador
Producer: Angela Labrador
Producer: Vermont Archaeological Society
Abstract: Now that we have identified some possible research questions, let's join archaeologist Angela Labrador as we move on to step 2 in archaeological inquiry: figuring out how we're going to conduct our archaeological research to answer our question. This video was created as part of the National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks of American History and Culture Grant, “Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier," coordinated by the Vermont Archaeological Society and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://youtu.be/bIwJ8wKAd6Y
Primary URL Description: Link to video on Youtube
Secondary URL: https://pro.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?tid=cbc2582e-195b-4510-8c96-ad4300f23306
Secondary URL Description: Link to video on Panopto
Access Model: open access
Format: Digital File
Format: Web

Thinking Like an Archaeologist Part Three: Fieldwork (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Thinking Like an Archaeologist Part Three: Fieldwork
Writer: Angela Labrador
Director: Angela Labrador
Producer: Angela Labrador
Producer: Vermont Archaeological Society
Abstract: Now that we have a plan, it's time to hit the field! Join archaeologist Angela Labrador as we learn how archaeologists conduct fieldwork and analyze artifacts in preparation for our virtual dig of Mount Independence. Please note that the virtual dig tool is available for free to educators, students, and other interested members of the public. Please contact the VAS for access: info@vtarchaeology.org. This video was created as part of the National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks of American History and Culture Grant, “Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier," coordinated by the Vermont Archaeological Society and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://youtu.be/LXS3BB6KVAg
Primary URL Description: Link to video on Youtube
Secondary URL: https://pro.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?tid=ff2bbb5d-8eca-417c-86f1-ad46013141dc
Secondary URL Description: Link to video on Panopto
Access Model: open access
Format: Digital File
Format: Web

Virtual Excavation of Mount Independence (Game/Simulation)
Title: Virtual Excavation of Mount Independence
Author: Angela Labrador
Abstract: This virtual excavation simulates an archaeological investigation of Mount Independence, Vermont. It is based on real fieldwork conducted on the site. This virtual excavation platform is meant to be used as an educational tool along with the three video series, "Thinking like an Archaeologist" and an artifact catalog template spreadsheet. Participants are assigned to one of four excavation teams, identified by four different colored icons. Each three-person team "excavates" 9 test units total (3 test units each) and records their finds in their artifact catalog. The experience concludes with a guided facilitation in which the team members compare notes, identify patterns and anomalies in their catalogs, and prepare a short presentation on their findings with regard to their research questions. After each team presents their findings, the facilitator shares with the teams the interpretations made by professional archaeologists. 360 degree photos were taken on location by Peregrine Productions
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://www.thinglink.com/card/1459937806599061505
Primary URL Description: Link to excavation on ThingLink
Access Model: public link available by invitation
Programming Language/Platform: ThingLink
Source Available?: No

Hubbardton Battlefield Drone Footage (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Hubbardton Battlefield Drone Footage
Writer: Angela Labrador
Director: Angela Labrador
Director: Jason Barney
Director: Northern Vermont Aerial Photography
Producer: Angela Labrador
Producer: Vermont Archaeological Society
Abstract: Experience Hubbardton Battlefield by air. These drone flyovers give you a landscape-scale perspective of various features of strategic importance to the battle. Learn more about this State Historic Site and how to visit at https://historicsites.vermont.gov/hubbardton-battlefield This video was created as part of the National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks of American History and Culture Grant, “Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier," coordinated by the Vermont Archaeological Society and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://youtu.be/o6mfIiUaEr0
Primary URL Description: Link to video
Access Model: open access
Format: Digital File
Format: Web

The Homestead after Ethan (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: The Homestead after Ethan
Writer: Daniel O'Neil
Director: Daniel O'Neil
Producer: Daniel O'Neil
Producer: Ethan Allen Homestead Museum
Producer: Vermont Archaeological Society
Abstract: What was life like for women living in early Vermont? How did coverture play out in the early republic known for its revolutionary zeal? Let us return to the Ethan Allen household. On February 12, 1789, Ethan Allen dies. Amid the sorrow and mourning, the legal process of probate begins, and in the Allen household, this process was complicated by the fact that Ethan died intestate, or without a will. This throws the legal status and rights of the newly widowed Fanny Allen into question. What would Fanny inherit? What could she claim to be rightfully hers? How these questions were resolved sheds light on the legal and social experiences of women in late 18th and early 19th century Vermont. This video was created as part of the National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks of American History and Culture Grant, “Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier," coordinated by the Vermont Archaeological Society and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://youtu.be/uM-ePrgolsQ
Primary URL Description: Link to video
Access Model: open access
Format: Digital File
Format: Web

Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier (Web Resource)
Title: Freedom and Unity: The Struggle for Independence on the Vermont Frontier
Author: Angela Labrador
Abstract: Informational website developed for the Freedom and Unity Landmarks workshop.
Year: 2020
Primary URL: https://vtarchaeology.org/revsites/
Primary URL Description: Website link

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