Lindsay Varner, Executive Director, Rokeby Museum is our speaker today.
Dan opened the meeting at 7:30.
July 1 - CSH Rotary Club will occupy the Farmer’s market tent representing the club.
July 20 is the next CSH board meeting at 7:30.
July 26 - Sophie will be away so Chef Chris will prepare breakfast assisted by Charlie and Jim.
September 15 - Golf ball drop at 4:00 pm. QR code will be available this weekend.
Dan requested a Service Committee to work on a list of of possible service projects that we can reference and use for new and existing members. . Linda Gilbert, Linda Barker, Dave Micklas, Nancy Danforth, Carol Georges, Susan Grimes and Gary Marcotte will serve on this committee.
Denis introduced Dr Lindsay Varner from Rokeby Museum. Lindsay previously worked for the Cumberland Historical Society in Pennsylvania. She studied the Quaker religion and has worked within the Underground Railroad in other capacities.
The museum has ninety acres with a new museum and historical buildings. There is a network of trails that are open to the public.
History: Thomas and Jemima Robinson purchased the property from the Dakin family in the early 1800’s. Thomas purchased the first merino sheep in Vermont.
Their son Rowland and his wife Rachel Robinson were the second generation of owners and were the Abolitionists. He founded the Vermont Anti-Slavery Society and they were very connected to the national anti-slavery movement.
The third generation was Rowland and Anna Robinson. He was an artist and author who focused on conservation and nature. Lindsay indicated she saved everything and the collection is amazing, including fifteen thousand letters and sketchbooks, notes, etc.
Their daughter Rachel was also an artist. From 1914 to 1916, she painted postcards that are now at the Library of Congress. Their son Rowland, Rowlie, kept the. farm alive. Finally, Mary was also a gifted artist and created a plant identity book that was eventually published.
Ongoing projects: new building donated by PC Construction, climate controlled for collections.
“Lift Every Voice” exhibition of hooked rugs inspired by artist Elizabeth Catlett.
Activities: Pie and Ice Cream August 13. Various readings and other events.
Jim presented Lindsay with the book The Underground Railroad to the Charlotte Library that will be donated in her name.