Fish Stories is an innovative exhibit that tells the stories of a number of Lake Champlain’s eighty-one fish species – through a fish-eye lens. From the perspective of the fishes that we know and love—and some that are less known and less loved—explore the changing habitats of the lake from glacial lake to salt water sea to modern-day waterway linked to other lakes and rivers by man-made canals and challenged by changes in human land use. Listen as small fish tell you whether or not they’re minnows or a lake sturgeon teaches you about ancient piscine history. Fish Stories includes gorgeous paintings by local artists; recordings of “fishing stories” by seasoned Lake Champlain anglers; descriptions of Abenaki and Iroquois fishing practices; and hands-on examples of fishing equipment used over the centuries.
Maritime Machines introduces an expanding series of new interactive stations all around the museum that give visitors an opportunity to experience first-hand the ways that people have combined and refined simple machines—over the centuries—to make maritime tasks easier. In 2008 and 2009, LCMM will add 7-8 new interactive exhibits each year. 2008 exhibits will include the the working steam engine of the Steamboat Comet (built in 1893 on Lake Champlain’s Juniper Island), a Windlass (where visitors work together to move a heavy block of stone across the museum grounds), a set of working Bilge Pumps, a scale-model Waterwheel powering a miniature sawmill and grist mill, a series of Bosun’s Chairs where visitors lift themselves up, among others.
Lake Champlain Through the Lens
September 6—October 29
The many seasons and moods of Lake Champlain are beautifully reflected in this exhibit of outstanding work by professional and amateur photographers. Comments from the panel of judges illuminate the details. Come and cast your vote for the “People’s Choice Award.”
Want to get involved? Read our Call for Entries; then deliver your ready-to-hang photographs to the museum in August.
In Their Own Words from the VT Folklife Center
June 20—July 6
A special photographic exhibition on loan from the Vermont Folklife Center brings the perspective of some of the newest arrivals in the Champlain Valley. In Their Own Words: Stories from Refugees Settled in Vermont Communities is a collection of photographs and personal histories that offer a glimpse into the remarkable diversity of life experiences that these individuals bring to our community. Viewing the exhibit leaves no doubt that the values expressed in the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence reflect timeless human aspirations.
1609-Era Birch Bark Canoe Traveling Exhibit
Lake Champlain’s First Navigators is our newest exhibit - a 1609-era birch bark canoe and interpretive materials. Explore the history of the Lake's First Navigators - the Native Americans, and learn how this artful watercraft was constructed, then and now.
The birchbark canoe and interpretive panels
traveled to Shelburne Farms this summer.
This exhibit is now available as a traveling exhibit for organizations, schools, libraries, and events throughout the Champlain Basin. Materials available for loan include the canoe, interpretive panels, and a 20 minute DVD by filmmaker Lauren Aldrich, outlining the construction techniques and the canoe's launch. The First Navigators exhibit has traveled to the Westport Heritage Festival, the Burlington Maritime Festival, the Shelburne Farms Harvest Festival, and numerous regional conferences.
Make this incredible exhibit part of your community, school, or function, usually for under $300 (call to discuss details). For more information or to request the Lake Champlain’s First Navigators traveling exhibit, please contact LCMM Associate Director Jeff Meyers at (802) 475-2022.