The Forgotten Half of History: Why Vermont’s Free Admission Day Matters More Than You Think
Personally, I think there’s something profoundly symbolic about Vermont offering free admission to its historical sites on Bennington Battle Day. On the surface, it’s a gesture to commemorate the 249th anniversary of a pivotal Revolutionary War battle. But if you take a step back and think about it, it’s also a subtle reminder of how history is often told—and who gets left out. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum in Burlington used the occasion to spotlight Fanny Allen, Ethan Allen’s wife. It’s a detail that I find especially interesting because it challenges the traditional narrative that history is made solely by men.
The Unseen Labor of Women in History
One thing that immediately stands out is Angie Grove’s observation that women like Fanny Allen often took on their husbands’ roles, spoke for them, and even did their work—yet the historical record rarely gives them credit. From my perspective, this isn’t just about correcting the past; it’s about reshaping how we understand history itself. What many people don’t realize is that the erasure of women’s contributions isn’t accidental—it’s systemic. By dedicating events to Fanny Allen’s kitchen and garden life, the museum isn’t just celebrating her; it’s highlighting the domestic labor that has historically been undervalued. This raises a deeper question: How many other Fannys have been written out of the stories we tell ourselves about the past?
Free Admission as a Tool for Reclamation
What this really suggests is that free admission isn’t just about saving visitors a few dollars—it’s about accessibility to a more inclusive version of history. The museum’s decision to offer free entry one day a month to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary is, in my opinion, a brilliant strategy. It’s not just about marking a milestone; it’s about inviting people to engage with the past in a way that feels relevant and personal. For instance, the next free day in September will focus on historical archaeology. This isn’t just a random choice—it’s a way to show how history is still being unearthed, both literally and metaphorically.
The Broader Implications: Whose History Are We Preserving?
If you take a step back and think about it, Vermont’s approach is part of a larger trend in historical preservation. Across the country, there’s a growing recognition that traditional narratives are incomplete. Personally, I think this is long overdue. History isn’t just about battles and treaties; it’s about the people who lived through them, regardless of gender, race, or class. What makes Vermont’s initiative stand out is its intentionality—it’s not just opening doors; it’s inviting us to question what we’ve been taught.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Future
In my opinion, the most exciting aspect of this is its potential to inspire other institutions. If a small museum in Burlington can reframe how we think about history, imagine what could happen if this approach scaled up. What this really suggests is that history isn’t static—it’s a living, evolving narrative that we all have a role in shaping. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, initiatives like these remind us that the past isn’t just something to commemorate; it’s something to actively engage with, question, and reclaim.
Final Thoughts
What makes Vermont’s free admission day so compelling isn’t just the cost savings—it’s the opportunity it presents to rethink history. From my perspective, this is about more than just Fanny Allen or the Bennington Battle; it’s about acknowledging the countless individuals whose stories have been overlooked. Personally, I think this is a step toward a more honest, inclusive, and dynamic understanding of the past. And if that’s not worth celebrating, I don’t know what is.
