2021 Swanton Historical Society
Annual Report of the President and the Trustees

Winter:  The Swanton Historical Society erred on the side of safety and did not provide any programming during the winter months.  The board met virtually and most of the energy focused on maintaining the properties and artifacts we already have. 

Spring:  Despite Covid-19 the Historical Society Depot and Museum was able to open its doors in late Spring.  Board members were extra careful with the cleaning effort, and we were happy to dust off everything for the public.  Contact tracing procedures were observed and signs asking people to respect social distancing were hung in the buildings.  By May, our ever faithful volunteers, Bill Lunna and Terry Tuck, were staffing the building.We noticed an energetic increase in the use of the walking bridge and our property. 

Summer: Even with the pandemic, the Depot enjoyed one of its busiest seasons.  We noted early on that community members and visitors were looking for opportunities to get outside. People traveled various distances on the rail trail and our buildings became a popular destination point.  Patrons were very respectful of the safety regulations and they were curious about what we provide. We hosted a few summer school groups for the first time in over a year.

Fall: The Depot remained open through most of the warmer months, and we closed up for the season in October.  While our volunteers were still on the property, we continued to note that the walking bridge was a popular destination spot. The Depot and Museum saw a significant increase in traffic.  School groups from the Abenaki and Local History Class at MVU also visited.  We look forward to a time when we can offer programming that is open to the public once again.

Bill Lunna, who had volunteered for so many years at the Depot, passed away in late 2021. Bill was recently elected to the Historical Society Board and we were looking forward to enjoying Swanton’s history with him. He donated a lot of time, and he will be missed. 

The Historical Society Board has continued its regular monthly meetings, some in person, some online.

Officers:
President, Jason Barney
Vice-President & Treasurer, Glen Gurwit
Secretary & Trustee, Don Lefebvre

Trustees:
Jahnessa Ryea (1^st Term, ending in 2024)
Nick Brosseau (1^st Term, ending in 2024)
Kayleigh Oldham (1^st Term, ending in 2024)
Mike Barkyoumb (1^st Term, ending 2024)
Robert Spainhour (1^st Term, ending in 2022)
Bruce Spaulding (2^nd Term, ending in 2023)
Don Lefebvre (2^nd Term, ending in 2023)
Rich Kelley (3^rd Term, ending in 2022)
Robert Bettis (Member at Large)
Ron Kilburn (Lifetime Trustee)

Curator/Membership Chair: Open

We would like to thank Frances Hopkins for all of the hard work she has put into the Historical Society over the years. She has volunteered selflessly and her work has been first rate. Fran’s dedication will be missed.

We would also like to thank Susan Collins and Elisabeth Nance for their work as Trustees. They helped us out quite a bit and were dedicated members.

Community Resources:  The Ron F. Kilburn Museum hosts the Railroad Depot, the Champlain Bridge Toll House, and the popular Walking Bridge across the Missisquoi River. It is located at 58 South River St. To request information about Swanton’s history, please contact 1-802-370-4883 (Jason Barney) or 868-3892 (Ron Kilburn). The Society also maintains a research facility and museum in the lower level of the Swanton Public Library. Our facilities are fully accessible, and open to the public by appointment. Visit our website at www.swantonhistoricalsociety.org

Swanton is a unique place.  It has a long history full of traditions from multiple cultures. We have much to share and learn from each other.  We welcome interested individuals to join our Society and help us preserve and appreciate this town’s amazing heritage. I am proud of this area, and love the unique history of the region. I am honored to be a part of the Historical Society.  We try to serve the community well and keep history alive.

Jason Barney
President