🌟 A Conversation About History, Art, and Community 🌟
BRATTLEBORO, VT – The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (BMAC), in partnership with the Rockingham Arts & Museum Project (RAMP), invites the public to a thought-provoking panel discussion about the past, present, and future of the Bellows Falls island. This engaging event will take place on Saturday, January 25, at 1:00 p.m. at the Bellows Falls Waypoint Center (17 Depot St., Bellows Falls, Vermont). Admission is free, but advance registration is required due to limited space.
🗓️ Register now: Visit brattleboromuseum.org or call 802-257-0124 x101.
What to Expect
Moderated by RAMP founder Robert McBride, the panel will feature a diverse group of experts and artists who will explore the historical, cultural, and artistic significance of the 30-acre island along the Connecticut River.
Panelists include:
- David Howell: Geologist
- Gail Golec: Archeologist
- Dan Scully: Architect and designer of the Bellows Falls Waypoint Center
- Charlie Hunter: Bellows Falls-based artist and curator
- Susan Mikula: Photographer and creator of the exhibit ISLAND
🎥 Before the event, attendees are encouraged to view a recording of Mikula and Hunter’s November talk at BMAC
The Inspiration: Mikula’s Exhibit
The panel discussion complements Susan Mikula’s exhibit, ISLAND, which is currently on view at BMAC through February 9, 2025. Using vintage Polaroid cameras and expired instant film, Mikula captured ethereal, ghost-like images of the island that evoke its layered history. Learn more about the exhibit here: ISLAND by Susan Mikula.
A Storied History
The Bellows Falls island has been a center of human activity for centuries:
- Indigenous Roots: A sacred site for ceremonies, gatherings, and burials.
- Industrial Transformation: Converted into an island in 1802 with the construction of the Bellows Falls Canal.
- Economic Hub: Home to railroads, paper mills, and armament manufacturers.
- Modern Connection: Now a historical waypoint and a focus of cultural preservation efforts.
“The Bellows Falls island is a place of transformation—both physically and culturally,” said BMAC Director Danny Lichtenfeld. “This panel offers a unique opportunity to learn about its multifaceted legacy.”
Event Highlights
- Insightful discussions from experts across disciplines.
- A chance to explore how art intersects with history and community identity.
- Held in the Waypoint Center, designed by panelist Dan Scully, offering a direct connection to the event’s theme.
Don’t Miss This Unique Event!
📅 Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
🕐 Time: 1:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Bellows Falls Waypoint Center, 17 Depot St., Bellows Falls, VT
🎟️ Free Admission: Registration required at brattleboromuseum.org
About the Bellows Falls Waypoint Center
Built in 2003 as part of the Federal Highways Scenic Byway Program, the Waypoint Center serves as a gateway to the Connecticut River Valley’s history and beauty. Its location on the Bellows Falls Island provides an ideal setting for this important conversation.
About BMAC
Since 1972, the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center has been a cultural cornerstone in Vermont, showcasing rotating exhibits, hosting artist talks, and fostering conversations that resonate locally and beyond. BMAC’s mission is supported by generous contributions from organizations like the Vermont Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and regional businesses. For more information, visit brattleboromuseum.org or contact 802-257-0124 x101.
