February 2023

Bennington Museum Monthly

The Museum may have been closed during January, but we have been busy delivering donations, cataloguing newspapers, sorting through archival materials, and installing new light fixtures! More housekeeping is in order for February as we get ready to install the new exhibits for when we re-open in April.

Meanwhile, we have a nice slate of events coming up for your education and entertainment, as well as updates on a few Museum grants. Read on to see what frigid February has in store at YOUR museum!

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, 2/8

6pm - 7pm

H.T. Cushman and the Cushman Manufacturing Company

This online webinar will give an overview of the life of Henry Cushman and the North Bennington Company he founded that became famous for the production of furniture between 1886 and 1964.

Bennington Museum Members: $12

Not-Yet-Members: $15

Thursday, 2/16

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Museum ABCs: Clay Play

Before Tupperware and Mason Jars, people used pottery made from clay to store foods and to make all sorts of other things. Explore the Bennington Pottery Gallery with us to discover the many things made with clay. Plan to get your hands dirty as we use stoneware clay to make simple pots to bring home.



A Free Event

Wednesday, 2/22

1pm - 4pm

February Break Fun:

Know-It-All

You might already know that the state tree is the sugar maple, but can you name the state amphibian or obey the apple pie law? Do you know where to find the spider web farm? You’ll know all this and more as we explore Vermont through activities, stories, and games. Snack today: Apple pie the Vermont way!



Bennington Museum Members: $18

Not-Yet-Members: $25

Thursday, 2/23

1pm - 4pm

February Break Fun:

Picture This!

The first public showing of a motion picture was in 1896, but people were having fun with images for long before that. This workshop will take us from stationary (but still changeable) portraits to moving pictures with lots of fun picture-making activities along the way.



Bennington Museum Members: $18

Not-Yet-Members: $25

Friday, 2/24

1pm - 4pm

February Break Fun:

Art Buffet - Portraits

Are you hungry for some art? Find inspiration in the galleries, then come over to the Art Buffet where you’ll find a variety of materials to satisfy your appetite. Try one of the suggested activities or go free style.

Bennington Museum Members: $18

Not-Yet-Members: $25

Recently Awarded Grants

CREATIVE FUTURES



We are pleased to announce that the Vermont Arts Council has awarded Bennington Museum a Creative Futures grant of $95,000. The allocation of $9 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Vermont Arts Council has supported grants to creative sector entities that have sustained economic harm due to the pandemic. These funds are a lifeline for Bennington Museum and will allow us to continue to bring great programs and events to our community in the coming year.

Monument Elementary 5th graders, taking on their new responsibility of taking care of Margaret Bowen's Stopping Stone (a 2022 community history installation project)

CONCERTS IN THE COURTYARD

Bennington Museum has also recently been awarded an anonymous grant of $9,000 to support the community Concerts in the Courtyard series once more this summer. Last year, over 1,000 people attended these free Friday musical events, enjoying family activities and food by the Avocado Pit. This grant will allow us to cover our operating expenses and pay 15 regional musical groups for their services. Musician applications will open in March on our website.