BROWNINGTON — The Old Stone House Museum and Historic Village will celebrate its upcoming 100th anniversary on Sunday, August 17, during Old Stone House Day while launching a new fundraising campaign to protect children’s enrichment programs.
The celebration takes place at 109 Old Stone House Road from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a museum open house, farm relay races at noon, live music, a craft market, lunch, children’s activities, corn and coffee roasting, and a pie auction. Admission is $15 per car, free for members.
The museum is launching “$100 for 100,” a grassroots fundraising initiative to raise funds for signature programs including Time Traveler’s Camp, Kids’ Fridays, and other hands-on learning experiences for children and adults now at risk due to declining federal and state funding.
The funding crisis affects institutions nationwide. According to the Afterschool Alliance, nearly 60 percent of public school districts report cuts to enrichment programs due to shifting federal and state funding priorities. In rural areas like Orleans County, where over 57 percent of students participate in free and reduced-price school meal programs, these programs provide vital educational access.
The Old Stone House Museum’s programming helps children understand their rural roots and connection to Vermont’s history and larger national narratives.
Funds raised through “$100 for 100” will support summer enrichment camps for local children with scholarships for underserved families, free access to public history, school field trips and homeschool enrichment programming, culturally inclusive storytelling, and mentoring programs.
Community members, businesses and foundations are encouraged to join the campaign by giving a symbolic $100 gift or any meaningful amount to support these programs for future generations.
