Calendar

This new exhibit explores the dynamic life and memory of the last member of the Lincoln family to live at Hildene. In addition to seeing many of Peggy’s personal belongings, visitors will delight in a collection of oral histories gathered over the years featuring many entertaining and illuminating stories. For more information, contact Jesse Keel, Collections & Exhibits Manager at jesse@hildene.org

From 7:00 to 9:30am [note earlier start time] . At Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home. Free

The Bobolink is a grassland nesting bird. Listen to the Bobolink call. Its numbers have declined significantly due in part to hayfield mowing during its nesting period. To help protect these birds, Hildene participates in the Bobolink Project, a program that pays farmers to modify their mowing schedules so grassland nesting birds can successfully raise their young. Bobolinks can be heard and seen down in the songbird sanctuary in the dene.

Learn about the Bobolink Project

Appropriate for birders of all skill levels, the walks run along forest, meadow and wetland trails around the main house and/or the dene.  Free. For more information, contact stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960.

8:00 to 10:00am at Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, in Manchester, VT.  Free.

Join expert birders Claudia Burns and Warren Cairo for a gentle to moderate bird walk designed to help beginning birders have fun as they develop their birding skills. Rather than trying to identify as many birds as possible, the group will take a holistic approach, taking time to look at bird size and structure, habitat, and behavior. Suggested for ages 12 and up. Space limited; registration is required by May 26; $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Contact Stephanie at (802) 367-7960 or stephanie@hildene.org

Looking for a fun way to nurture your child’s appreciation for the natural world? Check out one of our Exploration Backpacks which contain all the essential tools for hands-on discovery. Suggested for ages 5 to 10, the adventure is intended to take between 1- 2 hours. Packs can be checked out from The Museum Store: $5 with admission. Questions? Pease contact Stephanie at (802) 367-7960 or stephanie@hildene.org.

Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:00am

ECO AmeriCorps member Rose West will guide participants on a different exploratory walk every week, focusing on in-the-field species identification of local flora and fauna and their ecological connections to our landscape. $5/person with admission;  Members free. Registration is strongly encouraged, but not required.  Contact stephanie@hildene.org or call (802) 367-7980 (Hildene.org). 

On Thursdays, 3:00 to 4:00 pm (June 15 - August 10)

Lambs

Drop in to a different corner of Hildene’s 412-acre estate for an informal, up-close visit with our knowledgeable staff. Gain insights on a variety of topics, from flower and vegetable gardening, to livestock care and rotational grazing practices. Free with admission and to members. No registration required. The program starts at 3 p.m. If you are at the Welcome Center at 2:30, we will take you to wherever the program is that week. Questions: contact Stephanie@hildene.org or call (802) 367-7960.

Weekly Schedule: June 15: Lambs • June 22: Edible Plant Trail • June 29:  Perennial Gardens  • July 6:  Woody Plant Nursery  • July 13:  BBA Garden Tour • July 20:  Lincoln Hall Update • July 27:  Flower Picking & Arranging • August 3: Backyard Pruning • August 10: The Giving Garden

Saturday, 7:00 to 9:00am. At Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home. Free

Many birds are cavity nesters. Some make their own holes in trees, some use natural holes, and some take advantage of nest boxes. At Hildene, there are nest boxes in the apple orchard that attract Bluebirds, House Wrens and Tree Swallows—to say nothing of a mouse or two in the winter. In the dene, there is a box for Kestrels on the south end of the barn. In the wetland north of the observation platform on Tom’s Trail is a larger box for ducks—perhaps Wood Ducks or Hooded Mergansers. Nest boxes provide easy viewing opportunities to monitor specie activities. 

Appropriate for birders of all skill levels, the walks run along forest, meadow and wetland trails around the main house and/or the dene.  Free. For more information, contact stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960.

Saturday (1-2:30pm) and Monday (11-12:30pm)     

Love butterflies? Join butterfly and moth enthusiast Terri Armata on a walkabout at Hildene to look for Canadian Tiger Swallowtails, Hobomoks and Peck’s Skippers. Learn how to use eButterfly to identify butterflies and to enter observations and checklists. Terri has watched, photographed and surveyed areas for butterflies for 22 years. A contributor to the first Vermont Butterfly Atlas, she is on the steering committee for the ongoing Second Vermont Butterfly Atlas. Space is limited and registration is required.  $15 for members/$20 for non-members. (Rain date: June 24)  Contact stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960 (Hildene.org). 

Saturday, 9:00 to 10:30am.

Hildene Farm goat dairy manager, Misty Hosley, will lead a workshop at the dairy for people considering raising goats. She will cover the basics of shelter, nutrition & feeding, healthcare and maintenance; $15 for members/$20 for non-members; limited to 14 participants. Preregistration is required by Thursday, June 15.  Contact stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960

On Thursdays, 3:00 to 4:00 pm (June 15 - August 10)

Edible Plant Trail

Drop in to a different corner of Hildene’s 412-acre estate for an informal, up-close visit with our knowledgeable staff. Gain insights on a variety of topics, from flower and vegetable gardening, to livestock care and rotational grazing practices. Free with admission and to members.  No registration required.  The program starts at 3 p.m. If you are at the Welcome Center at 2:30, we will take you to wherever the program is that week.  Questions: contact Stephanie@hildene.org or call (802) 367-7960.

Weekly Schedule: June 15: Lambs • June 22: Edible Plant Trail • June 29:  Perennial Gardens  • July 6:  Woody Plant Nursery  • July 13:  BBA Garden Tour • July 20:  Lincoln Hall Update • July 27:  Flower Picking & Arranging • August 3: Backyard Pruning • August 10: The Giving Garden

Thursday, June 22, 10:00 to Noon.  (This program will be offered again on Saturday, August 5.)

Join artist Corry Buckwalter for a nature journaling workshop along Hildene’s beautiful, wooded trails to learn how to study and draw plants, small animals, birds, fungi and more. Students will use graphite pencils and watercolors. Beginners welcome. Suggested for ages 16 and up.  Space limited; registration required by Monday, June 19:  $25 for members, $30 for non-members.   Contact Stephanie at (802) 367-7960 or stephanie@hildene.org

Fridays and Saturdays, by appointment only

Choose Friday morning at the goat dairy or Saturday morning at the animal barn in the dene at Hildene Farm (9:30 to 11:00 am). Children ages 3 to 12 assist farm staff in chores routine, including feeding and grooming animals, pitching pens and cleaning feeders. Registration required at least 48 hours in advance. Family of 4: $25 (members)/$30 (non-members); $5 each additional person aged 3 and up.  Groups limited to no more than 5 children, all of whom must be accompanied by an adult. To register, contact stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960.

Friday, June 23, 10:00 to Noon (This program will be offered again on Sunday, August 6.)

Join artist Corry Buckwalter for a sketching workshop at Hildene Farm. Capture goats and other farm animals in quick sketches. Learn how to draw loosely for expressive and accurate results, while taking in the exuberance of life on the farm. Students will use graphite pencils. Beginners welcome. Suggested for ages 16 and up.  Space limited; registration required by Tuesday, June 20: $25 for members, $30 for non-members.   Contact Stephanie at (802) 367-7960 or stephanie@hildene.org

On Thursdays, 3:00 to 4:00 pm (June 15 - August 10)

Perennial Gardens 

Drop in to a different corner of Hildene’s 412-acre estate for an informal, up-close visit with our knowledgeable staff. Gain insights on a variety of topics, from flower and vegetable gardening, to livestock care and rotational grazing practices. Free with admission and to members. No registration required. The program starts at 3 p.m. If you are at the Welcome Center at 2:30, we will take you to wherever the program is that week. Questions: contact Stephanie@hildene.org or call (802) 367-7960.

Weekly Schedule: June 15: Lambs • June 22: Edible Plant Trail • June 29:  Perennial Gardens  • July 6:  Woody Plant Nursery  • July 13:  BBA Garden Tour • July 20:  Lincoln Hall Update • July 27:  Flower Picking & Arranging • August 3: Backyard Pruning • August 10: The Giving Garden

Tuesday, 12:00 - 1:00pm

Join collections and exhibits manager, Jesse Keel, on a virtual tour of HIldene’s exhibit, The American Ideal: President Lincoln and The Second Inaugural to take a closer look at the president’s efforts to heal a divided nation and an opportunity to reflect upon the relevance of his words for today. Registration required: $10 for members; $15 for non-members. Contact stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960. 

On Thursdays, 3:00 to 4:00 pm (June 15 - August 10)

Woody Plant Nursery

Drop in to a different corner of Hildene’s 412-acre estate for an informal, up-close visit with our knowledgeable staff. Gain insights on a variety of topics, from flower and vegetable gardening, to livestock care and rotational grazing practices. Free with admission and to members. No registration required. The program starts at 3 p.m. If you are at the Welcome Center at 2:30, we will take you to wherever the program is that week. Questions: contact Stephanie@hildene.org or call (802) 367-7960.

Weekly Schedule: June 15: Lambs • June 22: Edible Plant Trail • June 29:  Perennial Gardens  • July 6:  Woody Plant Nursery  • July 13:  BBA Garden Tour • July 20:  Lincoln Hall Update • July 27:  Flower Picking & Arranging • August 3: Backyard Pruning • August 10: The Giving Garden

On Thursdays, 3:00 to 4:00 pm (June 15 - August 10)

BBA Garden Tour

Drop in to a different corner of Hildene’s 412-acre estate for an informal, up-close visit with our knowledgeable staff. Gain insights on a variety of topics, from flower and vegetable gardening, to livestock care and rotational grazing practices. Free with admission and to members. No registration required. The program starts at 3 p.m. If you are at the Welcome Center at 2:30, we will take you to wherever the program is that week. Questions: contact Stephanie@hildene.org or call (802) 367-7960.

Weekly Schedule: June 15: Lambs • June 22: Edible Plant Trail • June 29:  Perennial Gardens  • July 6:  Woody Plant Nursery  • July 13:  BBA Garden Tour • July 20:  Lincoln Hall Update • July 27:  Flower Picking & Arranging • August 3: Backyard Pruning • August 10: The Giving Garden

Saturday, 7:00 to 9:00am. At Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home. Free

There are two distinctive clues to the presence of Yellow-bellied Woodpeckers in an area. In the early spring they often will use a metal surface to indulge in some territorial drumming. A tree with neatly organized rows of holes (or sapwells) also confirms the presence of this species. The holes are made to cause sap to drain from the tree which feeds the sapsucker and attracts other birds such as hummingbirds and insects. White stripes on either side of this bird’s black and white body (rather than a white line down the back) is one quick field mark to separate this woodpecker from others in the area. 

Appropriate for birders of all skill levels, the walks run along forest, meadow and wetland trails around the main house and/or the dene.  Free. For more information, contact stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960.

On Thursdays, 3:00 to 4:00 pm (June 15 - August 10)

Lincoln Hall Update

Drop in to a different corner of Hildene’s 412-acre estate for an informal, up-close visit with our knowledgeable staff. Gain insights on a variety of topics, from flower and vegetable gardening, to livestock care and rotational grazing practices. Free with admission and to members. No registration required. The program starts at 3 p.m. If you are at the Welcome Center at 2:30, we will take you to wherever the program is that week. Questions: contact Stephanie@hildene.org or call (802) 367-7960.

Weekly Schedule: June 15: Lambs • June 22: Edible Plant Trail • June 29:  Perennial Gardens  • July 6:  Woody Plant Nursery  • July 13:  BBA Garden Tour • July 20:  Lincoln Hall Update • July 27:  Flower Picking & Arranging • August 3: Backyard Pruning • August 10: The Giving Garden

On Thursdays, 3:00 to 4:00 pm (June 15 - August 10)

Flower Picking & Arranging

Drop in to a different corner of Hildene’s 412-acre estate for an informal, up-close visit with our knowledgeable staff. Gain insights on a variety of topics, from flower and vegetable gardening, to livestock care and rotational grazing practices. Free with admission and to members. No registration required. The program starts at 3 p.m. If you are at the Welcome Center at 2:30, we will take you to wherever the program is that week. Questions: contact Stephanie@hildene.org or call (802) 367-7960.

Weekly Schedule: June 15: Lambs • June 22: Edible Plant Trail • June 29:  Perennial Gardens  • July 6:  Woody Plant Nursery  • July 13:  BBA Garden Tour • July 20:  Lincoln Hall Update • July 27:  Flower Picking & Arranging • August 3: Backyard Pruning • August 10: The Giving Garden

On Thursdays, 3:00 to 4:00 pm (June 15 - August 10)

Backyard Pruning

Drop in to a different corner of Hildene’s 412-acre estate for an informal, up-close visit with our knowledgeable staff. Gain insights on a variety of topics, from flower and vegetable gardening, to livestock care and rotational grazing practices. Free with admission and to members.  No registration required.  The program starts at 3 p.m. If you are at the Welcome Center at 2:30, we will take you to wherever the program is that week.  Questions: contact Stephanie@hildene.org or call (802) 367-7960.

Weekly Schedule: June 15: Lambs • June 22: Edible Plant Trail • June 29:  Perennial Gardens  • July 6:  Woody Plant Nursery  • July 13:  BBA Garden Tour • July 20:  Lincoln Hall Update • July 27:  Flower Picking & Arranging • August 3: Backyard Pruning • August 10: The Giving Garden

Saturday, 1:00 to 3:00pm.

Join artist Corry Buckwalter for a nature journaling workshop along Hildene’s beautiful, wooded trails to learn how to study and draw plants, small animals, birds, fungi and more. Students will use graphite pencils and watercolors. Beginners welcome. Suggested for ages 16 and up. Space limited; registration required by Wednesday, August 2: $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Contact Stephanie at (802) 367-7960 or stephanie@hildene.org 

Sunday, 1:00 to 3:00pm

Join artist Corry Buckwalter for a sketching workshop at Hildene Farm. Capture goats and other farm animals in quick sketches. Learn how to draw loosely for expressive and accurate results, while taking in the exuberance of life on the farm. Students will use graphite pencils. Beginners welcome. Suggested for ages 16 and up.  Space limited; registration required by Thursday, August 3: $25 for members, $30 for non-members.   Contact Stephanie at (802) 367-7960 or stephanie@hildene.org

On Thursdays, 3:00 to 4:00 pm (June 15 - August 10)

The Giving Garden

Drop in to a different corner of Hildene’s 412-acre estate for an informal, up-close visit with our knowledgeable staff. Gain insights on a variety of topics, from flower and vegetable gardening, to livestock care and rotational grazing practices. Free with admission and to members.  No registration required.  The program starts at 3 p.m. If you are at the Welcome Center at 2:30, we will take you to wherever the program is that week.  Questions: contact Stephanie@hildene.org or call (802) 367-7960.

Weekly Schedule: June 15: Lambs • June 22: Edible Plant Trail • June 29:  Perennial Gardens  • July 6:  Woody Plant Nursery  • July 13:  BBA Garden Tour • July 20:  Lincoln Hall Update • July 27:  Flower Picking & Arranging • August 3: Backyard Pruning • August 10: The Giving Garden

Saturday, 7:00 to 9:00am. At Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home. Free

Scarlet Tanager. To see this scarlet bird with black wings and tail is a memorable sighting! While common in the north and eastern North America, it is a bird of the forest more often heard than seen. Hear their song which is often described as a robin with a sore throat. 

Unlike the male, the female Scarlet Tanager is olive green with dark wings—a plumage the male wears for its winter attire. Tanagers winter in northeastern South America as far south as Bolivia.

Listen to the Scarlet Tanager sing!

Appropriate for birders of all skill levels, the walks run along forest, meadow and wetland trails around the main house and/or the dene.  Free. For more information, contact stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960.

Sundays, 1:00-3:00pm, reservation required 

Join farm manager-educators Ann and Kim for a wagon ride exploration of Hildene Farm. Learn about diverse natural and cultivated ecosystems and sustainable farming. Swing by the greenhouse, hayfields, orchard, wetland overlook, compost facility, apiary, animal barn (including alpaca, Randall cattle, pigs, sheep, rabbits and chickens), and vegetable and flower gardens. Preregistration required at least 48 hours in advance.  $60 for a family/group (up to 4 people); $10 for each additional member, up to 10 maximum (12, if mostly children).  Contact stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960

Wednesday, 7:00 to 8:30pm, via Zoom. Free

Lady Bird Johnson: Hiding In Plain Sight “Julia Sweig has gifted us with a most timely and splendidly enhanced portrait of Lady Bird Johnson: daughter of Alabama and Texas wealth—historian, journalist, activist, speechwriter, campaigner, successful businesswoman. Lady Bird championed the New South and was partner to LBJ’s efforts regarding civil rights, human rights, and the Great Society. We learn about Lady Bird’s previously unknown work for real environmental change, which extended far beyond ‘beautification’ and floral plantings—with profound visions for a Green New Deal. This riveting portrait gives us an important revision of a long-neglected First Lady.”—Blanche Wiesen Cook, author of Eleanor Roosevelt, Vols. 1–3 Free. Register at stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960.

Saturday, 8:00 to 9:30am [note later start time] At Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home. Free

The American Goldfinch. Avian parenting is on the wane. There are, however, a few late nesters. The American Goldfinch doesn't start thinking about nesting until late June. This adaptation may be related to the availability of suitable nesting materials and seeds, primarily thistle, for feeding young.

The American Goldfinch male is a bright yellow bird with black wings and cap. The yellow of females and young is more muted. Goldfinches are energetic songsters throughout the summer. The “po-ta-to chip, po-ta-to chip” call is often heard, as birds fly overhead in an undulating flight path. 

Listen to the Goldfinch sing!

Appropriate for birders of all skill levels, the walks run along forest, meadow and wetland trails around the main house and/or the dene.  Free. For more information, contact stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960.

Saturday, 8:00 to 9:30am [note later start time]  At Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home. Free

Wednesday, 7:00 to 8:30pm, via Zoom. Free

Join Hildene staff to discuss Jon Meacham’s masterpiece And Then There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle  Free. Register at stephanie@hildene.org or call802-367-7960

Saturday, 8:00 to 9:30am [note later start time] At Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home. Free

Decorated throughout the month to evoke Christmas Eve 1912—one of a handful of years that the Lincoln Family spent in residence at their Vermont home. Details to come. For more information, contact stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960

Sunday, 1:00 to 3:00pm 

Gather in the greenhouse and learn to felt ornaments using roving from Hildene’s flock of Corriedale sheep with farm manager Kim Pinsonneault. Handmade ornaments make lovely gifts as well as cheerful decorations on holiday packages. $35 members, $40 non-members, which includes materials fee. Limited to 15 participants. Preregistration required by Thursday, November 30:  stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960.

Saturday, 9:00 to 10:30am,  At Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home. Free 

Join local birders to gather long-term data on the presence of birds, their abundance, and changes in populations. Appropriate for birders of all skill levels, the walks run along forest and meadow trails and around the main house. For more information, contact stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960