Saturday, August 8 • 2:00 pm
Vermont History Center, 60 Washington Street, Barre
A hundred years ago, painted backdrops were the primary artistic feature in the cultural life of almost every village and town in northern New England. The “curtains” provided color and escapism in institutions and was permanently installed, available as background for traveling troupes, speakers, locally-produced variety shows, and various societies and clubs. Chris Hadsel of the Curtains Without Borders project will speak about the work to uncover and preserve these important pieces of history. Participants will be able to see a fine example of a painted curtain in the Vermont Heritage Gallery at the History Center.
In Vermont, where a survey of historic scenery unearthed 185 examples, three-quarters of the painted curtains were made for town halls, where politics, education, social occasions and entertainment all took place in one central building with a stage. In grange halls, the curtains also played a part in degree ceremonies.
For more information, visit www.curtainswithoutborders.org.
Please contact Amanda Gustin with any questions at amanda.gustin@vermonthistory.org or (802) 828-2180.
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