Fifty BBA members and friends enjoyed an early morning visit to the Fleming Museum on March 8. We very much appreciate the hospitality of Director Janie Cohen and staff, and the continental breakfast by Sugar Snap. Janie provided background information about the museum’s special exhibit on Burlington and Winooski, and Pat Robins challenged the group, especially the younger members, to be leaders in creating visionary concepts for the next century in Burlington.

We invited participants to fill out “Inspiration Cards” with their ideas inspired by the exhibit.  Here is a sampling:

“The creativity, even outlandish ideas, are at first amusing… and then, one realizes: the dreaming precedes the doing— here’s to doing both toward 2020.”

“I was impressed by the hopes and visions that have shaped

the face of Burlington.  But I was also disappointed that some visions were not realized such as the Freeman, French, Freeman 3-dimensional model of the abandoned traffic terminal.”

“Great collection—love the past & future.”

“Great exhibit!! Burlington and Vermont are full of visionary thoughtful individuals who have—and 

Executive Director’s Message

By Nancy Wood

Burlington and Winooski 1920—2020:

The Evolution of our Built Environment

A “must see” exhibit at the Fleming Museum now through June 24

Here are two events at the Fleming Museum related to  Burlington and Winooski 1920-2020: The Evolution of our Built Environment. This must-see exhibit brings together striking visual materials that tell the story of change in these two Vermont cities and encourage us to envision their futures. Through the designs and visual documentation of our shared dreams and experiences of these cities, we come to better understand and appreciate the forces that shape our immediate environments.

Noontime Cafe Program: Images of a Vanished Landscape, Imagining the Past in Burlington and Winooski

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18; 12:15PM

it appears will continue to— shaped a livable friendly community to work and live in.  Thanks for the work.”

“The best, greenest, cost effective thing to be done is a new bike/walking bridge next to the train bridge behind the Intervale.  Today people use the train bridge… improved linkage would open employment/wellness options for low income and others in Burlington & Winooski neighborhoods.  Enable people to walk to work—expand possibilities—keep people now using bridge safe.”

“Great tribute to the past & inspiration for the future.  Thanks.” “Fun to see that history may repeat itself!! Streetcars again would be great!”

“Let’s reinstitute the streetcar system to connect the waterfront, Church Street, & the University & Hospital!”

“Love the Alden plan—we may be going toward that! Light & life on the Waterfront.”

“Excellent show.  I’d like to see recognition of Dudley Davis, former president of Merchants Bank—He supported downtown, urban renewal, funded numerous projects—owned urban renewal land—kept main branch of bank downtown…”

Re: “Trolley” for College Street: Idea: Let’s contact UVM (Environmental Engineering or other Department?) to develop proposal to work with an automotive company (GM, Ford, ?.) to use Burlington as a research market to field test eco-friendly public transportation, e.g. nostalgic exterior styling of a trolley-like vehicle (no track) that utilizes energy efficient power.  Good Luck!”

I urge everyone to visit & be inspired by this exhibit soon.                                                                    -  Nancy

WHO: Paul Bierman, professor, UVM Department of Geology and Natural Resources; and coordinator, UVM Landscape Change Program

WHERE: Fleming Museum East Gallery

Gallery Talk: Burlington and Winooski 1920-2020

WHEN: SUNDAY, MAY 6; 3:00PM

WHO: Held in conjunction with the new exhibition, Burlington and Winooski 1920-2020: The Evolution of our Built Environment

WHERE: Fleming Museum East Gallery