Want to visit a working maple sugar shack? Vermont’s Maple Open House Weekend was cancelled this year, but here’s a different way to get inside and see the magic happen — and stock up on maple goodies — thanks to the Sheldon Museum.
You’re invited to take a sweet mystery tour on Saturday, March 20, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., to find museum founder Henry Sheldon at five Addison County sugar houses. At each sugarhouse, you’ll look for a full-size image of Henry — take a picture with him! Participants can share their photos with the Sheldon Museum.
The tour will take you to Middlebury, Cornwall, Lincoln, and Ferrisburgh. Maple products will be offered for sale at each sugar house. Bring cash or checks if you think you might want to make a purchase. Each sugar house will welcome visitors following COVID-19 guidelines. Masks are required. Parking is available at each site.
Explore Addison County and learn a little about Vermont’s liquid gold. Did you know that Vermont is the nation’s leading producer of maple syrup? Producing over 2 million gallons of syrup in 2020, Vermont generated over 50 percent of the country’s maple syrup.
Registration is $10/household. Once you sign up, you will receive an email with links to a map locating each sugar house and descriptions of each site, including the history and notes about their particular production. Register here.
Museum founder Henry Luther Sheldon was born 200 years ago this year on August 15, 1821. In 2021 and 2022, the Sheldon Museum is celebrating this bicentennial with programs, events, exhibits, and more.
The Sheldon Museum is temporarily closed but hopes to open sometime in 2021 once COVID-19 restrictions lift. In the meantime, exhibits and programs are presented virtually. For more information and reopening updates, click here.
Photo: SUGARMAKER TRENT ROLEAU tends the evaporator in the Gateway Farm sugarhouse in Bristol last year. Independent photo/Steve James