The Unseen Heroes of History: Why Vermont’s Free Admission Day Matters More Than You Think
Personally, I think there’s something profoundly symbolic about Vermont offering free admission to its historical sites on Bennington Battle Day. On the surface, it’s a gesture to commemorate the 249th anniversary of a pivotal Revolutionary War battle. But if you take a step back and think about it, it’s also a subtle reminder of how history is often told—and who gets left out of the narrative.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the focus on Fanny Allen, the wife of Ethan Allen, at the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum in Burlington. While Ethan Allen is a household name in Vermont history, Fanny’s story is rarely told. This isn’t just an oversight; it’s a pattern. Women like Fanny Allen have historically been the unseen architects of history, their contributions absorbed into their husbands’ legacies.
The Hidden Labor of History
One thing that immediately stands out is Angie Grove’s observation that women often took on their husbands’ roles during times of war or crisis. Fanny Allen, for instance, managed the household, the garden, and likely much of the family’s business while Ethan was away. What many people don’t realize is that this kind of labor was essential to sustaining the very systems that allowed men to ‘make history.’ Yet, it’s rarely acknowledged.
From my perspective, this raises a deeper question: How much of what we consider ‘greatness’ in history is actually built on the uncredited work of women? It’s not just about Fanny Allen; it’s about the countless women whose stories have been erased or minimized. This isn’t just a historical issue—it’s a cultural one. We still struggle to recognize the value of domestic and care work today.
Why Free Admission Days Are More Than Just a Perk
The museum’s decision to offer free admission one day a month this year, in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, is more than just a marketing strategy. In my opinion, it’s a deliberate attempt to democratize history. By removing the financial barrier, the museum is inviting people to engage with stories they might otherwise overlook.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the focus on historical archaeology during the next free day in September. Archaeology, after all, is about uncovering what’s been buried—both literally and metaphorically. What this really suggests is that history isn’t static; it’s an ongoing excavation. And who gets to participate in that excavation matters.
The Broader Implications: Whose History Are We Telling?
If we’re honest, history has always been a curated narrative. The people who write it—and the people who fund its preservation—get to decide what’s remembered. Vermont’s free admission day is a small but significant pushback against that. It’s a reminder that history belongs to everyone, not just those who can afford to access it.
What this really suggests is that we need to rethink how we preserve and share the past. Personally, I think museums and historical sites should be more than just repositories of artifacts; they should be active participants in reshaping the narrative. Highlighting figures like Fanny Allen isn’t just about correcting the record—it’s about expanding our understanding of what it means to be a part of history.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Historical Narratives
As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, I can’t help but wonder: What stories will we choose to tell? Will we continue to glorify the same old heroes, or will we finally give credit to the women, people of color, and other marginalized groups who built this country alongside them?
In my opinion, the answer lies in initiatives like Vermont’s free admission day. By making history more accessible and inclusive, we’re not just preserving the past—we’re reimagining it. And that, I think, is the most exciting part.
Final Thoughts
What makes Vermont’s approach so compelling is its willingness to challenge the status quo. It’s not just about celebrating a battle; it’s about celebrating the people who made that battle possible—even if their names never made it into the history books.
If you take a step back and think about it, this is what history should be: a living, breathing narrative that evolves with us. And that, in my opinion, is something worth commemorating—not just on Bennington Battle Day, but every day.
