Free Admission to All State Historic Sites on Bennington Battle Day, August 16

MONTPELIER, Vt. - The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation has announced that all Vermont State Historic Sites will offer free admission to the public on Sunday, August 16, 2026. This special open house commemorates the 249th anniversary of Bennington Battle Day, a pivotal turning point in the American Revolutionary War.

This annual celebration honors the historic Battle of Bennington, fought on August 16, 1777. After a day of non-stop rain, the American forces lead by Gen. John Stark and Col. Seth Warner defeated the British and German troops desperately trying to capture much needed provisions from the colonial arsenal in Bennington. The Battle of Bennington, fought in Walloomsac, New York, about 10 miles from Bennington, was the precursor to the defeat of British Gen. John Burgoyne's army two months later at Saratoga, turning the tide of war in favor of the Americans. The 306-foot-tall Bennington Battle Monument, the second tallest unreinforced masonry building in the United States, was dedicated in 1891 to mark the site of that colonial arsenal.

"We are thrilled to welcome visitors to explore Vermont's rich heritage free of charge on this historic anniversary," said Joshua Bell, Director of State Historic Sites. "From the towering Bennington Battle Monument to the birthplace of U.S. Presidents, these sites offer a tangible link to our nation's foundation history, the places where history happened."

Bennington Battle Monument State Historic Site will commemorate Bennington Battle Day weekend with several exciting events. There will be a colonial encampment on the Monument grounds on Saturday and Sunday. Recounting the story of the Battle of Bennington, RevolutionaryWar living historians will be on hand to demonstrate artillery drills and camp life. A commemorative Battle of Bennington Flag will be flown on the Monument grounds.

On Saturday, August 15, the day begins with the annual Battle Day 5k road race. Registration is online, benningtonbattlemonument.com/events. The children's quarter-mile fun run around Monument Circle starts at 8:30 AM. Following this, a musket shoot will signal the start of the 5K race at 9:00 AM. A Fife and Drum concert will take place in front of the Monument. The Moodus Fife and Drum Corps of Moodus, Connecticut, will perform starting at noon on Saturday. The Corps played in Bennington in 1891 at the dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument. Leading up to the Moodus Concert will be a poem written and narrated by Warren Roaf at 11:40 AM.

Two other Vermont State Historic Sites were integral during the American Revolutionary War: Mount Independence in Orwell, one of the most intact Revolutionary War sites in America, and the Hubbardton Battlefield in Hubbardton preserves the location of the only Revolutionary battle fought entirely in what would become Vermont.

Other Vermont State Historic Sites open for Bennington Battle Day with free admission include Chimney Point in Addison, President Chester A. Arthur site in Fairfield, and President Calvin Coolidge site in Plymouth Notch. For further information and hours of operations, please visit the State Historic Sites website.

About the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation

The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, part of the Department of Housing and Community Development, is responsible for the stewardship and interpretation of state-owned historic sites. Through its programs, the Division for Historic Preservation integrates Vermont's history into community growth and planning, fostering research, education, and the adaptive use of historic properties across the state.