Ellery Foutch is an Associate Professor in the American Studies Program at Middlebury College, where she teaches classes on the art and material culture of the United States, as well as critical museum studies. Her new book, A Perfectionist Impulse: The Art of Stopping Time in the Nineteenth Century (University of Minnesota Press, July 2026) explores period fascinations with perfection and its preservation across art, natural history, popular culture, and museum exhibition practices.
Alan Berolzheimer has directed the book publishing program of the Vermont Historical Society since 1998. He is also the project historian and assistant director of The Flow of History, a Teaching American History program providing professional development activities to Vermont teachers. Alan received a Ph.D. in 20th-century U.S. History from the University of Virginia in 1996. He lives in Norwich.
The Light Pirate is divided into four sections. This second episode focuses on Water. We speak with author Lily Brooks-Dalton, along with filmmaker Jay Craven; Dan Nott, author of the Vermont Book Award-winning graphic novel “Hidden Systems;” Paul W. Gates from the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum; writer and environmental journalist Megan Mayhew Bergman; and Cyril Brunner, Innovation and Technology Leader at Vermont Electric Cooperative.
The Light Pirate is divided into four sections. This first episode focuses on Power. We speak with author Lily Brooks-Dalton, along with Federico Cintrón Moscoso, Ph.D., Program Director of El Puente Puerto Rico; writer and environmental journalist Megan Mayhew Bergman; Dan Nott, author of the Vermont Book Award-winning graphic novel “Hidden Systems;” and Cyril Brunner, Innovation and Technology Leader at Vermont Electric Cooperative.
Shawna is a caregiver, parent, poet and community organizer. Raised on the gulf coast of Florida, she has seen her share of storms. After many years in healthcare, she found herself leading The Rainbow Bridge Community Center in Barre, which became a convergence point for catastrophic flood response in 2023. Realizing the interconnected elements of community building and disaster preparedness and response, she continued that work as Chair of Barre Up, Barre City’s long term recovery group.
Declan McCabe is an aquatic ecologist and professor of biology at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. In many ways, his career parallels the earlier stages of Phillis’ experiences with data collection, exploration, and marking change over time. Declan discusses how each of us has the ability to contribute real-time data to broaden understandings of changes in our biological systems. Declan’s primary role at Saint Michael’s College has been to clearly communicate fascinating and complex biology to entry-level students, and he has translated that skill into a successful career as an outreach specialist to broader audiences.
Cathleen holds a Masters in Art History from Goddard College. She has spent nearly two decades as an adjunct faculty, community educator, and organizer.
Noel holds a Bachelor’s in Professional Journalism from the University of Minnesota and spent over a decade as a radio journalist and a communications professional for diverse arts and cultural organizations. He has served in nonprofit communications roles in both Minnesota and Massachusetts.
Leanne is an accomplished author, teacher, and education consultant. In addition to her role at Vermont Humanities, she is an assistant professor and the coordinator of Early Childhood Education online at Northern Vermont University.
Our seasonal “Words in the Woods” program allows Vermonters and visitors to enjoy our state’s natural beauty while listening to and reading literature in the outdoors.
Humanities Camps are filled with reading and writing projects, field trips, and outdoor activities.
We won a 2020 Schwartz Prize for best public humanities programming in the U.S. for Vermont Reads 2019: “March: Book One.”
We supported the Chandler Center for the Arts’ Global Connections Youth Outreach program, which highlights artists from around the world.
Our free public events help bring the power of the humanities to communities across Vermont.
