Montpelier was busy on July 1 with the Tri-Branch celebration of the birthday of the Declaration of Independence. An ad hoc committee, co-chaired by Supreme Court Justice Nancy Waples and State Court Administrator Teri Corsones, worked for nearly a year to plan inspiring, educational, and fun events to mark the occasion. These were scheduled throughout the day in the Supreme Court courtroom, the State House, and the lawn in front of the two buildings. Kids’ activities took place all day, mostly under the shade of trees given the temperature. The evening ended with the VBA sponsored American and Vermont history trivia contest at Barr Hill Distillery.
The schedule kicked off mid-morning with a naturalization ceremony in the Supreme Court courtroom. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford presided. The full Vermont Supreme Court was also on hand, along with Gov. Phil Scott, Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas, representatives of Vermont’s congressional delegation and other dignitaries. Of course, the new citizens and their families were the true stars of the occasion.
The courtroom later hosted a discussion of history and context for the Declaration led by the Supreme Court justices. At 3 PM, activity moved to the House chamber where Justice Waples, Sarah Copeland Hanzas, and house speaker Jill Krowinski held a panel discussion on the meaning and relevance of the Declaration.
In addition to these scheduled events, attendees were invited to view a display of historical documents developed and loaned by the Library of Congress in the Supreme Court building, or to drop in on a day-long screening of the musical 1776.
The Vermont legal community and friends were invited to close the day at Barr Hill distillery in Montpelier for a VBA-sponsored trivia contest. A capacity crowd turned up to test their knowledge of American and Vermont History. Twelve (or so) teams competed to answer questions supplied by 802 Trivia.
After six challenging rounds, “Team Independence,” made up of Jennifer Emens-Butler, chief legal officer of Vermont Economic Development Authority, Superior Court Judges Michael Harris and Tim Tomasi, and Supreme Court Justice Michael Drescher took the first prize: “powdered” wigs and tricorn hats for all. The second and third prizes were even worse (steak knives and, womp womp, patriotic-themed friendship bracelets) but the competition was keen and a good time was had by all.
County courts and county bar associations around the state are planning their own celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration. You can see a round up of events scheduled in the coming days and weeks on judiciary’s website.
Thanks to Alfonso Villegas for some of these photos
