Former Governor Jim Douglas to Keynote Vermont’s 250th Anniversary Speaker Series at The Arlington Common
ARLINGTON, VT — The Arlington Common is proud to announce a special historical presentation featuring Vermont’s 80th Governor, Jim Douglas, on April 12, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Arlington Common Performance Hall, 3938 Route 7A, Arlington, VT. As the nation approaches the semiquincentennial of the American Revolution, Governor Douglas will present “Vermont and the Nation,” exploring the outsized impact the Green Mountain State has had on the American story.
This event serves as a cornerstone of local efforts to commemorate the Vermont 250th, a multi-year celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and Vermont’s unique role in the struggle for independence. Governor Douglas, known for his deep passion for state heritage, will share stories of the Vermonters who shaped national history, from the battlefield to the halls of Congress.
Jim Douglas served four terms as the Governor of Vermont (2003–2011), retiring as one of the most popular figures in the state’s political history. His career in public service spans over four decades, beginning as the Town Moderator for Middlebury—a position he has held for over 30 years—and including tenures as Secretary of State and State Treasurer.
A dedicated historian and educator, Douglas currently serves as an Executive-in-Residence at Middlebury College. His “boots-on-the-ground” perspective and scholarly devotion to Vermont’s legacy make him a premier voice for the 250th anniversary celebrations.
Admission: Free and open to the public, thanks to the generous support of the Keelan Family Foundation.
Also part of the Speaker Series is a “Women’s Samplers” presentation by Michele Pagan, based on her research into the Revolutionary War ancestors of the girls who made 19th-century schoolgirl samplers. Needlework samplers are a visual record of the values that guided early female education in Vermont, including its focus on needlework as an essential skill for all girls and women. As artifacts of female education, they provide insight into family dynamics, local history, and community values. This is a free event and is sponsored by the Keelan Family Foundation. It will take place at the Arlington Common on Sunday, March 22, at 1:30 pm.
About The Arlington Common:
The Arlington Common is a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing our community through creative exploration of the arts and wellness. The Common offers community wellness programming, afterschool programming, a free weekly community cafe, and workshops. The two-acre property features community exhibit space, a performance hall, and a fitness center for the greater Arlington area. Website: www.arlingtoncommon.org