SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Kory Rogers, senior curator of American art from the Shelburne Museum, will launch the fall 2023 semester of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), with the program “Trailblazers: Horse-Drawn Vehicles from Shelburne Museum’s Collection” on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 2 p.m., at the Nolin Murray Center next to St. Mary’s Church on Pleasant Street in Springfield.
This will help tell the story of olden days, when everyone had a horse and carriage or wagon in the barn, instead of today, when everyone has a car, or two, in the garage. Rogers will explore the importance of Shelburne Museum’s renowned collection of horse-drawn vehicles, and their formative role in the establishment of one of Vermont’s most beloved cultural institutions. From carriages and sleighs to wagons and carts, the collection spans the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and includes a variety of styles and designs. He will highlight key vehicles, their connection to Museum founder Electra H. Webb, and their historical significance.
Rogers’ power point program, with photographs of the extensive collection, will show many of the more than 200 pieces that are housed in the huge two story horseshoe shaped barn at the Shelburne Museum. This collection is a treat to view in person if you make a trip to the museum.
Sponsored by the University of Vermont, OLLI is run by local volunteer members, and is geared mainly towards seniors who are 50 years of age and over who enjoy learning for the fun of it. Anyone who would be interested in this type of program, regardless of their age, is welcome. The programs are held Tuesday afternoons at 2 p.m., and last about an hour and a half.
Pre-registration is highly recommended. However, if you arrive without having registered, we will not turn you away. We will hand you a form with instructions on how to make payment after the program.
There is a membership fee. Non-members are welcome and encouraged to attend individual programs for a single program fee.
You may view the entire semester programs by going to www.learn.uvm.edu/olli/springfield. Registration can be done online at this website with a credit card. You may also register over the phone using your credit card by calling 802-656-5817 during regular office hours, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
If you prefer to register by mail, send your contact information (name, address, phone number, and email address) indicating full series membership or which specific program or programs you wish to attend. Mail this information and your check (made out to “University of Vermont-OLLI”) to: OLLI at UVM, 23 Mansfield Ave, Burlington, VT 05401.
If mailing in the registration, please allow 10-14 days from the date of mailing check to receipt and processing.
If there are weather related changes to the schedule you can check the above website on the morning of the program.
Due to the current situation of Covid, the University of Vermont expects all participants at UVM sponsored non-credit events (including OLLI) will be vaccinated. Masks are optional and welcomed. For full health and safety information, go to www.learn.uvm.edu/olli/springfield.
The next program, on Oct. 3, will be “We Are All Being Used: Media Manipulation in the Digital Age.” Ben Boyington, educator and media literacy scholar, will look at how advertising rhetoric appeals to our emotions to influence us in consumerism and politics in this age of social media.