The LGBTQIA2S+ & Allies of Windsor, VT, and the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program, along with the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation announce a new tree planting and dedication ceremony to be held on the grounds of the Old Constitution House State Historic Site.
When: Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 6:00 pm
Where: Old Constitution House State Historic Site, 16 North Main Street in Windsor, Vermont.
All are welcome to attend the event.
Where: Old Constitution House State Historic Site, 16 North Main Street in Windsor, Vermont.
All are welcome to attend the event.
The tree will be designated as an “LGBTQ+ Pride Tree” and is in alignment with the State of Vermont’s commitment to building on local, state, and national efforts to advance equity and social justice. Prior to this event, a public reading of the local Pride Proclamation for the Town of Windsor, including an intersex-inclusive progress pride flag raising, will take place at 5:30 pm at the Windsor Municipal Building at 29 Union Street in Windsor. Following this, we encourage everyone to join the Pride March to the Old Constitution House State Historic Site for the tree dedication.
“The Old Constitution House has a long history, including being the site where the Vermont Constitution was signed, the first of its kind in America to ban slavery,” said Laura V. Trieschmann, Vermont State Historic Preservation Officer. “This ceremony furthers that history of equity and justice at the site known as the Birthplace of Vermont.”
Since its inception in June 2019, LGBTQIA2S+ & Allies of Windsor, VT, have elevated the intersectional lived experience of local individuals and organized to support justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. “People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or gender expansive, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual, two-spirit, and/or more (LGBTQIA2S+) are members of every community,” said Amanda Jordan Smith, Founder and Director of LGBTQIA2S+ & Allies of Windsor, VT. “These individuals have and continue to make incredibly important contributions to society every day, and this Pride tree is an important, visible, symbol of their welcome, appreciation, and safety. The State of Vermont supports human rights. LBTQIA2S+ rights are human rights.”
Public trees and forests in urban and community spaces should be accessible, safe, and beneficial to all. The Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program, a collaborative effort between UVM Extension and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, proudly supports this project as it brings attention to the benefits trees provide to all Vermonters. “This project has highlighted the importance of inclusion and collaboration. Seeingthis flowering cherry tree thriving reminds us that there should be a place for everyone outdoors in our urban forests,” said Gwen Kozlowski, Outreach and Education coordinator for the Program.
For more information, please contact Laura V. Trieschmann, State Historic Preservation Officer at laura.trieschmann@vermont.gov or 802-505-3579.