CVNHP Partners Summit in Québec
More than fifty key stakeholders met in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu this month to discuss the direction of the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership’s (CVNHP) work. Partners from Vermont, New York, and Québec, including representatives from the National Park Service and Parcs Canada, attended the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s (LCBP) 6th annual CVNHP International Summit at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean. The annual summit is an integral part of the CVNHP budget process, which is designed to be inclusive of grassroots input from throughout the 9,000-square-mile National Heritage Area.
After a rousing introduction from CVNHP Assistant Director Jim Brangan, partners reported on recently launched projects, including the new “questing” program at the Lake Champlain Bridge, which links Crown Point, NY with Chimney Point, VT; a report on improvements to the Northern Forest Canoe Trail in Vermont; and information about preparations for the 150th anniversary of Canada’s 1867 confederation. Chris Sabick, Archaeological Director of the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum gave the keynote presentation: “Underwater Archaeology of Revolution: Past, Present and Future Research into the American War of Independence on Lake Champlain.”
Afternoon breakout groups focused on key programmatic areas for the next several years: collaboration among partners to focus on the Making of Nations interpretive theme in 2018; the improvement of recreational opportunities in the CVNHP; and potential programs and projects for possible inclusion in the FY2017 CVNHP workplan.
The CVNHP is one of 49 designated National Heritage Areas in the U.S. This designation allows the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) to provide financial and professional support to communities, museums and organizations that work to interpret and promote our region’s history and culture. The CVNHP offers grants to support research, interpretation, and access to local natural and cultural resources, and administers a regional wayside exhibit program that enables local partners to tell the stories of their communities.