Exploring Vermont’s Identity: The Paradox of Development

On Monday evening, January 23, Paul Searls, historian, professor and author of Repeopling Vermont: The Paradox of Development in the Twentieth Century, will share how Vermont’s development unfolded tracing the competing efforts of officials to promote and conserve Vermont’s natural beauty while attracting business and industry beginning in the late 1890’s. Today, the consequences of these historic decisions include a shortage of affordable housing and lack of economic and racial diversity in Vermont. The paradox of development also remains. How do we balance progress with tradition?

This program, sponsored by the Mad River Libraries, will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Joslin Memorial Library.