The Bennington Historical Society will showcase the life of author Dorothy Canfield Fisher in a presentation at the Bennington Museum on Thursday, May 11th starting at 7:00 p.m. Helene Lang will do a living history presentation called "Dorothy Canfield Fisher - A Vermonter for the World." This program is made possible by the generous sponsorship of the Speakers Bureau of the Vermont Humanities Council. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free.
Dorothy Canfield Fisher is considered by many to be the one of the nation's most popular novelists. In addition to her prolific writings, she was a woman of great influence and a groundbreaker, especially in the field of education. Eleanor Roosevelt once called her one of the ten most influential writers in the United States.
An Arlington native, Fisher wrote 22 works of fiction and 18 non-fiction books on many subjects throughout her lifetime. Her short stories, novels, and non-fiction had to do with American values. In 1953 she wrote Vermont Tradition, which is considered a hugely successful effort to express the qualities that make Vermont special.
Fisher was also the person to bring the Montessori method of child rearing to America after meeting with Dr. Maria Montessori in Rome. Her interest in children's education and the methods shared with her by Dr. Montessori led Fisher to write several books on the subject. Fisher also presided over the country's first adult education program. She was the first woman to serve on the Vermont Board of Education. In addition to her many other achievements, Fisher influenced popular literary tastes in America as a member of the Book-of-the-Month-Club Selection Committee from 1926 to 1951.
In addition to the Bennington program, Dorothy Canfield Fisher will be the subject of an exhibition at this year's Vermont History Expo in Tunbridge on June 24-25. Many local historical societies will feature the theme of "Vermont Women in History" in their exhibits this year. Helene Lang's portrayal of Dorothy Canfield Fisher at the Bennington Museum will provide a captivating introduction to the theme of notable Vermont women. Come enjoy this living history presentation and then plan to visit Vermont History Expo, which the State Chamber of Commerce calls one of "Vermont's Top Ten Summer Events."
Helene Lang is a former University of Vermont professor who taught literature and literacy for many years. Born in Massachusetts and educated at Boston University, Lang has also taught in public schools and for the United States Navy overseas. She and her husband have three sons and five grandchildren.
The Bennington Museum is located at 75 Main St. (Route 9) one mile west of the intersection of Routes 7 and 9 in downtown Bennington, Vermont. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. closed Wednesdays.
www.benningtonmuseum.org 802) 447-1571
