Rural Resource Commission Historic Photo Project
Project Background
Are you an aspiring photographer? A history buff? A photo collector? A long-time Valley resident? The MRV Rural Resource Commission (RRC) wants to hear from you!
Established in the late 1980s, the MRV Rural Resource Commission became the first of its kind in Vermont to be designated as a Certified Local Government (CLG) under the National Historic Preservation Act. Resulting from the collaboration of local government, the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, and the National Park Service, the MRV Rural Resource Commission was granted this status through the Certified Local Government Program. The CLG Program promotes the idea that local governments should be actively involved in finding, assessing, recording, and protecting local historic assets.
This year, the RRC is embarking on an exciting journey to gather and showcase historical photographs of the Mad River Valley. Our mission is to create a visual narrative that illustrates the Valley’s evolution over time, providing a unique opportunity for community engagement and the preservation of our rich history.
We Need Your Submissions
Whether you’re holding onto family albums, antique photo collections, or have captured moments of the Valley’s past, your contributions are invaluable. By participating, you help us weave the story of the Mad River Valley’s heritage for future generations.
History is often a tapestry of diverse perspectives, and we understand that it can be somewhat subjective. This is why we’re seeking photographs that span a wide range of years, not just those from the early 1900s. We’re interested in images from any period up to the early 2000s. Whether they’re interesting snapshots of daily life from a particular time period, landmark events, or recognizable people/places, they all contribute to the rich mosaic of our shared past. If you’re unsure whether your photos fit the criteria, we encourage you to reach out or send them anyway. Every photograph has a story to tell, and we’re keen to hear yours. By sharing your images, you play a crucial role in preserving the multifaceted history of the Mad River Valley.
The Rural Resource Commission is available to help digitize photos! There is a suggested cap of 20 photos per submitter, and we can meet you at the location of your choosing with our portable scanner. Digitization will also be offered during standard business hours at the General Wait House (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday) from May 20th to May 31st, with the availability to accommodate appointments outside of those hours as needed. To schedule a digitization appointment, contact Sam Robinson ([email protected]).
Get Involved
Ready to be part of this historical endeavor? Contact Sam Robinson at [email protected] to schedule a discussion about the project. We’re excited to hear your stories, view your photographs, and explore how you can contribute to conserving the Valley’s history!