Vermont State House - Use of The Vermont State House

Use of The Vermont State House

Vermont's reputation for popular government is represented by the State House's nickname "the People's House." While its primary use is as the house of the legislative branch of Vermont government, it has from its beginnings also functioned as a living museum and state cultural facility.

The building is open to visitors with remarkably few restrictions whether the legislature is in session or not. The large Representatives Hall is used for evening concerts named "Farmers Nights" during winter months. During warmer weather, the public lawn on the south side is used for concerts by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, municipal bands from around the state, marching regimental bagpipe tattoos, modern dance concerts, as well as to provide space for local residents to sit, eat, and play sports. Quilts, ceramics, photography and paintings by citizens periodically hang in the building's corridors, committee and caucus rooms, and dining room.

During recent years, each February 14 the columns of the portico and lawn are bedecked with red paper hearts by the so-called Valentine Phantom. Additionally, the public lawn and steps of the portico serve as a well-used platform for peaceful demonstrations, press conferences by various official and non-official groups, and for formally welcoming official visitors to the State of Vermont.

• The first Vermont State House, built during 1808 was designed by Sylvanus Baldwin

• c. 1856 daguerreotype of the second state house showing Ammi B. Young's low "saucer" dome

• Thomas Silloway's dome is taller than Ammi B. Young's low saucer dome. Ionic columns support the dome which was originally painted red to look as Tuscan terracotta tile.

• c. 1870 stereograph view of the third state house showing Thomas Silloway's taller drum supported dome