Governor Douglas presents proclamation to Joe Nelson, President, VCBS Photo by Steve Miyamoto, June 5, 2003

Shelburne, June 5, 2003 - Governor James A. Douglas, at the reception held at the Shelburne Museum by the Covered Bridge Preservation: National Best Practices Conference, read a proclamation designating the first week of June 2003 to be Vermont Covered Bridge Week in Vermont.
       This event marked the culmination of the efforts of VCBS Director William McKone.
       Bill suggested to the VCBS Board of Directors in May of 2002 that the Society approach the Vermont State Legislature to propose that the State declare a Vermont Covered Bridge Week to coincide with National Preservation Week. Bill McKone pursued the project which led ultimately to the governor's office and success.
       The Vermont Covered Bridge Society extends thanks to Governor Douglas for his action.

WHEREAS, there are still some 100 historic covered bridges remaining in Vermont, an important feature of our cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, these bridges are a distinctive part of the Vermont landscape which attracts many visitors to our state; and

WHEREAS, the State of Vermont actively promotes proper maintenance and repair to preserve these structures in their historic context; and

WHEREAS, the Vermont Covered Bridge Society and the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges, whose main office is in Vermont, are dedicated to such preservation and to raising public awareness of these bridges; and

WHEREAS, the Preservation Education Institute of Windsor, Vermont has organized the first National Covered Bridge Conference June 5-7, 2003, at the University of Vermont; and

WHEREAS, the only covered bridge museum in the world is scheduled to open at the Bennington Center for the Arts in Bennington, Vermont, on June 14, 2003; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, James H. Douglas, Governor, do hereby proclaim the first week in June 2003, as

In Vermont and support efforts to promote a broader appreciation of the historical significance of these bridges and encourage participation in programs to preserve them. Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Vermont this 5th day of May, A.D. 2003 James H. Douglas Governor Neale F. Lunderville Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs