AVCS launches historic mural and speaker series

KEESEVILLE | Ausable Valley Central School District (AVCSD) has announced a new, grant-funded educational and community initiative honoring the historic Battle of Valcour, fought on nearby Lake Champlain during the American Revolution. The project, titled Mural and Speaker Series Commemorating the Battle of Valcour, will engage students, educators, artists, historians, and community members through public art, hands-on learning, and free community programming. The initiative is part of a broader effort to mark America's 250th anniversary in 2026 by highlighting the Adirondack region's role in the nation's founding. At the center of the project is a collaborative ceramic tile mural commemorating the Battle of Valcour. Led by local artist Gerald Gardner, the project will involve AVCSD art students, faculty, and community volunteers in both the design and installation process. The mural will be installed at the Keeseville Community Center in July 2026, creating a lasting public tribute to the region's history. In addition to the mural, the project will include educational and outreach components designed to bring local history to life: - Student Field Trips: Visits to the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum for hands-on learning about the region's naval history - Living History Programs: Classroom visits from historians and reenactors offering interactive demonstrations - Public Speaker Series: A free series of presentations open to the public Library Resources: New historical books will be distributed to local libraries to ensure long-term access to information These activities will provide meaningful learning opportunities for students while strengthening community connections to the region's past. All programming will be offered at no cost to the school district. Funding for this project came from a 2026 Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership (CVNHP) Local Heritage Grant. The CVNHP works with partners across the region to promote, conserve, and interpret the shared cultural and natural heritage of the Lake Champlain region in New York, Vermont, and Quebec. The American Revolution–era Battle of Valcour Speaker Series will begin in April 2026 at the Keeseville Civic Center, located at 1790 Main Street, Keeseville. Presentation dates and times will be announced in April when the series launches. Through this initiative, Ausable Valley Central School District aims to deepen students' understanding of local history, encourage creative expression, and foster pride in the community's role in the American story.

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AVCS launches historic mural and speaker series

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