The Vermont Historical Society dedicated its new National Life Gallery this week, which is dominated by the enormous Paul Sample mural that once graced the Vermont campus lobby.
National Life donated the 50-foot long painting to the Historical Society when it was determined a better home would preserve it for future generations.
The mural depicting the history of Vermont from the time of European settlement through the 1950s had been damaged and soiled over the years in its lobby location.
National Life and the Historical Society worked with an art conservator to assess the mural’s condition and how best to clean, repair and display it for the future.
The conclusion was that it should anchor a renovated exhibition space at the Vermont History Museum in downtown Montpelier, adjacent to the Statehouse.
After renovations, the painting now is the featured exhibition as visitors arrive at the History Museum. It helps the Historical Society tell the story of Vermont and introduces visitors to the rest of the exhibit.
National Life commissioned Paul Sample, then a leading painter and Dartmouth College’s artist-in-residence, to tell the story of Vermont in a painting for its brand new home office. The painting was dedicated in 1961.
National Life helped pay for construction and renovation of the new gallery and adjoining exhibition spaces. It also donated some of the historical material related to the painting and has loaned a portrait of Fred Howland, a former president and chairman. Sample, the artist, was Howland’s son-in-law and Howland is depicted in the painting ascending the steps of a previous home office.
The Vermont History Museum is at 109 State Street in Montpelier. Admission is $7 for adults, $20 for families and $5 for students, seniors and children 6 and older. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A grand reopening featuring the new National Life Gallery is scheduled for this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., when admission will be free.