Begins and ends in Burlington, VT with travel to Montreal, Quebec and environs, and to Plattsburgh and Ticonderoga, NY circumnavigating the lake.

DESCRIPTION

"Lake Champlain: Charting a New North America"

LAKE CHAMPLAIN 1609-2009:
In 2009, the spotlight will shine on the historic watershed of Lake Champlain which the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) call Kahniatarakaronte, "Gateway to the Land". Samuel de Champlain was the first European to understand the role of the Saint Lawrence/Great Lakes water system as the key to the interior of the continent. It was here in 1609, at the lake he later named for himself, that he traveled with a war party of his First Nations' allies, and where he began to understand the potential of the Richelieu River / Lake Champlain / Hudson River axis as a pivotal waterway.

This Institute will examine this area for its importance over 400 years as a major zone of contact and conflict.

INSTITUTE DESCRIPTION
Beginning and ending in Burlington, VT with travel to Montreal, Quebec and environs, and to Plattsburgh and Ticonderoga, NY, this Institute brings participants first-hand experience with the 17th to 21st century sites and artifacts of the Champlain Valley's evolution from a militarized frontier region to a destination for Quebec immigrants, to today's flows of trade.

Looking at the links between the land and history, the change and continuity, from the days of New France to the present, this institute will traverse this watershed to examine Champlain's 17th century connections and contributions, 18th century French colonial settlements, 19th-20th century immigration, and the resulting composition of contemporary economies and cultures.

By exploring several themes, the Institute offers participants an opportunity to explore the links between transportation in the Richelieu River/Lake Champlain watershed and its connections to the world economy via the Saint Lawrence and the Hudson Rivers. The Institute will develop the theme of the changing population in terms of movement and ethnic composition, the theme of the role of waterways and railroads in transportation of people and material, and the theme of important economic activities centering on natural resources production and manufacturing.
This Institute will be conducted at sites of geographic, historic and cultural importance, as participants arrive in northern Vermont, travel to Montreal and environs, follow the Richelieu River to Lake Champlain and then circumnavigate the lake exploring 400 years of history and culture.

REGISTRATION

Participants who are accepted to the institute will be charged a registration fee of $599.00, payable to The Center for the Study of Canada.  The fee covers the cost of all transportation during the institute starting from its point of origin in Burlington, VT, an opening evening reception, some meals, lecturers' fees, admissions to educational sites, curriculum materials, and double-occupancy at several lodgings. Institute participants who prefer single occupancy lodgings will be assessed an additional $599.00.

Participants are responsible for transportation to and from Burlington, VT, and for most meals.

NOTE: We regret we are unable to accommodate partners, spouses, or other family members.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested applicants: please print, fill out, and send the APPLICATION and registration fee prior to May 31 , 2009. 

NOTE: If circumstances require a registered and fully-paid participant to withdraw from the Institute prior to May 31, 2009, a refund will be returned. After May 31st, Institute registration can not be returned.

NOTE: A passport is required if you are traveling to and from Canada land or air. If you were born outside the U.S. you will need copies of your legal documents. Proof of medical insurance is required for everyone.

CREDIT

CERTIFICATE: Participants will be awarded a certificate of contact hours.

GRADUATE CREDIT: For an additional cost and with additional work, a participant may arrange for two graduate credits through Plymouth State University.
Contact Betsy Arntzen for more information about receiving academic credit.