The Vistor's Center is marked as the Caretaker's House on this map The Barnett Homestead is a beautiful example of an early neo-classical home with its sweeping staircase, large formal parlor, and intimate “sitting room”. This home has become the Visitor Center for the Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site. Under a cooperative agreement between the State and the Town of Hoosick, the site is being operated by the Town of Hoosick. The Town has hired the Vintage Voices to present the story of the Battle and living history tours of the visitor center. It is a wonderful place to visit. The major battle actually took place around the visitor center. The main road to Bennington crossed the Walloomsac River at the present location of the Barnett Homestead. The major assault of the British Army by the American Militia, commanded by General Stark, was in the area of the bridge. At the time of the battle, a small cabin owned by the Beardsley family was near the bridge. The Barnett Homestead was actually built about 1840, but the farm was owned by the Barnett family as early as 1800. The home has been restored by the State of New York. In 1924, the State of New York purchased the battle area including the farmhouse owned by Fred Stevens. It was planned to create a historic museum in the farm house. Instead the State turned it into the home for the site’s caretaker. History comes alive in the tour of the Barnett Household Visitor Center. The interpreters are dressed in costumes of the early 19th Century. They discuss and demonstrate the daily tasks of this period. Spinning wool, breaking flax and carding wool is actually performed. Visitors are invited to try it for themselves. The mix of herbal treatments, folklore and superstitions that attempted to heal the sick are discussed. Early school practices are addressed in the classroom established in one of the rooms. The different ways homes were furnished and managed are explained. Parlor games are shown with visitors having a chance to try their luck at games like “Graces”. A detailed explanation of the Battle of Bennington is presented on a specially built map of the area. The 45 minute presentation is informative, interesting and one that shouldn’t be missed. The center is opened 1 to 4 PM on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from May 20 to October 14. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students. The maximum charge for a family of up to 5 is $15. Troops at the Summer camp in 2006 If you have out of town visitors, this is a must place to take them. The April 2007 Program: The historic interpreters group, Vintage Voices, will be presenting "Springtyme Workshops" at the Barnett Homestead Visitors Center of the Bennington Battlefield during the week of April 9. Craft workshops offered include Pressed Flower Plaques, Creative Birdfeeders, Clock Making and Soap Molding, among others. Morning workshops run from 9 to 11 am, and afternoon workshops from 1 to 3 pm. Students may sign up for individual workshops or all day for the four day session ending on April 12. Students must be eight years of age or older. Two day, morning or afternoon workshops are $25 each; for those wishing to attend all day for the four days, the fee is $70. A mini-scrapbooking workshop is offered as either a two day or four day workshop; the four day workshop is $50. Students attending all day should bring a lunch, and a mid-day recess is scheduled, so appropriate clothing should be brought. Registration forms are available at the Cheney Library and Town of Hoosick. Forms can also be obtained by calling Norma Peebles at 802-447-8472. Full payment must accompany registration to hold your childÕs place. Checks should be made payable to Vintage Voices. Anyone with further questions may contact Phyllis Chapman at 518-686-4438. The Barnett Homestead is maintained through a cooperative agreement between the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Town of Hoosick