About The Film and Our Advisors

Since declaring its independence in 1777, Vermont has been a beacon for innovative, courageous, and truly independent decisions about political, social, and cultural issues. This bold spirit has deep roots in the rocky soil of the Green Mountain State. And the state’s traditions—from town meeting to tolerance for others—have helped it flourish. Yet Vermont has not always lived up to its egalitarian ideals, and its pursuit of freedom has on occasion threatened its unity – with other colonies and states, with the nation as a whole, and even among its own people.

Vermont was the first state to outlaw slavery, to allow same sex civil unions, to call for the impeachment of President Richard M. Nixon, and to protect its environment with Act 250, a groundbreaking land-use law. But how does the state’s tradition of tolerance reconcile with its historical mistreatment of the Abenaki, its native population? How does Vermont’s reputation of racial inclusion stand against its status as one of the whitest states in the Union? And how has its evolution from being the most "Republican" state to one of the most liberal affected longtime residents and relative newcomers?

In Freedom & Unity: The Vermont Movie, a group of critically acclaimed Vermont filmmakers and historians set out to answer these questions, and to understand Vermont's iconoclastic spirit: where it comes from, how it shapes our present, and how it lays the groundwork for the future. We encourage you to join us on the journey.

Project Coordinator: Nora Jacobson
Project Administrator: Nat Winthrop
Producers' Committee: Nat Winthrop, Nora Jacobson, Kate Cone, John Douglas, Dorothy Tod, Eleanor Lanahan, Louise Michaels, Jill Vickers, Deb Ellis, Art Bell.
Web Designer / Coordinator: Louise Michaels
Web Production: Michael Kay

Thanks to our sponsors, including the Bay and Paul Foundation, John M. Bissell Foundation, Green Valley Media, National Life of Vermont Foundation, Vermont Arts Council, Vermont Community Foundation, Vermont Humanities Council, and the Vermont Country Store.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please make checks payable to:
Freedom & Unity Project
Upper Valley Arts
P.O. Box 322
Norwich, Vermont 05055

...and thank you so much for your support.

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    Study Guide

  • 12 Video Segments on DVD