Boat Replica Construction

The discovery and recreation of an old boat bridges history, artistry, and community.

Students

Milo Stanley - class of 2017.5
Emmet Norris - class of 2019
Replica of century-old trapping boat created by Middlebury students supported by the Treehouse Fund.

After retrieving a century-old trapping boat found in a field in Ferrisburgh, VT, students Milo Stanley ‘17.5 and Emmet Norris ’19 sought to create a replica of this historical artifact. With support from the Innovation Hub and the Treehouse Fund, along with their academic advisor Dan Brayton, Stanley and Norris found available space in the lobby of the Athletic Center to work away at the semester-long project. The central location built some awareness and curiosity about Creativity and Innovation programs and was the first type of creative project in that space. The finished replica was donated to the Rokeby Museum in Ferrisburgh, VT as part of a permanent exhibit, creating a tangible bridge between Middlebury campus and the broader community.

“One of our favorite ideas … is to construct the replica in a public space on campus (performance art, if you will) where the students and community members could observe the process and learn more about the history behind the boat.” 

Milo Stanley ‘17.5

Middlebury student Milo Stanley poses with both the original and replica boats.
Milo Stanley ‘17.5 with both the original and replicated wooden boats in the construction site at the Athletic Center.

 “The boat looks amazing. We’ve loved having the project. It’s been a great talking point and there has been a lot of interest.”  – Franklin Dean-Farrar, Athletic Operations and Events Manager