Neighbors, Not Strangers
During Community Day at Shelburne Museum, simple conversations and shared experiences created moments of warmth, reflection, and belonging.
Community doesn’t arrive fully formed. It starts with a conversation. It starts when someone shows up.
That spirit was alive across Shelburne Museum during Community Day, where neighbors gathered not just to explore the Museum’s grounds and collections, but to slow down, connect, and share something of themselves.
Free and open to the public, the day was built for everyone, and it felt that way.
As a Community Day sponsor, the Vermont Community Foundation hosted two experiences centered on connection and cultivation: “Neighbors, Not Strangers” Conversations and a Community Seed Share, joined by Shelburne Museum’s horticulturists, Mike Ingalls and Lexi Colantuno, who generously answered questions about gardens, pollinators, and growing things at home.
Near the Electra Havemeyer Webb Memorial Building and the Railroad Station, visitors pulled up chairs around small tables scattered with thoughtfully designed conversation cards. The prompts were simple, but the conversations they sparked were anything but.
One question asked: What is different in your life now than five years ago?
A mother in a newly blended family smiled broadly, gesturing toward the people beside her. “Absolutely everything,” she said.
A nonprofit volunteer reflected on what giving means to her: “When I do for others, I always feel so much better about myself. It brings me so much happiness. And yet, I never want anyone else to do something for me, but I should give them that same opportunity.”
As the day unfolded, strangers became conversation partners. Some laughed. Some reflected quietly. Some stayed and joined new conversations as they began.
One Vermonter stopped to thank the team for being there. “Because it is so nice,” they said, “especially now, to know good still exists in the world.”
Outside at the Shaker Shed, the Seed Share and Garden Q&A offered a different kind of connection, one rooted in the land and in the shared joy of growing things. Visitors traded seeds, asked questions about home gardens. The VCF provided pollinator-friendly seed mixes from High Mowing Organic Seeds to take home and plant.
The activity was inspired by a simple idea: healthy gardens, like strong communities, are rooted in diversity, connection, and care.
Above them, a mother robin tended her nest. (We can’t even make this up.)
Throughout the afternoon, visitors connected with Mike and Lexi, who generously shared their knowledge of the Museum’s gardens and landscape, answering questions ranging from pollinators to planting techniques.
And while the day was filled with beautiful moments, perhaps one exchange captured the spirit best.
A gentleman paused during a conversation activity and remarked, “Wow, it is so Vermonty.”
“I know,” one team member responded with a giant smile. “Isn’t it wonderful?”
“I’m a New Yorker,” he replied.
That was the magic of Community Day. Not perfection or performance, but openness. The willingness to pull up a chair, ask a question, swap a seed packet, share a story, and remember that community is something we create together.
The Vermont Community Foundation is deeply grateful to the entire team at Shelburne Museum for their warmth, creativity, and partnership in bringing the day to life. What began as a conversation months ago became a joyful celebration of connection, generosity, and belonging.
We can’t wait until next year.
Inspired?
Consider opening a donor advised fund to make a difference in Vermont communities. Together, we can create lasting positive change.
