Vergennes Opera House All Access Project

Senator Hardy’s remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Vergennes Opera House All Access Project – September 17, 2026.

Good afternoon, everyone! It’s wonderful to see so many people here to celebrate the completion of this important project. I’m Senator Ruth Hardy, and I am thrilled to be here to help cut the ribbon on the Vergennes Opera House All Access Project! 

I first became involved with this project about four years ago when I was asked to write a letter to Senators Sanders and Welch to request congressionally-directed funding to support this project. Ultimately, this funding was approved, providing $500,000, an important anchor grant for this project. I was honored to be a part of securing this support.

Of course, as a senator for Addison County, I’m supportive of many historic preservation and community improvement projects in my district, but what makes this one particularly close to my heart is that it is a project that provides direct access, for everyone, to both democracy, including our cherished town meeting tradition, and the arts. In fact, it’s literally called “The All Access Project.”

In my March 2023 letter to Senators Sanders and Welch, I wrote, “Unfortunately, this beautiful building is not fully accessible to visitors, performers, and staff members with mobility impairments, making it difficult for these folks to participate in community events and reach government resources. As Vermonters age and we also become more focused on the importance of broad accessibility measures, it’s vital that our historic buildings, especially those that house critical cultural and governmental resources, are made accessible to everyone.”

Especially during these times when both our democracy and the vital arts organizations that bring joy & beauty to our country are under attack, we must protect and promote access to democracy and the arts. This All Access Project does both for all of the People of Vergennes.

Finally, I have been honored to be a part of three ribbon-cutting ceremonies over the past few weeks – Middlebury’s Ilsley Library, the Addison County Peer Recovery Center, and now the Vergennes Opera House. A common element with each of these projects is a determined woman, or in this case – women, who led the charge to make sure the project happened. 

So, today, I want to salute women leaders who are the driving force for these major projects improving our communities. In this case, I want to thank Gerianne Smart and Susan Schaefer for their years of hard work, strategic planning, and community building. This project would not be a reality without them.

May the People of Vergennes, and everyone who enjoys a show, event, meeting, or celebration at the new and improved Vergennes Opera House have many years of access, public debate, and creative joy here. Thank you!

Header Photo: Photo of the crowd gathered for the event, taken by Senator Hardy before her remarks.