Vermont Then & Now

Why do historians compare the past and the present?

Over time, some things change and some things stay the same. Historians compare and contrast different time periods. They look at what has changed and what has stayed the same. Historians also think about why things have changed.

Look at these two photographs of Main Street in Montpelier. Slide the button across to compare the two images.

Find the building at the end of the street that is the same in both photographs. (Hint, it's at the top right). How have the other buildings changed? How has transportation changed? How has the street stayed the same?

Why did some things change and others stay the same?

Vermont Then & Now State Street in 2020
Vermont Then & Now State Street in 1874

Read these stories about Vermont at different times in history. Think about the ways Vermont has changed and the ways Vermont has stayed the same.