The Danville Historical Society is honored and delighted to announce that the restoration of the historic Danville Train Station has been recognized with a 2026 Preservation Award from the Preservation Trust of Vermont. The award was presented during the Downtown & Historic Preservation Conference held in St. Albans on June 4, celebrating outstanding work in preserving Vermont’s built and cultural landscapes.
This recognition belongs to the entire Danville community and reflects the dedication, vision, and hard work of countless volunteers, partners, donors, and supporters who helped bring this remarkable project to life.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Town of Danville Train Station Committee, formed in 2021 to guide the restoration and revitalization of the station. The committee’s commitment and perseverance were instrumental in transforming the building from a deteriorating historic landmark into a vibrant community resource. While every committee member played an important role, we would be remiss not to acknowledge Danville native, retired architect, and committee member Rob Balivet, who generously served as the project’s Owner’s Representative. His expertise, leadership, and countless volunteer hours were invaluable throughout the restoration process.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to the professional team that made this project possible, including R. Edwards & Company, architects for the restoration, and Engineering Ventures, whose civil and structural engineering expertise helped ensure the project’s success.
This rehabilitation would not have been possible without the support of numerous funding partners, including the Town of Danville, the Preservation Trust of Vermont, Green Mountain Power, the Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development, the Vermont Agency of Transportation, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, and the many individuals whose generous private donations helped make this vision a reality.
Built in the summer of 1871 for the Portland & Ogdensburg Railroad, the Danville Train Station served as a passenger and freight depot for more than a century. Following the closure of rail service in the early 1990s, the building faced decades of deferred maintenance. A critical stabilization effort in 1994 helped preserve the structure, but a comprehensive restoration remained a long-term goal for the community.
That opportunity emerged with the development of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. Recognizing the station’s importance as both a historic landmark and future community asset, the Town of Danville established the Train Station Committee in 2021 to lead restoration efforts.
Following an extensive planning and design process, work began in 2023 and included the reconstruction of the historic platform and canopy, accessibility improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades, full electrification of the building, restoration of historic interior features, and the thoughtful integration of modern amenities. The project was completed despite significant construction challenges and celebrated its grand reopening on September 18, 2025.
Today, the Danville Train Station once again serves as a welcoming gateway to the community and a destination along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. The restored passenger waiting room now showcases historic railroad artifacts and memorabilia, while the former freight room is being activated with new visitor-oriented uses that will ensure the station remains a vibrant part of community life for generations to come.
The Danville Historical Society is deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their time, talent, expertise, and financial support to this project. This Preservation Award is a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together to preserve its history while creating opportunities for the future.
The Danville Historical Society is creating a special exhibit celebrating the rich history of theater in Danville, and we need your help!
We’re looking for items that help tell the story of these productions, including:
• Photographs
• Playbills and programs
• Posters and promotional materials
• T‑shirts and memorabilia
• Props and costumes
• Newspaper clippings
• Written memories and stories
• Any other theater-related treasures
The exhibit will open upstairs in the Danville Town Hall on Saturday, August 1 (Danville Fair Day). We are also hoping to host an opening reception on Friday, July 31 (time to be announced), featuring the exhibit and, we hope, as many Danville Summer Singers alumni as possible.
If you know former cast or crew members who have moved away, please help spread the word and encourage them to get in touch.
If you have items to loan or donate, stories to share, or contact information for fellow alumni, please contact:
Patty Conly
Danville Historical Society
? 802–684-2055
Office Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
(Please leave a message if no one answers, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.)
Or contact:
Beth Williams
? 802–595-3641
(Please leave a message if she is unavailable.)
Help us preserve and celebrate the memories, friendships, and performances that have made Danville theater such a special part of our community. Pictured is part of the 1991 cast of The Sound of Music.
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About Chief Don Stevens
Don Stevens, Chief of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk — Abenaki Nation and President of the tribal non-profit AHA-Abenaki Helping Abenaki, Inc. Don is a leader, businessman, and lecturer. He has been featured in magazines, books, media, TV shows, and documentaries involving his work with uplifting the Abenaki Community.
Don was appointed to the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs by Governor Douglas in 2006 for two terms; where he served as Chair in his second term. Don helped lead the fight to obtain legal recognition for the Abenaki People in Vermont who were recognized by the Vermont Legislature in 2011. Don was able to acquire land and hunting/fishing rights for the Nulhegan Tribe which had been absent for over 200 years. Don is very proud of his work in partnering with Middlebury College to revitalize the Western Abenaki Language. There were six fluent speakers of the language in 2010. Now there are thirty people per class. Don continues to work with the Federal Government, Legislators, State & Local Governments, Institutions, and other Indian Nations to represent Nulhegan Abenaki viewpoints.
Don has over 30 years of experience in successfully developing Information Technology, Project Management, and strategies for multi-million dollar companies. He proudly served in the US Army and graduated from Champlain College with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Don currently serves on many State Boards and Advisory Panels.
Don was honored by Middlebury College, Champlain College, and Sterling College with Doctorates of Human Letters Degrees. Don is married to his lovely wife Diane Stevens. They have 6 Children and 9 Grandchildren.
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***Notice***
The Choate Sias House will be closed for public hours from January 18th through March 23rd. The house will reopen on Tuesday, March 24th. This will allow the Danville Historical Society staff and volunteers to reorganize archives and artifacts and refresh displays and exhibits for upcoming programs and activities. Please call 802–684‑2055 or email director@danvillevthistorical.org if you have questions or need historical information.
Sorry for any inconvenience.
See you in March!
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There are few things better than a crackling fire, good company, and a hot dog enjoyed outdoors in the heart of winter. Each year, friends and neighbors gather in Greenbanks Hollow for a beloved local tradition—the Annual Winter Bonfire—and 2026 promises to be another memorable year.
This community celebration is more than just a chance to warm up by the fire. It’s an opportunity to come together and recognize the incredible work completed in 2025 at Greenbanks Hollow Historic Park, while also looking ahead to the exciting projects and preservation efforts still to come.
A Simple, Joyful Winter Gathering
The Annual Winter Burn is intentionally uncomplicated and wonderfully nostalgic. Expect:
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Hot dogs cooked over the fire—often earning the unofficial title of Best Hot Dog of the Year
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Classic s’mores for all ages
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Warm beverages to share and enjoy together
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Laughter, conversation, and the glow of a winter bonfire
It’s the kind of event that reminds us why community matters, especially during the colder months.
Celebrating Progress, Honoring History
Greenbanks Hollow holds a special place in Danville’s history, and the ongoing preservation of the Historic Park reflects the dedication of volunteers, neighbors, and supporters who care deeply about this landscape. This gathering serves as a moment to celebrate what’s been accomplished and to build momentum for the work ahead.
Event Details
What: Annual Winter Bonfire (Winter Burn)
Where: Greenbanks Hollow
When: Sunday, January 18th
Time: 1:00pm‑3:00pm
Bundle up, bring your friends and family, and join the community for an afternoon of warmth, connection, and winter cheer. Whether you come for the hot dogs, the fire, or the fellowship, you’ll leave with a full heart—and likely a full stomach.
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