Join historian and archaeologist Joseph Kinney for a Lunchtime Lecture exploring the Revolutionary War-era forts of Rutland County and how they’ve been remembered, or forgotten, over time. Drawing from his undergraduate thesis and ongoing research, Kinney will introduce attendees to key military sites including Castleton’s Fort Warren, Pittsford’s Fort Vengeance and Rutland’s Forts Rutland and Ranger.

This talk, titled The Lost Forts of Rutland County: A Discussion of Public Memory of the American Revolution, will trace the history of these forts from the late 18th century through their evolving place in public memory up to the twenty-first century. Whether you’re a longtime Vermonter or new to the area, you’ll gain insight into the region’s overlooked Revolutionary War heritageand maybe even recognize a few places from your own experience. The lecture will be accompanied by a visual presentation, offering images and maps to bring this history to life.

Joseph Kinney earned his BA in History from Castleton University in 2023, where he participated in the Castleton Hidden History Project. He currently works as a field archaeologist for Heritage Consultants in Connecticut and is pursuing a master’s degree in Historical Archaeology at UMass Boston. His research interests focus on New England’s Revolutionary War and Early Federal period history and material culture. His most recent work explores the 1777 Skirmish of Castleton, an event closely tied to the construction of Fort Warren.