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HCR 304

House concurrent resolution celebrating the State House display of Julian Scott’s Civil War masterpiece, The Fourth Vermont Forming Under Fire, and thanking those individuals who facilitated this historic artistic event

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Richard Bailey and 4 co-sponsors

The state is ceremonially celebrating the installation and display of Julian Scott’s Civil War painting at the Vermont State House.

Ceremonial Reading
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HCR 304

Purpose and intent

  • H.C.R. 304 is a concurrent resolution in the Vermont General Assembly recognizing and celebrating the display of Julian Scott’s Civil War painting The Fourth Vermont Forming Under Fire at the Vermont State House.
  • The resolution also thanks individuals who facilitated the historic artistic event, including collectors, historians, curators, and others involved in the acquisition and display process.
  • The resolution notes the painting’s historical significance as part of a broader Vermont Civil War art collection and its unveiling at the State House Cedar Creek Room on October 29, 2025.

Key provisions and changes

  • Statement of celebration: The General Assembly formally celebrates the State House display of Julian Scott’s painting, recognizing its artistic and historical value.
  • Acknowledgments: The resolution names and thanks specific individuals and parties involved in bringing the painting to the State House, including:
    • Tyler Alexander (Champlain Valley Union High School teacher and Civil War historian)
    • Lyman Orton (Manchester art collector and Vermont Country Store owner) who loaned the painting for display
    • Howard Coffin, Kevin Graffagnino (Vermont Civil War historians)
    • David Schutz (State Curator)
    • Robert Titterton (art historian who appraised the painting)
  • Background narrative: The resolution provides a detailed account of the painting’s history, commission, ownership, sale, and eventual purchase for display, culminating in the October 29, 2025 unveiling.
  • Directive to the Secretary of State: The Secretary of State is directed to send copies of the resolution to the named individuals.

Who or what would be affected

  • Institutions: Vermont State House (display location) and the office of the Secretary of State (responsible for transmitting copies of the resolution).
  • Individuals/groups named: Tyler Alexander, Lyman Orton, Howard Coffin, Kevin Graffagnino, David Schutz, and Robert Titterton (and the families/owners connected to the painting’s history).
  • Public impact: Elevates Vermont’s historical and cultural narrative by formally recognizing the display of a significant Civil War artwork within the State House, potentially influencing tourism, education, and public appreciation of Vermont’s Civil War heritage.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: The resolution was last recorded on May 14, 2026, and listed as being on the Consent Calendar, indicating it was approved without significant opposition.
  • Background timeline noted in text:
    • The painting depicts the 1863 Chancellorsville Campaign.
    • Originally tied to Edwin Stoughton; family ownership passed through the years.
    • Purchased for display in Vermont with a bid of $110,000, facilitated by Lyman Orton.
    • Unveiling ceremony held October 29, 2025, at the Cedar Creek Room in the State House.
  • No fiscal appropriations or new programs are created; the document serves as a ceremonial recognition and public acknowledgment.

Summary

H.C.R. 304 is a ceremonial Vermont concurrent resolution celebrating the installation and public display of Julian Scott’s Civil War painting, The Fourth Vermont Forming Under Fire, at the State House. It recounts the painting’s history, names and thanks key individuals who facilitated its acquisition and display, and directs the Secretary of State to provide copies of the resolution to those individuals. The measure acknowledges the painting’s cultural and historical significance and reports the October 29, 2025 unveiling. The resolution does not authorize funding or create new programs; it serves as formal, non-binding recognition approved on the Legislature’s Consent Calendar.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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