Baby Animals at Hildene
Throughout the month of April, there will be lots of lambs and kids bouncing around Hildene Farm.
"At this time of year, visitors to the estate quickly learn why spring is a great season to visit Hildene. Our farm is bursting with new life and our many beautiful trails are open for walking and enjoying after the long Vermont winter."
— Brian Keefe, President
April 3, 2024
Among the tried-and-true signs that spring has arrived at Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, is the joyful arrival of kids and lambs at Hildene Farm.
Photo concept: Kimberly Pinsonneault. Photo credit: Kara Ernst.
The first baby buck, "Olaf," was born last week, weighing 6.5 pounds to Mum, Mushu, following a fierce snowstorm that packed a wallop for the Southern Vermont region. Misty Hosley, Goat Dairy Manager for Hildene Farm, announced the buck's birth to the Hildene staff via email and shared the tender photo below:
Well, we weren’t expecting this this morning! Mushu was not due until Friday. She gave birth this morning at 10:00. Buck 6.5# — Email to Hildene Staff from Misty Hosley, Goat Dairy Manager for Hildene Farm.
Photo Credit: Misty Hosley.
By mid-April, there will be lots of kids (baby goats) and lambs (baby sheep) bouncing around Hildene Farm. Visitors to Hildene will have the chance to meet Olaf and all the other adorable baby animals at the upcoming "Meet the Baby Animals" event on April 20th and 21st, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This event is free with admission and to members.
During the event, visitors can explore both the goat dairy and dene farm, where they'll be greeted by a variety of animals, including baby goats, lambs, alpacas, cows, chickens, rabbits, and, of course, Peaches the pig. Visitors can first walk to the goat dairy on the Farm Loop trail to visit the baby goats, then enjoy a short van ride to dene farm on River Road to visit the lambs.
Presidential son, Robert Lincoln, who built Hildene in 1905, was an avowed gentleman farmer, and his granddaughter, Peggy, was a hands-on farmer. Both valued their agricultural connection to Hildene’s land. Each raised a dairy herd and chickens that produced the eggs, milk and butter that were used on the estate and shared with friends. President Abraham Lincoln, who worked on his family's farm from the age of seven to 21, signed legislation in 1862 to create the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Building upon the Lincoln family’s legacy, Hildene Farm showcases the regenerative farming practices necessary for the 21st century. Its use of renewable energy resources from solar panels and wood fuel provides a unique opportunity to teach about the importance of clean renewable energy and the value of small-scale farming.
Hildene Farm's goat dairy is home to a herd of Nubian goats. During kidding season, dozens of new baby goats are born, and visitors can plan a return visit in June to witness cheese-making from milking to small batch processing, pasteurization, aging, and packaging of cheese. Over summer and fall, Hildene Farm Artisanal Cheeses are available at The Museum Store.
To complete your springtime visit to The Lincoln Family Home, make sure to explore the 1903 restored wooden Pullman car, Sunbeam, and the "Many Voices" exhibit. You can also enjoy some time in the Cutting and Kitchen Gardens located behind the Welcome Center and browse in The Museum Store while sampling Vermont products.
For more information on "Meet the Baby Animals," please contact Program Director Stephanie Moffett-Hynds at (802) 367-7960 or at the email listed below.
THE DETAILS: MEET THE BABY ANIMALS
WHAT: Meet Hildene's Baby Animals
WHEN: April 20 & 21, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: At the Hildene goat dairy and animal barn, 1005 Hildene Road, Manchester VT.
IF YOU GO: All guests must check in at the Hildene Welcome Center to pay admission or pick up their member stickers. Then enjoy a walk to the goat dairy on the Farm Loop trail. Hildene will provide van rides from there to our animal barn in the dene where you’ll find lambs—in addition to alpacas, cows, chickens, rabbits, and Peaches the pig.
Please note that there is no parking at the goat dairy or at dene farm.
For more information, contact Stephanie at (802) 367-7960 or at the email listed below.
VISTING HILDENE
Hildene is open year-round Thursday - Monday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We are closed Tuesday and Wednesday and some holidays. To learn more about Hildene, please visit www.hildene.org or call (802) 362-1788.
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