Join the Bennington Museum Board of Trustees for our annual meeting where we will review all the successes of Bennington Museum in fiscal year 2026 that you have helped to make possible, and discuss exciting projects slated for the coming year.

At this meeting, which is open to members and non-members alike, we will also be presenting the Arnold Ricks Award which is given to an individual or organization in recognition of exceptional contributions to the Bennington community and Bennington Museum.

This year we are pleased to honor Tom Dee, recently retired President and Chief Executive Officer of Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC).  Under his leadership, the health system attained twelve consecutive years of positive operating performance, became an institutional member of Dartmouth Health, and received numerous state and national awards for quality of care, community leadership and workplace excellence.  During his tenure, Tom also made sure to give back to the community by directing SVMC’s philanthropic priorities in ways that made a local difference at Bennington Museum and beyond. He encouraged and helped lead economic development in Bennington through his involvement with the repurposing of the former Southern Vermont College campus and the renovations of the downtown Putnam building.  With his late wife, Rita, he committed countless hours of personal advocacy and volunteerism across many sectors including to equine and animal rescue efforts, Catholic charities, and the arts and culture.

“Tom has stewarded a truly transformational change in the way the people of this area experience health care,” says Martin Mahoney, Executive Director. “But more than that, he understands that a healthy community is built through strong partnerships. This exemplary vision has paved the way for organizations like ours to begin bold projects, to make new connections, and to dream bigger for the benefit of the entire region. For that, we are deeply grateful.”

Suggested donations of $20 will support our education programming so that we can continue to provide equitable access to the arts and culture for our youngest community members throughout the year!

Refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres will be served in the Ada and Paul Paresky Court.

The annual report will be available at this meeting, and will also be available for download and viewing online.