As the days shorten and autumn deepens, we find ourselves in one of our favorite times of year in Middlebury — a season of gathering, remembrance, and gratitude. There’s something about the light in late October — soft, golden, and fleeting — that draws us together as a community to honor what has been, and to celebrate what continues to grow among us.
This year, several beautiful community efforts invite us to pause and connect in meaningful ways. The Community Memory Altar, created on the porch of the Henry Sheldon Museum, offers a space of reflection and tenderness. It’s a collective expression of remembrance — candles flickering in paper lanterns, small tokens and photographs placed with care, a quiet reminder that the stories of those we’ve loved continue to shape who we are. The altar will remain open for all to visit from October 23 through November 9.
On Saturday, October 25, we’ll gather for Stories from the Heart, at St Stephen’s Church for an evening of sharing and listening — where music, memory, and community intertwine. It’s a chance to speak the names, tell the stories, and hold space for what connects us all. The event continues with a procession of luminaries towards the Henry Sheldon altar for a last moment of pause and reflection. The event is brought to you by the Porter Palliative team.
And on Monday 3rd November, again at Stephen’s church, All Souls Day is marked with an evening of Requiem —doors open 6.30pm. This evening provides yet another moment for reflection and gratitude, for quiet, for light.
We’re so grateful to everyone across Middlebury — artists, musicians, organizers, and neighbors — who help bring these moments to life. Together, they weave a season of meaning that reminds us why we love this place and the people in it.