Last updated: December 16, 2023
Place
Proctor Maple Research Farm
Photograph by Carol J. DiNinno, courtesy of the Vermont State Historic Preservation Office
Quick Facts
Location:
UVM Rd., Underhill, Vermont
Significance:
Agriculture, Architecture, Education, Science
Designation:
Listed in the National Register - Reference number 99001050
OPEN TO PUBLIC:
No
MANAGED BY:
The Proctor Maple Research Farm in Underhill, Vermont was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. It is significant both for its continuous operation as a maple-producing sugarbush and for its contribution to the scientific study of the sugar maple tree and of maple processing.
Early settlers in Vermont boiled maple sap in large kettles over open fires to produce maple sugar. Beginning in 1774, Vermonters began producing maple commercially. The state's maple industry boomed during the Civil War, when Northerners no longer had access to Southern sugar cane and sought other sweeteners. To meet increased demand, maple producers introduced many technological innovations to the sugaring process, modernizing the industry. By 1884, Vermont was the nation's leading maple producer.
In 1945, Vermont Governor Mortimer R. Proctor bought piece of land with a sugarbush, which is a stand of maple trees that are tapped for their sap. He then immediately deeded the property to the Vermont Agricultural College for $1, with a directive to study, research, and experiment with the maple sugaring process, with the hope of bolstering the state's maple industry. Since then, researchers at the Proctor Maple Research Farm have been on site to study the scientific traits of sugar maple trees, the biological and chemical composition of its products, and methods to improve maple tree health and the production of maple syrup.
In addition to the farm's research activities, it also operates as an active maple syrup producer, boiling maple sap in one of the property's two sugarhouses to produce around 3,000 gallons of maple syrup per year. Additionally, the farm serves as a public educator on the science and operations of the maple industry, offering site visits and online resources.
Early settlers in Vermont boiled maple sap in large kettles over open fires to produce maple sugar. Beginning in 1774, Vermonters began producing maple commercially. The state's maple industry boomed during the Civil War, when Northerners no longer had access to Southern sugar cane and sought other sweeteners. To meet increased demand, maple producers introduced many technological innovations to the sugaring process, modernizing the industry. By 1884, Vermont was the nation's leading maple producer.
In 1945, Vermont Governor Mortimer R. Proctor bought piece of land with a sugarbush, which is a stand of maple trees that are tapped for their sap. He then immediately deeded the property to the Vermont Agricultural College for $1, with a directive to study, research, and experiment with the maple sugaring process, with the hope of bolstering the state's maple industry. Since then, researchers at the Proctor Maple Research Farm have been on site to study the scientific traits of sugar maple trees, the biological and chemical composition of its products, and methods to improve maple tree health and the production of maple syrup.
In addition to the farm's research activities, it also operates as an active maple syrup producer, boiling maple sap in one of the property's two sugarhouses to produce around 3,000 gallons of maple syrup per year. Additionally, the farm serves as a public educator on the science and operations of the maple industry, offering site visits and online resources.