Stone Industry Education

Vermont has long been known for its rich stone heritage. Every stone professional should experience the uniqueness of the Vermont quarries at least once in their lifetime!

The following quarries are on our tour list:

E.L. Smith Quarry (owned by Rock of Ages) - the site covers a surface area of 50 acres and is about 600 feet in depth. It is believed to be the world’s largest dimension “deep-hole” granite quarry. It accounts for approximately 75% of the total production of Barre granite quarried each year.
Danby Quarry (owned by Vermont Quarries) - is the biggest underground marble quarry in the world, over a mile long with a footprint of twenty five acres and reaching six levels deep. Five varieties of marble are produced at Danby Quarry.
Sutherland Falls Quarry (part of the Vermont Marble Museum tour) - Only a quarter mile stroll from the Museum parking lot, the viewing area allows the visitor to see the original Proctor quarry.
Vermont Verde Antique Rochester Quarry (owned by Vermont Verde Antique LLC) – Vermont Verde Antique has been quarried in the Green Mountains of Vermont since the early 1900’s. Serpentinite, unlike calcium carbonate based marbles, is capable of maintaining a polished finish in exterior exposures. This proven weather resistance has kept this material in high demand for the past century, and it’s classic look makes it one of the most widely recognized architectural façade materials.
Bethel White Quarry (owned by Rock of Ages) - the Bethel White granite quarry is a prime producer of a pure even-grain material. This quarry produces 225,000 cubic feet of blocks per year. Bethel White was supplied for the Mormon Bountiful Temple and the Grand America Hotel which was built to serve as a conference center for the 2002 Winter Olympics.
More quarry stops will be added to the schedule.

In addition to visiting a number of quarries, two museums are on our tour list:
Vermont Marble Museum - Over 100 exhibits! Mineralogy—Geology—Immigrant and Industrial History—On-site Sculptor—Sculpture Gallery & Much More! Learn more online at: www.vermont-marble.com

Hope Cemetery — A wonderful showcase of stone craftsmanship. This guided tour will help you appreciate the rich history of the natural stone industry.

Agenda:
The full agenda will be announced in March 2010. This event will also be eligible for AIA CEU credits. Look for details soon about how to invite an architect to accompany you on this tour – a great business/networking opportunity.

Host Hotel:
Comfort Inn at Maplewood
13 Paine Turnpike North
Montpelier, VT 05602
Phone: 802-229-2222
Ask for the "Marble Institute of America" group rate on sleeping rooms.

Registration Costs :
$199 MIA Members; $249 Non-MIA Members

Registration Reminder:

Earn a $25 bookstore credit — Each attendee will receive a $25 credit for items from the MIA bookstore. Credit will be awarded onsite at the seminar.
Earn two free registrations - non-MIA member companies who join prior to or during the seminar will be able to send two employees to a seminar for Free (a $198 value). For more information about membership, go online to http://www.marble-institute.com/membership/join.cfm or call 440.250.9222 (ask for Jeff Handley).