House resolution supporting the preservation of the Julian Scott birthplace in Johnson
House Resolution 18 is a nonbinding resolution expressing the Vermont House of Representatives’ support for preserving the Julian Scott birthplace in Johnson. The resolution recounts Scott’s significance as a Johnson-born Civil War veteran, Medal of Honor recipient, and noted artist whose work is displayed in the State House, and it explains that his childhood home was damaged in the July 2023 floods and later identified for possible demolition through a FEMA hazard-mitigation buyout process.
The resolution urges the Governor to direct the Division for Historic Preservation to work with the Town of Johnson on a preservation plan and to publicly endorse the effort. It also notes that FEMA granted the town a 90-day reprieve to develop an alternative proposal, and it directs the House Clerk to send copies of the resolution to local, state, and federal officials.
Because this is a resolution rather than a statute, HR0018 does not amend Vermont law or create enforceable legal obligations. Its practical effect is to place the House on record in support of preserving the Julian Scott birthplace, to encourage executive-branch involvement through the Division for Historic Preservation, and to signal political support for a local preservation alternative to demolition under the FEMA buyout program. The resolution may influence state and local decision-making, historic preservation efforts, and coordination with federal disaster-mitigation rules affecting the property.
The overall sentiment reflected in the bill text is strongly supportive of preservation. The resolution emphasizes Julian Scott’s historical importance to Vermont and frames the birthplace as a culturally significant site worth saving. The absence of recorded votes or committee transcripts suggests there is no documented formal opposition in the provided materials, though the narrative indicates that the preservation push gained momentum only after demolition plans became public.
The main point of contention is whether the damaged house should be preserved or demolished as part of a FEMA-funded hazard mitigation buyout. Supporters, including the Johnson Selectboard and local historical advocates, argue that the home’s connection to Julian Scott warrants preservation and that the town should have time to develop an alternative plan. Opponents or skeptics, reflected in the State Historic Preservation Officer’s comments, point to public safety concerns, the lack of Scott-related artifacts inside the house, and alterations that have reduced its original historic character and significance. The dispute also includes questions about whether the state adequately identified the property’s historical importance in the federal grant process.