Hildene in Manchester Village has been recognized as a “state resource” by the National Register of Historic Places since 1977, shortly after the restored home opened to the public. But now Hildene is getting more recognition. Hildene Executive Director Seth Bongartz says the Lincoln family home has met its “real goal” of being designated as “having national significance.”

Seth told The Rutland Herald, “We’re very happy. It certainly will help with grants. It’s another arrow in our quiver.”

Hildene is on the list for lots of reasons. It was built by Robert Todd, Abe’s son, and actually remained in the Lincoln family until 1975. Robert was Secretary of War, Minister to England, and President of the Pullman Railroad Co. It is also a prime example of a Georgian revival mansion and one of the few such mansions still intact. We’re just not local anymore.