You may not know Michael Sherman’s name, but chances are, if you live in Vermont, he has touched your life somehow.
Sherman was a teacher, historian, and advocate, a baker, volunteer, and so much more. He died April 8 at age 80.
From 1985 to 1995, Sherman was the executive director of the Vermont Historical Society. His work there was instrumental into ushering the institution toward what we know it as today.
“He was an enormous figure in the world of Vermont history, and for decades played a major role in the scholarship, organization, and study of the field,” said Steve Perkins, the current director of the Vermont Historical Society.
In the years since leaving that post, Sherman remained editor of its quarterly journal, Vermont History. He also co-authored (with Gene Sessions and Jeffrey Potash) “Freedom and Unity: A History of Vermont” that was published in 2004. It is considered one of the definitive histories written about our state.
Sherman was the author of numerous other books and articles that explored and enriched our understanding of Vermont’s story.
His love for Vermont and Vermont history is notable. He was not a native.
He was born in the Bronx in 1944, attended the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan, and later graduated from the University of Chicago with a Ph.D. in Renaissance art history. After marrying Nancy in 1968, he taught at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. After starting a family, the Shermans moved to Madison, Wisconsin, in 1978, where Sherman worked at the Wisconsin Humanities Council.
In 1986, they made the move to Vermont.
Sherman was also a teacher. He was a professor of liberal studies in the Adult Degree Program of Vermont College of Norwich University/Union Institute & University from 1996 to 2006, and was the academic dean of Burlington College in Burlington from 2006 to 2008. The list of students he taught in that time could be its own book, maybe in volumes.
Sherman was also very concerned for Vermonters. For years, he served on the board of directors of Central Vermont Community Action Council, which is known today as Capstone Community Action, headquartered in Barre. Sherman served as board chair. In meetings, when conversations got wonky and policy-driven, Sherman was the first to rightfully posit: “What does it mean for the people we serve?”
Around Montpelier, where he had lived with his family since 1986, he and his late wife Nancy were very active in supporting the community. Nancy passed away in 2018.
While Nancy went on to serve for 12 years on the Montpelier City Council as well as several city committees, Michael, too, sought to foster a sense of community building in his own way. He served on many city committees and advisory boards, helping to advance projects that have shaped the Capital City into the community it is today.
The Shermans were regulars at local events, including art walks, concerts and countless Montpelier events. It was through a lifetime of interactions that both Shermans felt a strong need to steadfastly advocate for community, local social services, and volunteering.
According to his obituary, “He and Nancy both made it a point to help those in need, whether through the Unitarian Church’s Community Lunches or by offering housing and sanctuary to people less fortunate than themselves.”
And similarly, he fed the community through his years of working as a baker at Manghi’s Bread on School Street. According to his obituary, he joked “that was one of the most important roles he ever took on.”
Notably, Michael volunteered for years as a greeter at the Capital City Farmers Market. It was his friendly face and kind welcome that first met you, and — more than likely — counseled you to “have a nice rest of your day.”
Their legacies will live on. Nancy’s 2018 obituary notes that individuals who wanted to honor her should “make a contribution in her memory to the organization of their choice that provides care and services to people in need or otherwise makes our world a better place to live in and thrive.” Likewise, Michael’s obituary notes, “In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the Vermont Historical Society, the Montpelier Tree Board, the T.W. Wood Art Gallery, or the charity of your choosing.”
According to his obituary, a public celebration will be held in Montpelier this summer.
In the hopes of making a better place to live and commune, many of us strive to be our best selves by contributing in meaningful ways. What the Shermans brought to Vermont in the form of leadership, kindness, and joy ought to be a model to anyone who wants to do that important work.
Fortunately for all of us, Michael and Nancy walked the walk.
As for ensuring Vermont’s history is celebrated and preserved, Michael Sherman was one of its best stewards. Through his decades of work, volunteering, and — simply — his compassion, the Vermont that we have come to know over these many years of history and community building is a better place for his deep care.