DOVER- On Tuesday, Ski Vermont held their sixth annual media day at Mount Snow. Ski Vermont is a private nonprofit promoting ski tourism around the state. Media outlets and Vermont ski area representatives met at the Timber House restaurant where they mixed and mingled and gave updates from around the state. But those who attended were also in for a real treat when the event’s keynote speaker presented a history that highlighted the state’s leadership, creativity, and independence.

Frank Bryan, a University of Vermont political science professor, spoke about Vermont’s genetic code that differentiates it from the rest of the country. Bryan highlighted the unheard and unsung historical events that made Vermont special. In particular, he stressed the state’s unique culture, which he argues is now eroding. “Vermont’s genetic code is a civic culture based on a willingness to give of ourselves and help our neighbors. It’s still there, but we’re destroying it,” said Bryan.

Bryan introduced several studies that demonstrated Vermont’s leadership. According to Robert Putnam, professor at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and author of the groundbreaking work “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community,” Vermont measured well among 50 states in terms of social capital, civic engagement, and tolerance and equality.

Vermont was listed as one of the top states along with New York, California, Idaho, Massachusetts, Connecticut. Bryan asked “where did Vermont’s unique character come from?” and he explained his argument in a historical narrative that was enlightening and humorous.

“Vermont and its landscape, its people, its (ski and agricultural) heritage are all integral to the state’s prime positioning as a premier ski destination in the United States,” said Jen Butson, Ski Vermont director of public affairs. Butson said Bryan’s narration of Vermont’s mountains in relation to its people was “poignant.”

Bryan said the glacier period carved out smooth rolling mountain landscapes and rich alkaline soil that was ideal for agricultural use. This led to an agrarian culture that promoted a sense of civic-mindedness and community in which neighbor helps neighbor.

During the Industrial Revolution, many Vermonters left the state for greener pastures in the cities. In the 19th century, Vermont lost more people than any other state in the nation. Bryan believed that exodus was a blessing in disguise. “The Industrial Revolution featured the coming together of masses. But mass society oftentimes inhibits creativity and innovation. The worst thing to do was to try to catch up with the rest of America. But (Vermont) is ahead, ” said Bryan.

During that time, Vermont led the nation in platform scale production. Copper spheres for globes were manufactured in Bradford. Vermont was a major leader in the machine tool industry at one time and of course, agriculture became a dominant source of capital.

Raising sheep was once dominant in the state. But by the mid-19th century, milking cows became the primary means of agriculture. As dairy farming evolved, so did Vermont’s genetic code. “These tough (farmers) were people you wouldn’t mess with, yet they never raised their voices in the stable. A psychological phenomenon developed. What farming and milking gave us was a sense of empathy, kindness, civility, and capitalism,” said Bryan.

Bryan believes that sense of small scale community that once made Vermont special is now moving to a more nationalist identity. He urged the Vermont ski industry to maintain the special small scale character through its industry, which can help maintain the genetic code that once made Vermont special.

“We have a nationalist mentality that’s ruined our individualism, We’ve forgotten the importance of human scale. We all need to know that scale matters. That is what Vermont must maintain,” said Bryan.