The Cato Vernon Freedom Library is a three-room participatory exhibit on the first floor of the Vernon House that visitors experience in sequence in their own time during open hours:
Latin, “a place where something is heard.”
English ca 1727, “part of a public building where people gather to hear speeches.”
The Auditorium
The exploration begins in the Auditorium where visitors will hear about the Vernon House, what we know of Cato Vernon and how to approach the Cato Vernon Freedom Library.
From Greek, "a temple or shrine of the Muses."
English, ca 1680 “part of a building set aside as a place for objects relating to art, literature, or science"
The Museum
The exploration continues into the Museum where visitors learn about and contribute to what we know about Private Cato Vernon’s life before, during and after the Revolutionary War.
English, ca 1759, “one furnished with newspapers, periodicals, etc.”
The Reading Room
After learning about Cato Vernon, visitors are encouraged to spend as much time as they like in the Reading Room perusing the books, playing records, drinking tea, contributing art, talking with the Artist-Docents, or finding stillness.
