Vermont Police Host Orphanage Survivors' Healing Exhibit

A new exhibition at the Vermont Police Academy is giving voice to survivors who spent their childhoods enduring abuse at St. Joseph's Orphanage in Burlington.

The Voices of St. Joseph's Orphanage Exhibition opens May 7 with a free public reception. It documents the experiences of children who lived at the institution between 1854 and 1974, many of whom described abuse at the hands of nuns and staff.

The exhibition combines survivor testimony, historical records, and community collaboration to tell stories that were silenced for generations. Visitors can walk through the display weekdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. through May 21.

The opening reception on May 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. includes a guided walk-through, discussion, and Q&A session with survivors and partners of the restorative inquiry. Registration is required but the event is free.

Why This Inspires

Hosting this exhibition at a police academy sends a powerful message about institutional accountability. The Vermont Police Academy chose to spotlight these difficult stories as part of its commitment to trauma-informed training and modern child protection approaches.

"It reflects the Vermont Police Academy's commitment to trauma-informed training and to fostering deeper understanding of the historical contexts that shape modern approaches to child protection and public safety," said Lisa Ryan, the community inclusion director. By learning from past failures, today's law enforcement can better protect vulnerable children.

The survivors themselves are leading this work, transforming their pain into education and advocacy. Their courage in sharing their stories is helping build stronger protections for children across Vermont.

Those interested can visit stjosephsrjinquiry.com for more information or contact Lisa Ryan at lisa.ryan@vermont.gov to plan their visit to the Vermont Police Academy.

Healing begins when we listen, and these survivors are finally being heard.