Twin States, Different Paths: The Politics of New Hampshire and Vermont

Join us for an engaging talk by author Brian L. Porto as he explores why New Hampshire and Vermont, two neighbors separated only by the Connecticut River, have developed such strikingly different attitudes toward government and community. Drawing on his book Twin States, Different Paths: The Politics of New Hampshire and Vermont, Porto traces these contrasting political cultures back to the land itself, from the geology and geography that shaped early settlement to the civic philosophies that followed. He’ll look at how these traditions shape each state’s approach to current issues such as affordable housing and public-school funding. Whether you’re a history buff, a policy follower, or simply curious about life on either side of the river, this accessible and balanced discussion offers something for everyone. A Q&A will follow. Brian L. Porto is a professor emeritus at Vermont Law and Graduate School. He holds a J.D. from Indiana University-Bloomington and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Miami University (Ohio). He has worked as an attorney in state government and private practice and has taught political science at Macalester College (MN) and Norwich University (VT). His current book, Twin States, Different Paths: The Politics of New Hampshire and Vermont, compares the political cultures of those two states, traces their development, and discusses their influence on current policy decisions. His five previous books cover topics ranging from the American legal system to the governance of college sports, to the use of classical rhetoric in U.S. Supreme Court opinions. When not writing, he walks in the woods of New Hampshire and Vermont as much as possible with his wife, Sherrie Greeley, with whom he lives in Windsor, VT. This event is free and open to the public. To attend via Zoom click here to register.