Stephen Bates Family Reunion

Pictures of the 2022 Reunion

Our family is famous in Vermont and our history is alive in Vergennes! On the weekend of October 2, 2021, several family members traveled to Vergennes for the unveiling of the State African American Heritage Trail Marker of Stephen Bates. The city celebrated the life of Stephen Bates with a welcome reception on Saturday for family members. On Sunday October 3rd, family members attended the St Paul’s Episcopal church service, the church where Stephen’s daughter Rose Bates married Raymond Schuyler. The ceremony for the unveiling of the marker took place afterwards in the park with over a hundred townspeople attending in the rain. A proclamation was presented that stated Vermont Governor Scott proclaimed Oct 3, 2021 to be Sheriff Stephen Bates Day in Vermont. 

Senator Bernie Sanders read this into the record of Congress on February 24, 2021