Vermont's Quiet Spark: Jane Goodall's 2001 Vermont Visit Birthed the Ark of Hope's Path Through 9/11's Shadow
Jane Goodall, who passed away on October 1, 2025, made a memorable visit to Vermont two days before the 9/11 tragedy. An epic pilgrimage followed.
In the quiet hills of Vermont, a story of hope and resilience was born from a convergence of peace-making, artistic expression, and a global tragedy. This is the story of the Ark of Hope, a wooden chest that began its journey in Vermont, was inspired by the words of Jane Goodall, and was propelled into the world by the events of September 11, 2001.
This article aims to fill in the blanks of this remarkable story, providing a thorough understanding of the issue of how to foster hope and positive action in the face of despair, so Vermonters can make their own determination about the best path forward.
A Celebration of Earth and a Visit from a Legend
On a serene Sunday, September 9, 2001, Shelburne Farms in Vermont was the setting for a remarkable event: “For Love of Earth, A Celebration of the Earth Charter.” The keynote speaker was the world-renowned primatologist and activist, Dr. Jane Goodall.
According to the Ark of Hope’s official history, the event was a culmination of the Temenos Project, an initiative that used art to engage people with the principles of the Earth Charter, an international document outlining a framework for a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society.
For this celebration, a special vessel was created: the Ark of Hope. According to the Ark of Hope’s website, this beautiful wooden chest was designed and painted by Vermont artist Sally Linder, meticulously built by cabinetmaker Kevin Jenness from a single plank of sycamore maple, and lined with fabric by artist Beth Haggart. The Ark was created to be a sanctuary for a handwritten copy of the Earth Charter on papyrus and for the “Temenos Books,” handmade books filled with images and words of hope for global healing, peace, and gratitude, created by artists, schoolchildren, and citizens from Vermont and around the world.
From Celebration to Solemn Purpose: The Shadow of 9/11
Just two days after the celebration at Shelburne Farms, the world was irrevocably changed. On September 11, 2001, the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon shook the nation to its core. According to Sally Linder’s account on the Ark of Hope’s website, her immediate, spontaneous response to the horror of 9/11 was to begin walking the Ark of Hope to the United Nations in New York City.
What began as a spontaneous act of defiance against despair quickly grew into a pilgrimage of hope. Hundreds of walkers joined the journey, carrying the 500-pound Ark for over 350 miles through four states. The journey took two months, with the last leg of the trip down the Hudson River aboard Pete Seeger’s legendary sloop, The Clearwater.
The Ark of Hope’s Journey and a Message for the World
The Ark of Hope is more than just a beautifully crafted chest; it is a powerful symbol of peace and hope. Its five painted panels represent the flora and fauna of the world, with each panel visualizing a season, a direction, an element, and a universal symbol. According to the Ark of Hope’s website, the top panel, representing “Spirit,” is adorned with symbols of faith from various religions and indigenous societies, honoring the children and young animals of the world. The carrying poles are designed to look like unicorn horns, which are said to render evil ineffective.
Inside the Ark, alongside the Earth Charter, are the Temenos Books. “Temenos” is a Greek word for a sacred space. According to the Earth Charter’s virtual library, the Temenos Project, co-founded by Vermont artists Cameron Davis and Sally Linder, inspired thousands of people to create pages for these books, expressing their hopes and prayers for a better world through art. The project was particularly active in Vermont, where over 5,000 artists, teachers, and students participated.
The Earth Charter: A Blueprint for a Just and Peaceful Future?
At the heart of the Ark of Hope’s message is the Earth Charter. This document, the result of a decade-long, global, cross-cultural conversation about common goals and shared values, outlines 16 principles for a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society. The principles are divided into four pillars: Respect and Care for the Community of Life, Ecological Integrity, Social and Economic Justice, and Democracy, Nonviolence, and Peace.
The Earth Charter is not a legally binding document, but rather a declaration of fundamental ethical principles for building a better world. It is intended to be a “people’s treaty,” and the Ark of Hope’s journey was a way of bringing this treaty to the people, and to the United Nations. According to the Earth Charter’s website, the Ark of Hope was exhibited at the United Nations in early 2002.
A Vermont Legacy and a Continuing Mission
The Ark of Hope’s journey did not end in New York City. In the years since 9/11, it has traveled the world, visiting schools, universities, faith communities, museums, and conferences, continuing to spread its message of hope and the vision of the Earth Charter. Its connection to Vermont remains strong, as it was born from the creativity and passion of Vermont artists and communities.
While there appear to be no major public controversies surrounding this specific Ark of Hope, it is important to acknowledge that the concept of an “ark” can be a powerful and sometimes contentious symbol. The Ark of Hope created in Vermont, however, has consistently been presented as a secular and inclusive symbol of peace and hope for all humanity.
The story of the Ark of Hope is a story about the power of a “quiet spark” from Vermont to illuminate a path through the darkest of times. It is a story that invites each of us to find our own way to be a carrier of hope in the world. By understanding this story in its entirety, Vermonters can now fully understand the issue and make their own determination about the best solution for them and their communities.