Between the Green Mountains to the west, the Connecticut River to the east, and Quebec to the north, Vermont’s Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties have long been known as the Northeast Kingdom. Historically dependent on forestry and farming, the region today is characterized by bountiful recreation opportunities, a robust creative economy, and a growing local food and drink scene. As in many parts of the Northern Forest, Northeast Kingdom communities are also working to attract new residents and workforce after many decades of population decline.

For the past five years the Center has supported a collaboration of Chambers of Commerce, community leaders, and anchor institutions in a regional partnership to market the Northeast Kingdom as a place to visit and live. The Create Your Kingdom video series—released in November, 2021—is one outcome of that work, designed to show and tell stories of how three individuals are making their lives and livelihoods in the region.

This series is one of several that the Center has produced as part of our programming to attract and retain new residents in Northern Forest communities. Create Your Kingdom was developed in partnership with the NEK Collaborative and the NEK Regional Marketing Partnership, and funded with support from a USDA Rural Business Development Grant. The videos were produced by Alex Shea and Patrick Kennedy, two NEK videographers.