Michael
A. Sherman died peacefully and painlessly on April 8, 2025, at the
Central Vermont Medical Center.
Michael
was born in the Bronx to Dorothy “Tootsie” and Samuel “Shim”
Sherman. Michael attended the High School of Music and Art in New
York City (now known as the Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music
and the Arts) in Manhattan and later graduated from the University of
Chicago with a PhD in Renaissance art history. He married Nancy
Grabil Sherman on September 21, 1968. Michael was later employed at
Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis., as an adjunct professor in the
Humanities Division. Michael and Nancy had two sons, Adam and Roger,
before moving to Madison, Wis., in 1978, where Michael worked at the
Wisconsin Humanities Council. In 1986, Michael and Nancy moved the
family to Montpelier, Vt., where Michael began his long employment
and association with the Vermont Historical Society.
Michael
was the executive director of the Vermont Historical Society for many
years. After leaving that position, Michael became the editor of
Vermont History, a quarterly journal, and in 2004 he
coauthored the book Freedom and Unity: A History of Vermont
with his friend and collaborator Gene Sessions. He was a professor at
the Adult Degree Program of Vermont College, as well as dean of
academics at Burlington College. In his “retirement,” he worked
as a baker in the Manghi Bakery on School Street and would jokingly
say that was one of the most important “rolls” he ever took on.
Both
Michael and Nancy developed strong roots in the community of
Montpelier. Michael was Nancy’s campaign manager for her 12-year
tenure as a Montpelier City Council member, while himself serving on
many of Montpelier’s civic boards and advisory committees. He was
passionate about classical music and loved attending local concerts.
He and Nancy both made it a point to help those in need, whether
through the Unitarian Church’s Community Lunches or by offering
housing and sanctuary to people less fortunate than themselves.
Michael
is survived by both of his sons, Roger and Adam; his daughter-in-law,
Joelle Baird; and his grandchildren, Quinn and Ruby Sherman, who
affectionately called him “Pop-pop.”
A
public celebration of Michael’s life will be held at a later time
in Montpelier this summer.
In
lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the
Vermont Historical Society, the Montpelier Tree Board, the T.W. Wood Art Gallery or the charity of your choosing.