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HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR FEATURES ARCHITECTURE OF FOUR CENTURIES

Williamstown, MA – We are building history every day and this year the Williamstown House of Local History’s Historic House Tour celebrates the architecture and building techniques of the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries in the seven private homes open to the public Sunday, May 18 from 1-5 pm.  The tour is open to adults and children over 12.

This year’s homes range from the immaculately preserved Simonds Tavern, built in 1770 and now serving as Riverbend Farm Bed & Breakfast, and the 1799 Hickox-Turbin home, formerly used as a stagecoach stop for travelers between the Hudson Valley and the Berkshires; to the Moomaw house, completed in 2007, and built using “green” building materials and techniques and the newest technology to power and heat the home. 

The tour includes two interesting examples of mid-20th century construction, a 1959 Deck House and a 1960 TechBuilt home.  There were at least sixteen of these homes built in Williamstown, but each has its own distinctive design because owners could adapt the interior modules to suit their needs.

The two extremes of 19th century architecture are represented by the modest and charming Edson house, and the grand and handsomely restored Mole-Chapman “Painted Lady” – a fine example of a Queen Anne Victorian.

In addition to the seven private homes, the 1753 House, a replica of the “Regulation Houses” built by Williamstown’s earliest settlers, will be open for the afternoon.

Tickets to the Historic House Tour are $20 per person in advance, available at the House of Local History, Williams Inn, Wild Oats, Where’d You Get That?!?, The Store at Five Corners, and Shear Creations.  To protect the houses as you pass through them, you are requested not to bring pets, food, drinks, or cameras inside.
Tickets for WHLH members are only $18 per person.  Inquire about becoming a member when you purchase your tickets.

On the day of the tour tickets are $25 per person available at the House of Local History, or, if you pay by personal check, at each home on the tour.

The Williamstown House of Local History was founded in 1941 to promote knowledge of the town's history by collecting and preserving materials, mounting exhibitions, presenting educational programs, and facilitating research.  In addition to our permanent collection, the current rotating exhibit is “Williamstown Eating Through Time,” on display through Memorial Day weekend.  Join us from 11 am-1 pm on Monday, May 26 for the Grand Opening of our newly renovated Veterans’ Room and the exhibit “Wartimes: World Events That Shaped Our History.”

The Williamstown House of Local History is located in the west wing of the Milne Public Library, on Field Park opposite the Williams Inn, at the northern junction of Routes 7 & 2 in Williamstown, MA. For more information on the Historic House Tour, the permanent collection, rotating exhibits, or other programs of the WHLH, call 413-458-2160 or e-mail whlh1753@roadrunner.com

NB Community Coalition Monthly Forum Set for May 9

North Adams, MA - The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition is holding their monthly forum on Friday, May 9, from 10:00 – 12:00 PM at the First Baptist Church at the corner of Eagle and Main Streets. The meeting will consist of a discussion lead by members of the UNITY Youth Leadership Program.   Questions about the meeting can be addressed to Kate Merrigan or Alison Basdekis at 413-663-7588.

BFAIR Golf Tournament Fundraiser May 23 at Waubeeka

North Adams, MA - The Board of Directors of Berkshire Family and Individual Resources invite you to participate in the agency’s second annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser to benefit adults and children with disabilities. This year’s tournament will also offer a clinic for beginning, intermediate and advanced players. The event takes place on May 23 at Waubeeka Golf Links. For information and registration, call Carol Fox at 413-664-9382.

North Adams Historical Society Sets Annual Meeting for April 27

North Adams, MA - The North Adams Historical Society invites local citizens, members and non-members to join them for their annual meeting Sunday April 27 at Bounti Fare Restaurant. Seating will be available for those who wish to come for the guest speaker, beginning at 1:45 PM. Advance notice appreciated. Please call the Museum at 413-664-4700.

Mother and Son Dance May 2 at St. Anthony’'s

North Adams, MA - The second annual Mother and Son Dance will be held on Friday, May 2, at the St. Anthony’s Parish Center in North Adams from 6 to 9 PM. This semi-formal event is for mothers and sons of all ages. Call 413-743-7532.

Celebrate the Anniversary of MLK's Last Speech

North Adams, MA - This Thursday, April 3rd marks the 40th anniversary of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s last speech on the eve of his assassination. The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition invites the public to join in at 73 Main Street with an open mic and more on Thursday, April 3, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. Call 413-663-7588.

Vendors Wanted for UNO Spring Fling

North Adams, MA - Vendors are wanted for the United Neighborhood Organization’s Spring Fling, tag, craft and food fair, to be held on Saturday, May 24, 9 – 3 PM at the Eagle Hall, 515 Curran Highway. Call 413-663-5516 to rent a table for 20 dollars.

NB Community Coalition Monthly Forum Set for March 14

North Adams, MA - The March 14th forum of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition will be held from 10 – 12:00 PM on Friday, March 14 at the First Baptist Church. The forum is open to all and refreshments will be served. Call 413-663-7588.

Have Breakfast with the Easter Bunny March 8

North Adams, MA - The Fraternal Order of Eagles, 515 Curran Highway,  is sponsoring a breakfast with the Easter Bunny this Saturday, March 8, from 8:30 – 11:30 AM, with scrambled eggs, pancakes, French toast, coffee, juice and toast. The cost is $6.00 for adults and $4.50 for children up to 10 years old.  The Easter Bunny will also be on hand. Call 413-664-9043.

Mt. Greylock After-Prom Silent Auction March 29

Williamstown, MA - Great shopping for a good cause! The <A HREF="http://www.mgrhsafterprom.com">Mt. Greylock After-Prom Silent Auction</a> will be held Saturday, March 29 from 5-7PM at the Williams Inn.

This spring the class of 2008 will dress up and go to a formal dance, then dress down and party the night away!  And, thanks to a 15-year-old tradition, their parents will not worry… because this event is alcohol free, and there is no driving.  All this is free, thanks the support of the community. 

Much of the funding for the After-Prom comes from a silent auction that is a lot of fun for grown-ups!  People who first come to support their child’s class find themselves returning year after year for the good company and the great shopping close to home!  Over 100 items covering a wide range of interests and budgets will be up for bid including luxury vacation accommodations, family recreation opportunities, art, crafts, tuition waivers for summer sports camps, restaurant coupons, and memberships for the Youth Center and the Clark Art Museum.  A selection of auction items may be viewed soon at www.mgrhsafterprom.com.

Bring your friends and support this wonderful tradition.  Admission is $20.  Hors-d’oevres and dessert are served, and a cash bar is available.  For tickets, contact Liz Whateley at whate49@roadrunner.com.  Anyone wishing to donate an item to the auction, please contact Joan Lister at jlister@bhs1.org.