Scholarly study of Native Americans before ca. 1800 has flourished recently, extending our knowledge of Indian peoples during that era well beyond Squanto and Pocahontas. Nonetheless, to a surprising degree, when talking about the continent’s first peoples we still use language that would be familiar to William Bradford and Capt. John Smith. In this talk, James Merrell, Professor at Vassar College asks is thinking about our loaded vocabulary an exercise in “political correctness”? Or is it simply “correctness”?

Shays Rebellion is viewed as an agrarian revolt pitting impoverished farmers in western Massachusetts against the wealthy merchant class of the coastal eastern part of the State, but there are accounts of the participants and events of this post-revolutionary uprising that both confirm and negate this long held perception. Dennis Picard will share the stories leading up to what was termed at the time, the “Regulators,” their activities in our area, a few personages of local interest – including Westfield’s…

You can set sail with Mayflower passengers, arrive in Boston Harbor on a Winthrop Fleet ship, settle new lands in southern New England and start a new life alongside Puritans, Pilgrims, or the forebears of Revolutionary War patriots all without leaving your seat. This time travel is possible through the storytelling of Katherine Dimancescu. Hearing her talk in advance of the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s arrival next year and well in advance of the 400th anniversary of the Winthrop…

In this talk by author Allegra DiBonaventura. Hear the remarkable story of the marriage of Edward and Hannah Lane in 1650s Boston. Hannah, a wealthy heiress and child abandoned by her divorced parents, was just seventeen when she married Edward, a merchant twenty years her senior. But it only took a few disastrous days in the marital bed for her to realize that her marriage simply would not work. In a world where wives were expected to be obedient “helpmeets”…

Join guide Rob Hoogs to explore a new interpretive trail on the gounds of the Bidwell House Museum as you retrace the steps of the Native Americans—specifically the local Stockbridge Band of the Mohican Tribe—who lived and hunted in this area for thousands of years.  Part of the tour takes place in the Museum gardens while the last half takes you through some of the wooded trails on the property.  Dress for a hike and bring water and a snack.  

James Merrell asks “is thinking about our loaded vocabulary political correctness or just correctness?” Scholarly study of Native Americans before ca. 1800 has flourished recently, extending our knowledge of Indian peoples during that era well beyond Squanto and Pocahontas. Nonetheless, to a surprising degree, when talking about the continent’s first peoples we still use language that would be familiar to William Bradford and Capt. John Smith. Is thinking about our loaded vocabulary an exercise in “political correctness”? Or is it…

A talk by Princeton Professor Wendy Warren. We think of the current carceral crisis in the United States as a purely modern phenomenon. This talk will explain the long history of prisons in North America, and examine what has not changed between the earliest prisons and today. Onsite & via Zoom.

Join Robert Oakes, author of the recent book Ghosts of the Berkshires, as he shares readings on Berkshire Colonial-era history and ghost lore and tells the tale of “The Ghost of Green River.” Following the outdoor fireside presentation, Robert will lead a candlelit ghost walk through the house. There will be some scary elements and the program is appropriate for ages 12 and up. Part of this program is outdoors, so please dress for the weather. Cider and donuts will…

Join Robert Oakes, author of the recent book Ghosts of the Berkshires, as he shares readings on Berkshire Colonial-era history and ghost lore and tells the tale of “The Ghost of Green River.” Following the outdoor fireside presentation, Robert will lead a candlelit ghost walk through the house. There will be some scary elements and the program is appropriate for ages 12 and up. Part of this program is outdoors, so please dress for the weather. Cider and donuts will…