Rockwell nets $148,000 "Museums for America" grant

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The Institute of Museum and Library Services has awarded $148,625 in the form of a "Museums for America" grant to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Congressman John W. Olver announced on Wednesday. "Museums for America" grants support hands-on educational programs, the digitization of museum collections and ventures using new technology. Museums use these funds to advance community partnerships, spur cultural tourism and support classroom teachers with educational curriculum and training. "Norman Rockwell's artwork preserves special places, people and times in our nation's history," Olver said. "Not only will this grant allow the Norman Rockwell Museum to do some critical work to improve access to its collections, this funding will help continue the success of the Norman Rockwell Museum so that people can enjoy his artwork for generations to come." Norman Rockwell Museum Director Laurie Norton Moffatt said, "The Norman Rockwell Museum is thrilled to receive support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to make our Norman Rockwell archives accessible. Through the generosity of IMLS, the Museum is able to continue to achieve the highest standards for essential care, preservation and accessibility for the largest and most significant collection of Norman Rockwell's art and archives." The Norman Rockwell Museum will protect and disseminate the cultural heritage of the 20th century American artist Norman Rockwell by hiring two collections interns to inventory and catalog the museum's voluminous art and archival collections. The funds will also support research with the addition of a webmaster, Web access software and the design and architectural framework necessary to create a searchable database for worldwide audiences.
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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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