This monument was installed in 1951 on West Main Street to mark the location of the North Adams Iron Co., which smelted iron for the Union's first ironclad ship.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Celebrations are being held all over the country in honor of the 150th anniversary of various Civil War battles and events. It is always nice to have a local connection.
The public is invited to attend when North Adams holds its own commemoration on Friday, March 9, at 1:30 p.m. for the sesquicentennial of the battle of the first ironclads the Monitor and the Merrimac.
The North Adams Iron Co. smelted pig iron from Furnace Hill and the Paul farm in the Notch and shipped it to a foundry in Troy, N.Y., to be used in making plates for the turret of the USS Monitor, the Union ironclad. The North Adams Historical Society will sponsor the laying of a patriotic wreath as well as pertinent readings by members at the Monitor Monument on West Main Street, the site of the former foundry.
Special guest will be Brian Ferris, who as a 5-year-old in 1951, was pictured in the North Adams Transcript when the plaque was completed and installed. His father ran Everybody's Market then close by at 19 West Main. The local monument was dedicated Dec. 10, 1951, because of the efforts of Clara Beckley, granddaughter of John Beckley of Canaan Conn., owner of the iron company in the 1850s and 1860s.
Robert Campanile will present the "Monitor vs. the Merrimac" as part of his regular weekly series of talks at the Visitors Museum at Western Gateway Heritage State Park on Saturday, March 10, at 3.
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Weekend Outlook: Celebrate the Weekend
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
Check out the events happening in Berkshire County this weekend including celebrations, fun, and free days at the museum.
Editor's Pick
First Sunday Free: Sprouting Seeds
The Clark, Williamstown
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Enjoy a free afternoon at the Clark Art Institute by immersing yourself in artist Aboubaker Fofana's outdoor sculpture exhibition. There will be a tour at 2 p.m. and an opportunity to decorate a flower pot or a mini sculpture. A great afternoon to bring the kids to experience what The Clark has to offer.
Join the Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge at the Fitzpatrick Greenhouse from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to welcome the new season amongst hundreds of flowering bulbs.
The greenhouse is free and open to the public. More information here.
Friday
Free Bowling Night
K&M Bowling, Pittsfield
Time: 7 p.m.
Bring the family for a free night of bowling, sponsored by Gateway Fiber. You need to have a minimum of two players for a one hour time slot at 7 or 8.
DIY Birdhouse Event
46 West St., Pittsfield
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Build a birdhouse to welcome the arrival of birds this spring at Solarium Plant Shop. Raise money for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Enjoy light snacks and refreshments as well as botanical elements for your houses.
Tickets are $45. More information and tickets here.
Family Friendly Outdoor Adventures
Mount Greylock Visitor Center, Lanesborough
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Bring your family to enjoy a day of free fun. Have some hot chocolate by the fire. Also take a self-guided snowshoe walk and demo, a guided mindfulness hike, and more.
Contemplative Film Night
Sanctum Gallery, Pittsfield
Time: 7 p.m.
Watch the second part of the television program "Awakening Mind," which explores consciousness, true nature, and awareness. Following the film there will be a discussion. More information here.
Berkshire Singer Showcase Finale
Shire Tavern, Dalton
Time: 8 p.m.
After months of auditions, showdowns, and performances, the Berkshire Singer Showcase reaches its final chapter of the season at the Shire Tavern.
This season’s finalists will take the stage one last time, bringing their own voice, story, and artistry. Tickets are $10. More information here.
Sunday
Greylock Together Community Potluck
American Legion Drive, North Adams
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.
Bring the family and a dish to celebrate together. Enjoy live music and sing karaoke.
Tea and Talk
Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum, Lenox
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Film director Jay Craven will present “New England Movies: How and Why,” sharing stories from his filmmaking journey and how he built a career in Vermont and Massachusetts.
Craven will also take audience questions. Tickets are $45. Members receive $5 off with their discount code.
Reservations are strongly encouraged as seats are limited. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows. All tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable.
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Celebrations are being held all over the country in honor of the 150th anniversary of various Civil War battles and events. It is always nice to have a local connection.
