Adams Historical Commission Considers Signage Ideas

Colleen Janz, executive director of the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace and Museum, explained to the Historical Commission her ideas for better signage to the town's historical sites.

ADAMS, Mass. — The Historical Commission is looking for better ways to advertise the area's historical sites.

Colleen Janz, executive director of the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace and Museum, has proposed adding signage to the "Welcome to Adams" signs that advertised the various historical attractions in Adams.

She initially addressed the Selectmen about the project and was told that she had to create a final rendering of the signs and complete the proper permit requirements.

The commission agreed that Adams lacks proper mapping of the many of its sites. Janz said her museum on East Road, far off the main route, is often overlooked completely. Although she has been seeing an influx of visitation, the connection between her museum and Adams often goes unnoticed.

"I want to make my museum more accessible," Janz said. "I am starting to show success, and I want to transfer that success to the town because, for me to continue my success, I need the support of the town."

Janz was approaching the commission to asked what locations would be best to place on the sign. Because the non-profit museum would be placed on the sign, she said she felt more comfortable working through the Historical Commission.

Historical sites include the Grand Army of the Republic Hall and the Free Library, the Quaker Meetinghouse, St. Stanislaus' Church, the Summer Street Historic District, and the Thunderbolt Ski Museum in the Adams Visitor Center.

Janz and the commission said advertising Adams' historical locations along the roadways will increase tourism and the amount of people visiting Adams businesses.

"People aren't going to read everything on the sign, but if they are passing by they are going to see a couple, and they may stay," Janz said. "Now they can go to our sites and stop and eat at one of our restaurants; it will help the Adams economy."

In addition to discussing possible signage, Janz told the board about the upcoming summer events that will be conducted by the Anthony Birthplace Museum.

• On June 14, Sue Macy, author of "Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires along the Way)" will present her book at the museum. The children's book author will talk about how bicycles were imperative in passing the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote.

• On July 26, historian Denis Farley will perform a historical re-enactment of "John White: Temperance Reformer." White was a temperance activist in the 1800s.

• On Aug. 16, there will be a presentation of "The Underground Railroad of Massachusetts." A number of locations in the Berkshires were stops for slaves fleeing north to freedom, and Anthony and her Quaker family were abolitionists.

Janz also said the kickoff of the annual Susan B. Anthony Days will not take place on Park Street this year because of upcoming construction. Instead, a number of events will take place next to the visitors' center.

Janz invited the Historical Commission to the events and asked them to set up a table and help answer questions. The commission hopes to recruit a few more members at the events. They have three members on the board, but have the capacity for eight. 

Adams Parts Ways With Police Chief