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Jennifer Trainer Thompson was announced as the new CEO on Wednesday.

Trainer Thompson Named New CEO Of Hancock Shaker Village

By Andy McKeeveriBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After 28 years at Mass MoCA, Jennifer Trainer Thompson will take the reins of Hancock Shaker Village.
 
The nonprofit museum of Shaker life and history announced on Wednesday that Thompson will take over as the new president and chief executive officer in December. She takes over for Linda Steigleder, who is stepping down from the position after five years. 
 
"I've always loved Hancock Shaker Village and six or seven years ago when the directorship was open, I seriously contemplated it. But I had small children and it just wasn't the right time for me," Thompson said. "I went to a Quaker school and I love so many things about the village — the architecture, the spirit, the grace."
 
Thompson has most recently been the senior vice president of partnerships and external affairs at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. Hancock Shaker Village, with 23 historic buildings spread out over 750 acres of scenic land, depicts the daily life of the Shakers who lived on the property.
 
"This is a momentous time for Hancock Shaker Village. For the past 55 years, we've been a museum celebrating an exemplifying the lives of Shakers who lived here for almost two centuries. The Shakers, as most of you know, are remembered for the self-sufficient communities, their equality between men and women, and the architectural beauty of their furniture and buildings," Board of Trustees Chairman Richard Seltzer said.
 
In recent years, however, the village was struggling financially. Steigleder helped guide the organization mostly out of financial burdens and embarked on a large scale project to restore the buildings. 
 
"We could not be more enthusiastic in our deep appreciation for what Linda has accomplished in her five years as our leader," Seltzer said. 
 
The next steps is to bring in new visitors, and keep them coming back, Seltzer said. And Thompson has the experience and know how to do that.
 
"It is so beautiful and remarkable as it is. But, I would love to see more programming and more activity to really encourage people to come often," Thompson said.
 
Thompson said the village means something different to different people - whether that be the textiles, the classic objects for archivists or the architecture, or the scenic beauty. She hopes to couple that with music, food, dance, and other art exhibits which will bring people back over and over again. 
 
"Historic museums need to expand their vision. We need to be more than just a historic place. The old model for historic homes was adequate 50 years ago, maybe even 25 years ago. Now, we need to reach new audiences," Seltzer said. 
 
In recent years, the organization has moved in that director by becoming a location for functions such as weddings and other special events. The hope is once people come for an event, it will bring them back for more. Thompson envisions partnerships with other cultural organizations to further strengthen what she sees as a growing cultural sector in the Berkshires.
 
"It is a jewel in the crown of the Berkshire cultural world," Thompson said. 
 
The decision wasn't easy for her, though, because there was a time when she'd never thought she'd ever leave Mass MoCA. But, as that museum embarks on a new expansion, Thompson felt the time was right. 
 
"I love Mass MoCA and there was a time when I never would have left, when it was so full, colorful, and fledgling. But Mass MoCA has reached a new maturity and I love Hancock Shaker Village so much. The time was right," Thompson said. 
 
Those at Mass MoCA say they are sad to see her go, but wish her the best of luck.
 
"On balance, this is unquestionable a gain for the cultural life of the Berkshires. But I can't tell you how much we will miss Jennifer at Mass MoCA. I joined the board and staff in launching Roman candles and in sending bouquets of flowers in deep, heartfelt gratitude for her decades of excellent and spirited service to this institution," said Hans Morris, chairman of the Mass MoCA Board of Trustees.
 
Mass MoCA Director Joseph Thompson added, "Those who know Mass MoCA — and Jennifer's professional contribution to it — know that there would simply be no Mass MoCA without her. Those who know Jennifer and me personally also know that our partnership at Mass MoCA has been as profound as it could possibly be, leaving little off the field.
 
"That said, Jennifer loves new challenges: with its fascinating historical context, rich collection, and plainly beautiful architecture — to say nothing of chickens! — Hancock Shaker Village is exactly Jennifer's kind of place, and it will be fun to watch her in action there. So, with warm affection, deep admiration, and outright awe, I wish Jennifer great things in this new phase of her professional life, and — more personally — also look forward to welcoming another great institution into the lives of our extended family."
 
Jennifer Trainer Thompson says being picked for the job at Hancock Shaker Village is "such a great honor" and she is continually impressed by the collection, architecture and scholarship of it. Thompson grew up going to a Quaker school, so the village has always been a special place for her.
 
"The Shakers were so ahead of their time. Gender equality, as Richard had said, sustainable practices, technological innovation, communal responsibility, farm to table, shared economy. If they had worn plaid shirts, I think they would be more Brooklyn than Brooklyn," Thompson said. 
 
She added, "I think it is the best job in the world."
 
Thompson was picked out of 15 to 20 applications, Seltzer said. Those included from people with museum experience and executive experience. But, Thompson stood out as being the right match to further the mission of Hancock Shaker Village.

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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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