Berkshire Museum Will Be Free for Children Under 18 in 2020

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — All children under 18 years of age will receive free admission to the Berkshire Museum in 2020 through an initiative honoring Elizabeth "Buzz" McGraw, president of the museum's Board of Trustees.

The museum's annual gala in June raised more than $300,000 to support the museum's education programs and expand free access to its youngest visitors. Free admission for youth will begin in January 2020.

"We are so grateful to the many supporters who are making it possible for us to give back to the community in such a powerful way," said Jeff Rodgers, executive director of the Berkshire Museum. "And all of this in honor of Buzz McGraw who has worked so tirelessly to keep open the doors of this wonderful museum. There has been no stronger advocate for the Berkshire Museum."

This year, the museum welcomed all school groups free of charge thanks to funds raised at the museum's 2018 gala combined with support from Greylock Federal Credit Union and the Beauregard Family. Greylock Federal Credit Union has committed to fund free school admissions for next year as well.

"The center of the museum’s mission is education, which is so near and dear to me. I am so honored to be recognized in this way and thrilled that this wonderful museum will be even more accessible and more valuable to the young people of Berkshire County and this region," McGraw said. "Everyone’s generosity that evening was astounding and the support for the Berkshire Museum is stronger than ever. There is so much to learn and discover at the Berkshire Museum and now the youth in our community can return again and again in 2020."

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.