PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire County Historical Society begins 2025 with a genealogy workshop led by Lisa Swigert.
Swigert has more than 40 years of experience in genealogical research and has been an instructor for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) for four years. The six-session workshop begins on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Berkshire Athenaeum from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and continues via Zoom on five consecutive Saturdays.
Cost for the workshop is $100 for BCHS members, $125 for non-members; registration can be made by using the BOOK NOW button at berkshirehistory.org.
Swigert will cover topics from getting started and organizing your research to finding the resources you need to answer your research questions. The workshop is appropriate for the beginning genealogist as well as those getting back into their family history research. The workshop is part of Berkshires 250, On The Road to Revolution program.
Leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, communities throughout the nation are looking back at the people and events that led to the Revolutionary War and considering what American democracy means to all people today and in the future. In Berkshire County, a growing number of organizations have come together to commemorate the unique role our region played during this historic period.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Weekend Outlook: Fresh Start
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
Check out the events happening this weekend, including hiking, volunteering, fundraisers, and more.
Editor's Pick
First Friday
Downtown North Adams
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
The new year is here so kick it off with music, art, and games that will fill downtown North Adams for its First Friday event, themed "Fresh Start."
Participating businesses will have extended hours and many galleries will host openings, closings, and other special events.
Future Labs Gallery All Members Reception
43 Eagle St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
View artwork by more than 40 Future Labs Gallery member artists. More information here.
Collaged Coasters for Tweens and Teens
Milne Public Library Williamstown
Time: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
"Decompress and Decoupage." Decoupage is the art of applying a collage of paper onto a surface. Make collage wooden coasters whether it's a gift or a piece of art to hang on your wall. More information here.
Karaoke
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 p.m.
Sing your heart out while supporting the local American Legion Post. More information here.
Joni Mitchell Tribute Band Performance
17 Main St., South Egremont
Time: 8 p.m.
Big Yellow Taxi, a Joni Mitchell tribute band, will perform many of Mitchell's popular songs.
Help raise money for the girls and boys basketball program by playing a game of musical bingo. More information here.
Lecture by Former Peace Corps Volunteers
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 2 p.m.
Two former Peace Corps volunteers Eduardo and Edmundo tell their story of collecting used equipment from the Berkshires and shipping it to Honduras. More information here.
Tracking Winter Wildlife for Beginners
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Time: 11 a.m.
Take a beginner-friendly walk through fields and forests to search for tracks, scat, and signs of the delicate but exciting interactions between predators and their prey.
With any luck, you will find signs of coyotes, foxes, deer, rabbits, and more. Tickets are $15 for Mass Auburn members and $20 for non-members.
'The Princess and the Frog' Screening
Milne Public Library, Williamstown
Time: 1 p.m.
Bring your family to the library for a free screening of the Disney classic, "The Princess and the Frog." Enjoy popcorn and to be more sustainable bring your own bowl.
Welcome the New Year by celebrating with others at events marking the beginning of 2026, including live music, skiing, fireworks, and numerous parties.
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