Storrowton Village Director to speak at the Society's October Meeting
Dennis Picard of Storrowton Village Museum will deliver a program called "Cheerful Despite Their Ragged Clothing:" Hessian Prisoners in Berkshires and Beyond at the Sheffield Historical Society's meeting on Friday, October 10 at 7:30 pm. The program will be held at Dewey Memorial Hall on the Green in Sheffield.The program will focus on the experience of German prisoners of war (POWs) during the American Revolution in western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut. The "Hessians," as they were collectively called, served with the British forces under contract to King George III. Many of these troops passed through Sheffield after their surrender at Saratoga as well as POWs that worked on farms in town. Several Hessians settled here and in Great Barrington after the war as well.
Dennis D. Picard has been a museum professional in the “Living History” field for thirty years. He began his career at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge Massachusetts where he eventually spent twelve years filling various positions including “lead interpreter” where he researched and designed many public programs that are still offered by that institution today. He also is the recipient of various grants that allowed him to serve as project coordinator for research and implementation of programs and events at different sites.
Dennis, with his background in sociology and museum experience has authored many articles on the lifestyles and folkways of New England and has also served as a consultant for many Historical Societies and Museums.
He has held the position of Assistant Director and Director at several sites including Fort Number Four in Charlestown New Hampshire, the Sheffield Historical Society in the Massachusetts Berkshires and presently at Storrowton Village Museum in West Springfield Massachusetts.
Society meetings are open and free to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more information about Society program, contact (413) 229-2694.
