image description — Memorial in South Boston to Harriet Tubman who escaped slavery but returned to the South time and again as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, then became a scout and spy for the Union Army and an advocate for women's right to vote along with Susan B. Anthony.

Holiday Hours: Juneteenth

10:00AM / Thursday, June 18, 2026Print Story | Email Story

A mural to the 54th Mass is unveiled last year in Pittsfield, which holds its Juneteenth celebration Sunday.

Juneteenth will be celebrated in Massachusetts as a state and federal holiday on Friday, June 19.

The date of June 19 was first designated as a state holiday in 2020 and federal holiday in 2021, but it has been commemorated in Massachusetts since former Gov. Deval Patrick first signed a proclamation in 2007.

The date has long been celebrated in other parts of the country, sometimes as Emancipation Day, the day in 1865 when Union Army Gen. Gordan Granger proclaimed freedom for more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas, completing the end of slavery in the areas of the United States after more than 300 years. These freed Texans took the celebration with them as traveled to other states although their liberty was still limited by the enforcement of Jim Crow laws, bigotry, fear and violence.

Juneteenth has been a state holiday in Texas for nearly 40 years following renewed interest and energy during the Civil Rights Movement. It has also been called Jubilee Day, Freedom Day and Black Independence Day.

In 2016, 89-year-old Opal Lee, who had watched a mob of racists burn down her house on Juneteenth in 1939, walked from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the date to become a federal holiday. She stood next to President Biden when he signed the declaration.

On Friday, June 19

Closed:
Federal, state and local offices; no mail delivery.
Banks; Wall Street
Public colleges and schools, most private schools
Public libraries
BRTA operates as usual; offices are closed.

Open:
Most retail outlets, groceries
Restaurants and bars, by choice
Convenience stores

Tags: holiday hours,

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BCAC Seeks Sponsors to Provide Winter Clothing for Berkshire Children

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:13AM / Monday, November 09, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For some, winter is a time for snow-covered landscapes, cozy nights by the fire and outdoor activities. For others, the colder months bring additional financial burdens as families struggle to afford necessities such as winter coats, boots and warm clothing.

The Berkshire Community Action Council's Elf Warm Clothing Program works to alleviate that burden by connecting children in need with community members willing to lead collection initiatives or purchase warm winter clothing for the drive.

According to the council's website, last year, it served more than 2,300 children across Berkshire County.

Those interested in sponsoring a child will receive the chid's age and clothing sizes to purchase a winter coat, boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat. Donations can be dropped off at a BCAC office by arrangement.

For more information or to sponsor a child, contact BCAC at 413-418-3685 for Pittsfield and Central Berkshire or 413-663-3014 for Northern Berkshire.

For 15 years, state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier has partnered with BCAC by soliciting donations for the program, helping match approximately 50 children each year with donors who provide the clothing needed to stay warm.

"The growth in the need is unbelievable," she said.

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