Bidwell House to Present Three-Part Lecture on Gravestones

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MONTEREY, Mass. — The Bidwell House Museum will present three-part lecture and walk series about gravestone making in 18th and 19th century western Massachusetts on Sept. 24 and on Oct. 1 and 8

All three talks will be held at 1 p.m. the Bidwell House Museum and live streamed via Zoom. For the last two talks, attendees have the option to purchase a ticket for just the talk or the talk and cemetery walk together.

First, on Sept. 24, former Director of the New Haven Museum and Connecticut Landmarks, William Hosley, will present "Reflections on the Marble Corridor" about the stone cutting industry along the Taconic Ridge (today’s Rte 7) that was a hive of activity in the 18th and 19th century. 

Then on Oct. 1, local author John Hanson will present his talk "A Field Guide to New England Gravestones" where he will show you how to read and interpret the iconography of early gravestones. His talk will be followed by a walk at the Old Center Cemetery in New Marlborough.

Finally, on Oct.  8, historical archaeologist, Bob Drinkwater, will present his talk "That the Dead be not Forgotten" where he will share material from his book, In Memory of Susan Freedom: Searching for Gravestones of African Americans in Western Massachusetts. His talk will also be followed by a cemetery walk in Monterey.

Due to limited seating, tickets must be purchased in advance on the Museum website, https://www.bidwellhousemuseum.org/events/. All Zoom participants will receive a link to access the lecture a couple of days in advance. 


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Mount Everett's Top Students Announced for Class of 2026

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — Mount Everett Regional School has announce that Benjamin Vella has been named valedictorian, and Philip Enoch has been named salutatorian of the class of 2026.
 
They will speak at graduation exercises to be held Saturday, June 6, at 10 a.m. at Tanglewood in Lenox. 
 
Vella has completed a demanding course schedule, which includes eleven honors courses, eight early college courses, and one Advanced Placement course — Spanish Language and Culture, for which he earned the Seal of Biliteracy.
 
In addition to his academic endeavors, he has participated in extracurricular activities, making positive contributions to the Mount Everett Regional School community. Some of these activities include a member of the National Honor Society chapter, writer for The Bold Eagle student newspaper, Prom Committee member, Vex Robotics team captain, cross country team captain, track and field team captain, Rotary Interact Club secretary, and various positions on the
Student Council, including secretary, treasurer, student representative to the School Committee, and president. His leadership in the aforementioned areas has been notable. 
 
In the fall, Vella will attend Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, to pursue a degree in biochemistry.
 
Enoch has completed a rigorous course of study, taking 11 honors courses, three early college courses, and four AP courses. A leader in the school community and three-sport athlete, he has contributed to the Mount Everett community through the following extracurricular activities: tennis team, captain of both the soccer and hockey teams, Rotary Interact president, The Bold Eagle's
editor-in-chief, National Honor Society treasurer, and the school band and choir. 
 
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