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 2024

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — Mount Everett Regional School announces that Allison Steuernagle has been named valedictorian, and Emily Steuernagle has been named salutatorian of the class of 2024.
 
Allison Steuernagle has completed a rigorous course of study during her years at Mount Everett which includes three AP courses, 10 honors courses, and four early college courses. She has been an active participant in the life of Mount Everett Regional School and her community. A three-sport athlete, she played on Mount Everett's varsity soccer, basketball and softball teams. She has served as treasurer for the National Honor Society, Mount Everett Student Government, and the Rotary Interact Club. Allison was the editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Bold Eagle, bringing her vision and imagination to the resurrected periodical. She was also a member of the District Attorney's Youth Advisory Board. Her quiet leadership and humility have endeared her to students and faculty alike.
 
In the fall, Allison will attend Florida Gulf Coast University, where she intends to study political
science.
 
Emily Steuernagle also completed a rigorous course of study and concluded her four years in high school with four AP courses, 10 honors courses, and three early college courses. Emily, a leader in her own right, has demonstrated that as captain of the varsity soccer, basketball, and softball teams. Her leadership was not only in the athletic milieu, but also in political and community affairs, as she served as vice president for both the Mount Everett Student Government and the Rotary Interact Club. Emily is a National Honor Society member and the editor of design for The Bold Eagle. During her junior year, she was awarded the Clarkson University Leadership Award. Emily has been a positive presence during her years at Mount Everett with her humor and affability.
 
She also will attend Florida Gulf Coast University, where she will major in marketing.
 
"Allison has been an outstanding student in her years at Mount Everett. She has been a three-sport athlete, has taken on leadership roles in many extra-curricular activities, and excelled in the classroom. Her commitment to her studies and her participation in activities here has been outstanding," said Principal Jesse Carpenter. "Emily has had a pretty remarkable career at Mount Everett. Between her dedication to her schoolwork, her commitment to her athletic teams, and her involvement in extracurricular activities, she has been a leader amongst her peers."
 
Please join the Southern Berkshire Regional School District in congratulating these sister scholars on their achievements.
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