LENOX, Mass. — The Lenox Library announced a special event to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Lenox Non-Importation Agreement. 

 

This historic document, signed by 111 Lenox residents in 1774, marked a moment in America's path to independence. The celebration will take place on July 13th, beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the Sedgwick Reading Room at the Library.

 

According to a press release, seven years after its incorporation, the Town of Lenox sent six delegates to a Berkshire Congress held in Stockbridge. On July 14, 1774, the delegates brought back to Lenox a covenant in which they promised to neither sell, consume, or import goods from Great Britain. By signing the agreement, each man declared himself to be one step closer to independence from the Crown.

 

Lenox was making good on its earlier promise to support Boston from its "remote wilderness Corner of the Earth," written by the local Committee of Correspondence. The committee was formed in early 1773, after receiving a copy of the Boston Pamphlet, crafted by Samuel Adams as its primary author, which established the need for such local committees to communicate when colonists rights were infringed, continued a press release.

 

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of its creation, Local History Librarian Amy Lafave will share the history of this agreement and its signers, from the first stirrings of dissent to the aftermath of revolt. The document will be presented for viewing, newly conserved with funding from the Town of Lenox's Community Preservation Fund. It has been handsomely framed, courtesy of a grant to the Lenox Library Association by Adams Community Bank.

 

Following the unveiling presentation, an outdoor Samuel Adams Brewery beer tasting event will be held in the Library's Roche Reading Park from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This event honors Samuel Adams, a Founding Father and revolutionary, who also left a legacy in brewing. His family's Boston brewing business has inspired the modern Samuel Adams Brewery, founded in 1984.

 

This celebration will feature live music, balloon art, face painting, and photo opportunities with a live portrayal of Samuel Adams. Refreshments will be provided by Olde Heritage Tavern and the Lenox Fire Department for purchase. Four varieties of Sam Adams beers, including a non-alcoholic option and commemorative glasses will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Lenox Library Association.

 

The presentation and celebration are a collaborative effort with Adams Community Bank (ACB), whose Lenox branch is in the historic home of Major General John Paterson, a signer of the Non-Importation Agreement. ACB's President and CEO, Charlie O'Brien, and Boston Beer Company's Business Development Manager, Nick D'Angelo, will join State Representative Smitty Pignatelli in delivering welcoming remarks.