Berkshire County Historical Society To Collect Oral Histories

03:58PM / Wednesday, November 13, 2024Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire County Historical Society concludes its year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of the publication of Herman Melville's "Billy Budd, Sailor" with two events that honor the journey that led to the novel's discovery.

"Billy Budd, Sailor" was discovered and published by Herman Melville's granddaughter, Eleanor, who shared a special relationship with her grandfather. On Nov. 16 and Dec. 7 BCHS will record and archive stories of grandparents and grandchildren.

Together with partners from the Housatonic Heritage Oral History Center at Berkshire Community College and the Berkshire Athenaeum, they will create a story scavenger hunt for children and their families, which will include treats and art projects.

All participants will receive a recording of their story. The Nov. 16 event takes place at Herman Melville's historic home, Arrowhead, from noon - 4 pm.

The Berkshire Athenaeum hosts the Dec. 7 event from 10 am - 2 pm. Both events are free.

This program is funded in part by Mass Humanities, which receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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Two of 3 Hinsdale Officers Involved in Kauvil Shooting Won't Return

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:06AM / Thursday, August 13, 2026

HINSDALE, Mass. — Seven months after being placed on leave only one officer involved in the fatal police shooting of 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil in January has returned to duty.

The Select Board accepted Police Chief Shawn Boyne's letter of intention to retire during Wednesday's board meeting.

"We've got a lot to do. We've got to build a department again, but we'll survive," board member Raymond Huntoon said in a follow-up.

Two of the three Select Board members were present, with Huntoon serving as chair because the chairman was absent.

Huntoon and Margaret Gregory both voted to accept Boyne's letter of intention to retire. The retirement will not be official until the Berkshire County Retirement Board sets an effective date, Huntoon said later.

The board did not read Boyne's retirement letter aloud during Wednesday's meeting and did not discuss the matter further. iBerkshires' request for the letter under public records was rejected with board members saying it contained medical information.

Despite the attention the situation has received online, the meeting was lightly attended, with about a dozen people in attendance.

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