Berkshire Museum festival of Trees: Aquatica Exhibition

10:40AM / Tuesday, November 19, 2024Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Berkshire Museum's Festival of Trees (FoT) annual holiday exhibition returns with a new theme – Festival of Trees: Aquatica.

According to a press release, this year's topic is all about the sea, river, and wetland critters and ties into the museum's construction, redesign, and expansion of their aquarium.

Now in its 40th year, FoT offers visitors a chance to enjoy a display of trees located on the 2nd floor of the museum, all decorated by local businesses, schools, museum staff, and tree sponsors.

This year's temporary exhibition runs Friday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 and is free with admission.

"The Festival of Trees is one of those unique experiences that brings the community together for a display of creativity, made even more impressive considering it has flourished for decades," said William Demick, Berkshire Museum's Membership and Development Manager. "The enthusiasm and creativity with which local businesses approach their displays and the joy that it brings to our visitors is something that we look forward to all year. Our 2024 theme – Aquatica – was chosen to celebrate the museum's aquarium as one of its most treasured exhibits; one that will undergo a truly remarkable transformation in the near future."

The public can also join museum staff and exhibition sponsors for their Festival of Tress: Aquatica Opening Reception on Friday, Nov. 22, from 5:30 – 8:00pm. Guests will be the first to explore this holiday-themed exhibition, as well as enjoy bites by KJ Nosh, drinks, and an ensemble performance by Kids 4 Harmony, a program of 18 Degrees.

Tickets are $22 for Members, $5 for Member – Child (3 – 13), $45 for Not-Yet Members, and $10 for Not-Yet Member Child (3 – 13). Those interested in attending can visit berkshiremuseum.org to learn more.

Current sponsors: Pittsfield Pipers, Inc., All-Ways Moving & Storage Co., Barrington Stage Company, BFAIR, Bottomless Bricks, Molari Inc., The Brien Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Interprint, Inc, Lee Bank, NBT Bank, Berkshire Theatre Group, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, Berkshire Magazine

Tags: Berkshire Museum,

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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

12:05PM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.

This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.

The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.

DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.

"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths.

"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."

Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.

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