Berkshire County Historical Society Lecture on Pittsfield Brewing History

03:33PM / Monday, March 17, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass.—The Berkshire County Historical Society will present a lecture on the history of beer making in Pittsfield and the surrounding Berkshire region.

The free lecture, titled "Thirsty in the Berkshires: Brewing from the 18th Century to Prohibition," will be delivered by historian and educator Cynthia Brown. The event is scheduled for March 20 at 7 p.m. at Hot Plate Brewing in downtown Pittsfield.

The lecture will examine the historical context of commercial and private brewing in Pittsfield, dating back to the 18th century. Brown will discuss the evolution of brewing practices and the role of beer in the region's culture, leading up to the Prohibition era. The presentation will also include information regarding Jane Prime (or Pryn), a Black resident of Lenox, listed in the 1860 U.S. Census as a "beer maker."

Hot Plate Brewing's "Small Batch Salon" series will host the event. In conjunction with the lecture, Hot Plate Brewing's head brewer, Sarah Real, has created a custom recipe inspired by historical gruits. This beverage is based on fermented cereal grains, and references historical documents that mentioned Dutch "kuyt."

A portion of the proceeds from the evening's sales will be donated to the Berkshire County Historical Society.

Tags: brewery, historical,

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Berkshire Law Enforcement Officials Endorse Fenton for Governor's Council

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:11PM / Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Michael Fenton, a Springfield attorney, ran unsuccessfully for the 8th District seat on the council in 2022. He is challenging incumbent Tara Jacobs of North Adams.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ranking Berkshire law enforcement officials are putting their weight behind a Springfield lawyer for Governor's Council in the September Democratic primary over North Adams incumbent Tara Jacobs.

The Berkshires' District Attorney Timothy Shugrue, Sheriff Thomas Bowler, and Clerk of Courts Lisa Denault-Viale touted Michael Fenton's experience and approach over Jacobs, who bested him and two other attorneys in 2022.

The Governor's Council advises the governor on matters relating to judicial appointments, treasury warrants, pardons and commutations, and a number of other important executive functions. The winner of the primary will represent the 8th District, which covers more than 100 cities and towns including North Adams, Adams, Pittsfield, Greenfield, Northampton and Springfield, as there is no other candidate on the November ballot.

Gathering at Park Square on Wednesday morning, Shugrue said Jacobs does not provide the representation Berkshire County requires and deserves.

"This individual [Fenton] would conduct himself with a great deal of common sense and confidence," Bowler said.

Fenton said there are only 11 Superior Court judges assigned to Western Mass, and that too few of them are from Berkshire County.

"At one time there were four vacancies. That left only seven judges serving the entire 102 cities and towns of the western region. Seven judges serving 102 cities and towns at a time when you add Hampden County, Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee in, at a time when there were over 100 pending murder cases. Seven judges for 100 pending murder cases," he said.

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