Berkshire County Historical Society to Mark Lafayette Bicentennial

10:57AM / Friday, June 06, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire County Historical Society (BCHS) will commemorate the bicentennial of the Marquis de Lafayette's 1825 visit to Pittsfield with a series of public programs and events from June 11 to June 13.

The commemoration will include a reprise of Lafayette's arrival in Pittsfield on Park Square on June 13.

In 1824-1825, Lafayette, the last living Major General of the Continental Army, toured the United States as the "Nation's Guest." On June 13, 1825, he visited Pittsfield and participated in a ceremony on Park Square. The bicentennial commemoration will feature a horse-drawn carriage arrival, a welcome ceremony with local dignitaries, music, and a speech by a Lafayette historic re-enactor.

"The historical society is very excited to bring this series of programs to our community," BCHS Executive Director Lesley Herzberg said. "Not only was Lafayette a significant figure in America's war for independence, his passionate support of the abolition of slavery, for women's rights and women authors, religious tolerance, and support for democratic governments are still relevant today."

The re-enactor is also scheduled to visit Pittsfield public schools on June 9 and 10 to discuss Lafayette's military career, his friendship with George Washington, and his intelligence activities.

Public events, unless otherwise stated, will take place at Herman Melville's historic Arrowhead, 780 Holmes Road, Pittsfield.

SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC EVENTS:

Pop-up Exhibition – "The Life and Legacy of The Marquis de Lafayette": Throughout the summer, BCHS will display six educational panels from the American Friends of Lafayette, detailing Lafayette's life, role in the American Revolution, and advocacy for human rights. An additional panel will focus on his 1824-1825 return to the U.S. These panels will be displayed at Berkshire Community College (May 5-16), Pittsfield City Hall (May 19-30), and Berkshire Athenaeum (June 2-13).
Wednesday, June 11, 5:30 PM: "Lafayette: More Than A Rock Star" lecture: Lafayette enthusiast Peter Reilly will discuss Lafayette's early life, his role in the American Revolution, and his 1824-1825 tour. The lecture will also explore his championship of causes such as women's education and abolition. This is a free event.
Thursday, June 12, 6:30 PM: French Wine Tasting with Philippe Jeanjean: WSET-3 Certified Sommelier Philippe Jeanjean will lead a tasting of French wines from regions associated with Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, accompanied by artisanal cheeses and pâtés. Proceeds will benefit the Berkshire County Historical Society. Tickets are $100 for BCHS members and $125 for non-members, available at berkshirehistory.org. Limited seating is available.
Friday, June 13, 4:00 PM: Welcome the Marquis de Lafayette to Pittsfield: A commemoration of Lafayette's 1825 visit will be held on Park Square. The program will include the Berkshire Concert Choir, Berkshire Fife and Drum Corps, and local dignitaries. Hot Plate Brewing will host a series of toasts. This is a free event, beginning at 4:00 PM.

Programs commemorating the bicentennial of Lafayette's visit to Pittsfield are sponsored by The Feigenbaum Foundation, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Hill Engineering, Housatonic Heritage, Lee Bank Foundation, Massachusetts Cultural Council, MountainOne Bank, and Pittsfield Cultural Council.

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Neal Tours Berkshire Innovation Center as Pittsfield's Tech Economy Grows

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:38PM / Thursday, October 15, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. —Congressman Richard Neal visited the Berkshire Innovation Center Thursday to highlight $735,000 in federal funding secured for a new cybersecurity training and testing facility.

"The number one job of the federal government is to provide for the security of its people. I mean, we should never lose sight of that, whether it's China or Russia, every single day there are these belligerents that are attempting to infiltrate national security here in the United States, and we should not be naive about it," Neal said. "I mean, we can have an argument about proportionality; we can do a lot of different things, but not to miss the point of what they're trying to do every day."

The new cybersecurity facility will provide regional manufacturers and businesses with research and design equipment, specialized lab space, and training facilities and is planned to be housed in a to-be-redeveloped space across the street from the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC), located at 45 Woodlawn Ave.

The derelict property, formerly owned by General Electric, is now known as the William Stanley Business Park.

The project is a $7.2 million dollar investment from the state, $5.2 million from the tech collaborative, $2 million from bond funding secured by Neal, and $1 million that will be split into two phases: $500,000 for BIC to begin building and $500,000 for Myrias Optics to start production in Pittsfield, said Mayor Peter Marchetti.

BIC Executive Director Ben Sosne said manufacturers often highlight the need for help with cybersecurity, particularly in meeting the security requirements necessary to conduct business with General Dynamics and other major contractors.

Collaborators in the field and the public sector have recognized the need that has only grown since technology has advanced and is a great career opportunity, Sosne said.

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