The Bidwell House Museum: Plan, Form and Construction

Print Story | Email Story
SHEFFIELD, Mass. — Architectural historian Eric Gradoia will discuss the Bidwell House Museum as an example of 18th century New England domestic architecture.
 
The talk will be held on July 26 at 11 am at the Bidwell House Museam.
 
This in-Person event costs $15 for members and $25 for Non-Members $25. Via zoom the event is free for members and $15 for non members.
 
According to a press release:
 
The Bidwell house is a fascinating example of New England vernacular architecture. A product of several building campaigns, the core of the house was built c.1760, with additions made to it at different times throughout the 19th century. This talk will look at the Bidwell house as a regional example of eighteenth century domestic architecture, using it to explore common house types and floor plans of the period, along with the materials and technology used in the construction of these homes. 
 
Eric Gradoia is an Architectural Historian with the Albany firm of Mesick, Cohen, Wilson, Baker Architects. Prior to his current position, Mr. Gradoia was the Director of Historic Preservation at Historic Deerfield, where he was responsible for the repair and restoration of the museum's fifty-five buildings which range in age from the early eighteenth-century to the late twentieth-century. Mr. Gradoia has worked as an adjunct faculty member in the Historic Preservation Program at Roger Williams University, Bristol, Rhode Island and the Boston Architectural College (BAC). Early in his career, Mr. Gradoia worked as project manager for the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF), administered by the Massachusetts State Preservation Office.
 
Gradoia has his undergraduate degree in Historic Preservation from Roger Williams University and his M.S in Historic Preservation from the University of Vermont. As a graduate student, Gradoia participated in the US/ICOMOS International Exchange Program as an intern with the National Trust in North Yorkshire, England at Fountains Abbey. Gradoia's primary expertise is in 17th, 18th, and 19th century vernacular architecture, construction technology, and domestic conveniences.
 
This lecture will be in-person at the Bidwell House Museum and will also be viewable via Zoom. Zoom attendees must register in advance in order to receive the Zoom link and due to limited space at the Museum, we do ask in-person attendees to also register in advance.
 
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

New Universally Accessible Sheffield Trail To Be Highlighted on Guided Walk

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — The Sheffield Land Trust will hold its annual Fall Property Walk on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 1 pm at its Ashley Falls Woods property off Rte 7A in Ashley Falls.  
 
The guided walk will highlight the completion of the first phase of upgrading a section of trail to be universally accessible.  Signage and other improvements will follow in subsequent phases.
 
Join guides Elia Delmolino and Neal Chamberlain to experience this new recreational opportunity.
 
Neal Chamberlain is the long-time Land Trust volunteer who guides the maintenance of the trails, and Elia DelMolino is from Greenagers, whose youth work crews have been busy this summer and fall in transforming 0.3 miles of the existing trail into an ADA-compliant accessible trail. The trail of compacted stone dust wanders through mowed meadows and forest, with a new bridge and boardwalk crossing the stream and wet areas.
 
The Land Trust thanked Greenagers, for making this trail accessible and the Berkshire Environmental Endowment, Eagle Fund, Fields Pond Foundation, and MassTrails for the grants that helped fund the work.
 
Before the walk, enjoy seasonal refreshments. Please wear good walking shoes and warm clothing.
 
This event is free, open to the public and family friendly.
View Full Story

More South Berkshire Stories