Cult Survivors to speak at Ventfort Hall

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LENOX, Mass. — Hear sisters, Elita Galvin and Karen Briggs, share their stories of how they grew up in a cult, The Bible Speaks, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 4 pm at the mansion. 
 
A tea will be served after their presentation.
 
According to a press release:
 
Speakers will discuss how a small town bakery driver became a religious con man in small town New England. They will explore how The Bible Speaks came to be and the impact on the New England towns where Carl Stevens grew his religious empire.
 
Karen Briggs and Elita Galvin are the hosts of Children of Grace, a storytelling podcast that's reached listeners in 38 countries and charted in three. With over 40,000 listens in under two years and a growing community of 300+ loyal followers, Karen and Elita bring warmth, wit, and just the right amount of mischief to every episode. When they're not behind the mic, they're usually researching new ideas or spending time with family and friends.
 
Tickets are $45. Members receive a discount code for $5 off all ticket prices. Students 22 and under are $22. Ticket pricing includes access to the mansion throughout the day of this event from 10 am to 4 pm. 
 
Reservations are strongly encouraged as seats are limited. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows. For reservations visit https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or call (413) 637-3206. 
 
Note that all tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker St. in Lenox.
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Marionette Shows At Ventfort Hall for Children

LENOX, Mass. — The puppeteer Carl Sprague will return to Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion and Museum in Lenox with Rapunzel for two holiday vacation week marionette performances. 
 
The dates and times are Saturday, Dec. 27 and Monday, Dec. 29, both at 3:30 pm. The audiences will have the opportunity to meet Sprague after.
 
Sprague, who has appeared annually at Ventfort Hall with his "behind the scenery" mastery, has been a puppeteer since childhood.  He inherited a collection of 60 antique Czech marionettes, each about eight inches tall that were assembled by his great-grandfather, Julius Hybler.  Hybler's legacy also includes two marionette theaters. 
 
Also, Sprague has been a set designer for such motion pictures as "The Royal Tenenbaums" and Scorcese's "The Age of Innocence," as well as for theater productions including those of Shakespeare & Company. 
 
Admission to the show is $20 per person; $10 for children 4-17 and free for age 3 and under. Children must be accompanied by adults.  Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays. Reservations are required as seating is limited and can be made on line at https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or by calling (413) 637-3206. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox.
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