Bidwell House Concert: What a Glorious Crash They Made

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MONTEREY, Mass. — Join the Bidwell House Museum for a candlelight program with musician and historian R. Franklin Donohue.
 
The concert will be held on Nov. 7, at 5 p.m.
 
While playing the harpsichord and dressed for the 18th century, Donohue will play a selection of songs that were published and performed in New England between 1765 and 1783. From the time of the Stamp Act through the British surrender at Yorktown, New England's seditious colonists used these works to foment rebellion, commemorate victory, and give thanks for preservation. This concert will take place by candlelight in the Dining Room of the Bidwell House Museum.
 
Richard Franklin Donohue is a singer, private music instructor, and historian. Vocally, he is a tenor who specializes in historic music ranging from Middle English Carols to 19th century romantic music. He has been teaching Piano, Voice, and Music Theory since 1992. Richard is the Town Historian of his hometown of Cromwell, Conn. and has been the President and Program Director of the Cromwell Historical Society for nearly twenty years.  He is the author of "Rosetown Review," a monthly history article published in the Cromwell Life newspaper, and presents historical lectures throughout New England on various topics.
 
The concert will be followed by a wine and cheese reception. Space is very limited and tickets must be purchased in advance, they will not be sold at the door.
 
 
Tickets are $45 per person for Members and $55 per person for Non-members.
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Reps. Leigh Davis, Bud Williams Filing Legislation Honoring Freeman

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — State Reps. Leigh Davis of the 3rd Berkshire District and Bud L. Williams, of the 11th Hampden District, are filing legislation establishing Aug. 22 as Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance in the commonwealth.
 
The legislation would direct the governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the courageous contributions of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved Black woman known as Mum Bett, whose landmark freedom suit helped spark the legal end of slavery in Massachusetts.
 
"Elizabeth Freeman's story began here in the Berkshires, but its impact reached every corner of the commonwealth," said Davis. "More than two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire us. Establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day will ensure that future generations learn not only about her extraordinary bravery, but also about the power of one person to change the course of history."
 
In 1781, Freeman, of Sheffield at the time, challenged the institution of slavery by filing suit against her enslaver, Col. John Ashley. In the landmark case Brom and Bett v. Ashley, a Berkshire County jury ruled in favor of Freeman and her fellow plaintiff, Brom, granting them their freedom. The case demonstrated the power of the Massachusetts Constitution's declaration that all people are born free and equal and helped pave the way for the Quock Walker decisions that ultimately ended slavery in the commonwealth. 
 
"Freeman's courage changed the course of history in Massachusetts," said Williams. "At a time when the odds were stacked against her, she stood up and demanded that the promises of liberty and equality contained in our Constitution apply to her as well. She risked everything to challenge an unjust system, and her victory helped lay the foundation for the end of slavery in our commonwealth. Her legacy deserves to be recognized and remembered by every resident of Massachusetts."
 
Although unable to read or write, Freeman understood the meaning of freedom and equality and took extraordinary action to secure those rights for herself and others. Her story remains one of the most powerful examples of individual courage in the face of injustice. 
 
Elizabeth Freeman Day will provide an opportunity for reflection, education, healing, and remembrance, said Williams. 
 
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