Berkshire Athenaeum Announces Family Search 101 Session

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Local History Department of the Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, announces Family Search 101 at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025 Researcher David Heath will present an introduction to the basics of Family Search, a free genealogy database. 
 
The session is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary.
 
The Athenaeum's Local History Department offers resources, research tools, and staff guidance for those interested in exploring local history or genealogy. 
 
Offerings include specialized files and indices provided by the Berkshire Family History Association and historic maps, city directories, and local high school yearbooks.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Man Facing Charges in Hit-and-Run

Staff Reports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A city man is facing charges in Vermont related to a hit-and-run crash that seriously injured a pedestrian. 
 
The Bennington (Vt.) Banner reports that Nelsin Martin, 21, is facing a felony charge in the May 8 incident. He could face up to 15 years behind bars if found guilty.
 
The crash occurred on Route 7 near the intersection with Route 346 at about 6:38 a.m. A witness and video from a Pownal school bus indicated that two vehicles were driving south down the highway nearly side by side at an excessive speed. The witness said they appeared to be racing, according to the Banner. A third vehicle was mentioned by it was not clear if it was involved. 
 
The pedestrian, 37-year-old Adrienne Formel of Pownal, was struck by the vehicle in the far right lane, which was either trying to pass in the breakdown lane or was "bumped" by another vehicle, according to witnesses.  
 
The victim was taken to Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center with life-threatening injuries, including a broken arm, and had to have her right leg amputated. 
 
Vermont State Police identified two vehicles, a white Chevrolet Silverado and a white Volkswagen sedan, which both fled the scene south into Massachusetts and were last seen on North Hoosac Road in Williamstown. By the end of the day, they had identified both the vehicles and the drivers. 
 
Martin is expected to be arraigned next week. 
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