Quaker Scholar To Speak at Susan B Anthony Birthplace Museum Celebration

ADAMS, Mass.—Psychology-of-peace expert, author, and Quaker Dr. Rachel M. MacNair will be speak at the annual birthday celebration for Susan. B. Anthony. Hosted by the Susan B. Anthony Birthday Museum in Adams, Mass., the event will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 2:00 p.m. in G.A.R. Memorial Hall at the Adams Free Library, 92 Park Street.

Dr. MacNair is a nationally recognized psychologist, sociologist, author, and peace scholar whose work reflects a lifelong commitment to Quaker principles of equality and nonviolence, values deeply shared by Susan B. Anthony and the Quaker community in which she was raised.

A graduate of Earlham College, a historic Quaker institution known for its emphasis on peace studies and civic responsibility, MacNair holds a doctorate in psychology with interdisciplinary training in sociology. Her work has been recognized with multiple professional awards honoring her contributions to ethics, education, and peace studies. In 2011, she was awarded the Outstanding Service Award from the American Psychological Association.

Born into a Quaker family in Adams, Mass., Susan B. Anthony was shaped by the Religious Society of Friends' (Quaker) teachings on the inherent equality and dignity of all people, which guided her lifelong advocacy for women's rights, abolition, and social justice.

"Dr. MacNair's scholarship offers a meaningful lens through which to understand Anthony's Quaker upbringing here in the Berkshires and how those values shaped her advocacy for women's rights throughout her life," said Lucy Czaja Anthony, an Adams' resident and Birthplace Museum board member.

The Feb. 15 event will begin with a reception for attendees, followed by the keynote speaker, and questions from the audience. Seating is limited, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early. G.A.R. Memorial Hall is located on the second floor. Elevator access is available via the Melrose Street entrance.

For more information, visit www.susanbanthonybirthplace.org or e-mail info@susanbanthonybirthplace.org.

Friday Afternoon Fire Destroys Cheshire Barn

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff
04:40PM / Friday, April 03, 2026

 

CHESHIRE, Mass. — A fire on Friday afternoon destroyed a barn at 920 Sand Mill Road.

 

The building is a total loss but firefighters were able to prevent the flames from reaching another nearby barn and the house at Stoney Brook Farm. 

 

Fire Chief Thomas Francesconi said the fire was called in 12:39 p.m. by the homeowners "but it already had a foothold before they noticed it."

 

Responding firefighters found the L-shaped structure fully involved. Adams, Lanesborough, Savoy and Windsor fire companies responded and Williamstown Fire covered the station.

 

The tankers were used to transport water from a nearby brook until a pool could be set up near the scene and water pumped into it. 

 

Northern Berkshire EMS responded and one firefighter was treated at the scene and then taken to Berkshire Medical Center. 

 

Francesconi said there were no other injuries but the owners told him there were 18 chickens in the barn. The structure also had equipment and other materials in it, including a Jeep.