Bidwell House Museum Online: The Life of a Continental Soldier

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MONTEREY, Mass. — The Bidwell House Museum will present the first of two off-season Zoom programs about the Revolutionary War era, a timely topic in 2026, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 
 
For the first talk on Feb. 26 we will be joined by Asher Lurie who will present The Life of a Continental Soldier. This talk will be followed by a lecture in late March about life in New York City during the British occupation of 1776-1783.
 
According to a press release:
 
What was it like to be a continental soldier, and what are the truths and myths we associate with those who took up arms against the Crown? Asher Lurie will explain the experiences of a soldier in the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, including their hardships, how they fought, drilled, dined, and marched, and the purpose of the items they carried on their backs. This talk will highlight the evolution of an army that lost many early battles against one of the world's best armies and went on to become capable of going toe-to-toe with British regulars.
 
Asher Lurie is the Executive Director of the Hopewell Museum in Hopewell, New Jersey. Before coming to the Hopewell Museum, Asher was the chief of Historical Interpretation at the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton, New Jersey. At the Old Barracks, Asher organized the annual recreation of the Battle of Trenton, which is also the largest event that takes place annually in Trenton. During his tenure at the Barracks, Asher focused on quality of interpretation and programming which dramatically increased visitation at large scale events.
 
The lecture will be held via Zoom. Registration via the Museum event page is required, https://www.bidwellhousemuseum.org/event/the-life-of-a-continental-soldier/
 
Details for how to access the event will be sent via email a few days in advance.
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Victim Identified in Fatal Richmond Crash

Staff ReportsiBerkshires

RICHMOND, Mass. — A 25-year-old South County man died Thursday in the fiery crash on Route 41. 

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office on Friday reported that the victim was Christopher Lee Kilmer, 25.

The single-vehicle accident took place on Route 41 in Richmond near 2715 State Road. A Hyundai Sonata driven by Kilmer was travelling northbound when it crossed into the southbound lane and off the road; the car was engulfed in flames when first responders arrived.

According to the DA's Office, West Stockbridge Fire and County Ambulance declared Kilmer dead at 9:53 a.m. when the Fire Department "was able to extinguish the fire." 

"It was at this time (when the fire was extinguished) that first responders observed a single occupant in the vehicle and made the declaration of death," according to the press release.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has taken custody of the body. 

On Friday morning, several South County fire departments posted tributes on Facebook to Kilmer, who they reported was a member of the West Stockbridge and Alford fire departments.

"Every first responder carries a fear that one day the next emergency call will involve someone they know, a friend, a neighbor, or someone they love. But perhaps the greatest fear of all is when that call involves one of our own," the post read. 

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