Bidwell House Museum Begins 2026 Season with a Concert and Reception

MONTEREY, Mass. — The Bidwell House Museum will open for their 36th season on Memorial Day weekend.

Tours by appointment will begin on Monday, May 25 and on Sunday, May 24th, at 2 p.m there will be an opening concert and reception with singer-songwriter Diane Taraz, who will perform her show "Surprising But True."

According to a press release: 

She begins with the age-old tale of the woman warrior in disguise, celebrated in dozens of songs over the last few hundred years. We hear traditional songs and one that Diane wrote about the unlikely life of Deborah Samson, who served during the American Revolution and later became one of the first women to speak in public as she toured New England.

The origins of some of our most familiar songs are surprising. We hear the birth and development of Yankee Doodle, including some particularly rude verses; the original words to the melody used by Francis Scott Key for our national anthem; plus tragedies involving rattlesnakes and shipwrecks. Diane's "The Great Sea-Serpent of Cape Ann" traces the long history of the giant serpent frequently sighted off the Massachusetts coast, and her "American Army of Two" hails the courage of two teenage girls who saved the town of Scituate from British attack in the War of 1812 by playing a certain melody.

Diane Taraz writes songs and interprets traditional ones, accompanying herself on guitar and dulcimer. She has over two dozen albums streaming worldwide, and she brings her programs exploring history through music to museums, libraries, and historical societies throughout New England. One of her original songs and her interpretation of a traditional carol have been used on television (My Lottery Dream Home) and in a recently released film (A Little Prayer). Her three books are available on Amazon and other outlets. There’s more about her at www.dianetaraz.com.

Following the show there will be a small reception to usher in the new season. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Tickets can be purchased on the Museum website, https://www.bidwellhousemuseum.org/event/surprising-but-true/

Admission to the show and reception is $10 for Members and $20 for non-members.

On Monday May 25, the Museum will reopen for guided tours of the house. These personal, small-group tours last about an hour and include a look at the architecture of the house; a history of the Bidwell Family and their connection to Monterey; information about housewares and decor in 18th century New England; and a look at life 250 years ago, particularly meaningful during this 250th anniversary year for the United State. Tours are by appointment only, must be booked 24 hours in advance and will be available on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m, 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. Tours can be reserved by either calling 413-528-6888 or emailing bidwellhm2@gmail.com. Tickets for adults are $20, seniors are $15, students are $5 and children 12 and under are free.

Greenagers Founder Will Conklin Honored as Business Person of the Year

By Breanna Steele12:17PM / Saturday, October 03, 2026

Casey Pease of state Sen. Paul Mark's office presents William Conklin, right, with a state Senate proclamation.

EGREMONT, Mass. — The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce honored a local businessman and nonprofit leader on Sept. 24 at Catamount Mountain Resort.

 

William Conklin was this year's Business Person of the Year, recognizing his work as founder and executive director of Greenagers, a nonprofit that helps youth and children engage in work in environmental conservation, sustainable farming, natural resource management, and vocational skills building. 

 

Conklin and his family also run Sky View Farm and he is a managing partner of Konkapot Tree and Timber, a small-scale forest products business.

 

"If you spent any amount of time in Southern Berkshire, chances are you've heard his name, whether you realize the connection at the time or not," said board member Sierra King Watson, who emceed the event. "You might be having a conversation about farming, a new barn or structure that was built, students learning hands-on skills in sustainable agriculture, or a family that receives donated firewood to help keep their home warm through a cold Berkshire winter, or maybe you're simply talking about one of those community leaders who somehow manages to show up, support everyone, and seemingly be everywhere all at once.

 

"Well, one name has a way of continuously popping up, and that is Will Conklin."

 

Board President Mark Rulison said the region has more than 1,200 nonprofits. One in four jobs in the county is in the nonprofit sector, which ranks 27th nationally for nonprofit employment. He said the economic impact on the community is huge, thanking those who help.

 

For the event on Thursday, Conklin requested that as much of the food as possible was sourced locally. Most of it came from Greenagers, Sky View Farm, Indian Line Farm and Fancy Feast Supper Club, creative dinner series.