Samuel Harrison Society Announces New Additions Board, Summer Hours

02:07PM / Tuesday, July 14, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Samuel Harrison Society has welcomed three new members to its Board of Trustees: Dee Piper Johnson, Dawn Morin, and Aretha Whitehead.

"We are pleased to welcome these new trustees. Their addition reflects the Society's ongoing efforts to preserve and promote awareness of the remarkable history and significance of the life of Rev. Samuel Harrison," said Marlena Willis, board president.

With summer now underway, the Samuel Harrison House Museum, located at 82 Third St. in Pittsfield, is open to visitors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays now through Sept. 13. Tours are also available by appointment.

The house was the home of Rev. Harrison, a prominent African American minister, abolitionist, and Civil War chaplain of the famed 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. The Society maintains the homestead as a museum and center for learning about Harrison's life, writings, and contributions while promoting a deeper understanding of African American history.

Museum visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase the Society's newest publication, "The Autobiographies and Sermons of the Reverend Samuel Harrison, 1818–1900," available for $39.95. The book may also be purchased online through the Society's website.

In addition to ongoing museum programming, Society volunteers are available to present talks to local organizations and community groups on the life, ministry, and enduring legacy of Rev. Harrison.

For more information, visit www.samuelharrison.org or call 413-841-6383.

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Pittsfield Considers Repairing East Part Cemetery

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:57AM / Friday, October 02, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Historical Commission will consider grant opportunities for repairs to East Part Cemetery.

A resident reached out to the city with concerns about degradation in the half-acre burial ground at the top of Williams Street. East Part Cemetery was established in the early 1800s and has about 300 interments.

“It's a nice old cemetery, and basically, (the resident) had had concerns that the stone wall had taken some damage, the gravestones have taken some damage, and was wondering if there's anything that could be done to repair the gravestones and the wall," City Planner Kevin Rayner told the commission on Monday.

In cooperation with cemetery leadership and residents, the Historical Commission will consider applying for Community Preservation Act funds to support repairs. West Part Cemetery, on the other side of Pittsfield, has previously used CPA funds for revitalization work.

The 1080 Williams St. property is owned by the city and managed by the Pittsfield Cemetery Commission. Rayner presented photos of broken and overgrown gravestones, parts of the stone wall collapsing, and knocked-over obelisks.

Some aspects could use general maintenance and restoration, he observed.

According to the Pittsfield Cemetery and Crematory's website, East Part Cemetery was established around 1808 on land owned by Nathan Webb, who permitted and authorized its use as a public burying ground.

In 1842, Nathan Webb's son, also named Nathan Webb, deeded the property to the Methodist Episcopal Society of Pittsfield as a public burying ground, and in 1893 the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Society transferred their control of the cemetery to the Proprietors of the Pittsfield Cemetery. Their action was confirmed by the Berkshire Probate Court.