Music Summer Fundraiser for the Bidwell House Museum

Staff Reports 07:12AM / Monday, August 03, 2026Print Story | Email Story

MONTEREY, Mass. — The Bidwell House Museum announced the details of their annual summer fundraising party to be held on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the stunning home of Paula Bidwell McNay and Joe McNay in Richmond.

This year, the theme is The Berkshire Hills Are Alive With Music. The Museum's honoree in 2026 is long-time Board member and friend to the Museum, Kathryn Roberts. Roberts has been a volunteer with the Museum for 25 years and has held the roles of both President and Vice-President of the Board of Directors. She was also, for a number of years, head of the summer party planning committee and led some of the Museum's most successful fundraising parties.

Guests at the party will enjoy an evening of harp music from Tanglewood Fellow Renee Murphy, hors d'oeuvres by Handcrafted Catering, an auction that includes several trips to Europe and sensational views of the Berkshire Hills.

Tickets to the Bidwell summer fundraiser are $150 per person and can be reserved by contacting the museum office at 413-528-6888 or by purchasing them on the museum website at https://www.bidwellhousemuseum.org/event/the-berkshire-hills-are-alive-with-music/

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Victim Identified in Fatal Richmond Crash

Staff ReportsiBerkshires
11:23AM / Friday, October 30, 2026

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.