Berkshire County Historical Society Genealogy Workshop

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire County Historical Society begins 2025 with a genealogy workshop led by Lisa Swigert.
 
Swigert has more than 40 years of experience in genealogical research and has been an instructor for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) for four years. The six-session workshop begins on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Berkshire Athenaeum from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and continues via Zoom on five consecutive Saturdays. 
 
Cost for the workshop is $100 for BCHS members, $125 for non-members; registration can be made by using the BOOK NOW button at berkshirehistory.org.
 
Swigert will cover topics from getting started and organizing your research to finding the resources you need to answer your research questions. The workshop is appropriate for the beginning genealogist as well as those getting back into their family history research. The workshop is part of Berkshires 250, On The Road to Revolution program.
 
Leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, communities throughout the nation are looking back at the people and events that led to the Revolutionary War and considering what American democracy means to all people today and in the future. In Berkshire County, a growing number of organizations have come together to commemorate the unique role our region played during this historic period.

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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