Berkshire County Historical Society to Mark Lafayette Bicentennial

10:57AM / Friday, June 06, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire County Historical Society (BCHS) will commemorate the bicentennial of the Marquis de Lafayette's 1825 visit to Pittsfield with a series of public programs and events from June 11 to June 13.

The commemoration will include a reprise of Lafayette's arrival in Pittsfield on Park Square on June 13.

In 1824-1825, Lafayette, the last living Major General of the Continental Army, toured the United States as the "Nation's Guest." On June 13, 1825, he visited Pittsfield and participated in a ceremony on Park Square. The bicentennial commemoration will feature a horse-drawn carriage arrival, a welcome ceremony with local dignitaries, music, and a speech by a Lafayette historic re-enactor.

"The historical society is very excited to bring this series of programs to our community," BCHS Executive Director Lesley Herzberg said. "Not only was Lafayette a significant figure in America's war for independence, his passionate support of the abolition of slavery, for women's rights and women authors, religious tolerance, and support for democratic governments are still relevant today."

The re-enactor is also scheduled to visit Pittsfield public schools on June 9 and 10 to discuss Lafayette's military career, his friendship with George Washington, and his intelligence activities.

Public events, unless otherwise stated, will take place at Herman Melville's historic Arrowhead, 780 Holmes Road, Pittsfield.

SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC EVENTS:

Pop-up Exhibition – "The Life and Legacy of The Marquis de Lafayette": Throughout the summer, BCHS will display six educational panels from the American Friends of Lafayette, detailing Lafayette's life, role in the American Revolution, and advocacy for human rights. An additional panel will focus on his 1824-1825 return to the U.S. These panels will be displayed at Berkshire Community College (May 5-16), Pittsfield City Hall (May 19-30), and Berkshire Athenaeum (June 2-13).
Wednesday, June 11, 5:30 PM: "Lafayette: More Than A Rock Star" lecture: Lafayette enthusiast Peter Reilly will discuss Lafayette's early life, his role in the American Revolution, and his 1824-1825 tour. The lecture will also explore his championship of causes such as women's education and abolition. This is a free event.
Thursday, June 12, 6:30 PM: French Wine Tasting with Philippe Jeanjean: WSET-3 Certified Sommelier Philippe Jeanjean will lead a tasting of French wines from regions associated with Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, accompanied by artisanal cheeses and pâtés. Proceeds will benefit the Berkshire County Historical Society. Tickets are $100 for BCHS members and $125 for non-members, available at berkshirehistory.org. Limited seating is available.
Friday, June 13, 4:00 PM: Welcome the Marquis de Lafayette to Pittsfield: A commemoration of Lafayette's 1825 visit will be held on Park Square. The program will include the Berkshire Concert Choir, Berkshire Fife and Drum Corps, and local dignitaries. Hot Plate Brewing will host a series of toasts. This is a free event, beginning at 4:00 PM.

Programs commemorating the bicentennial of Lafayette's visit to Pittsfield are sponsored by The Feigenbaum Foundation, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Hill Engineering, Housatonic Heritage, Lee Bank Foundation, Massachusetts Cultural Council, MountainOne Bank, and Pittsfield Cultural Council.

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Pittsfield Council Revisiting DEI Office Restructure

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:11PM / Tuesday, October 13, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The conversation about the DEI office renaming that was halted by a charter objection will resume on Tuesday.

The City Council will discuss a request from Mayor Peter Marchetti to restructure the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

It proposes to rename the DEI office to the Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity and merge the Human Rights Commission and Affirmative Action Committee into an Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission.

The Ordinance and Rules Subcommittee supported the changes in August, and in September, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham delayed the vote with a charter objection.

Pittsfield's City Code prohibits charter states that "if a single member present objects to the taking of the vote, the vote shall be postponed until the next meeting of the city council." It also stipulates that at least four members must object if it is an emergency measure.

Cunningham also submitted a petition, which was referred to O&R under Rule 27, to replace the DEI Office and the Human Rights Commission with an equity, access, and opportunity coordinator in the Department of Community Development, with formal complaints and Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action functions assigned to Human Resources.

At the last meeting, he spent more than an hour querying the mayor and chief diversity officer about functions and effectiveness of the department, wanting more quantitative data. Cunningham proposed an ordinance that he says keeps Pittsfield's commitment to equity, access, and opportunity, "refocuses it on measurable results for our residents, and delivers it at a fraction of the current cost."

Under this petition, the equity, access, and opportunity coordinator would be a $60,000 to $80,000 per year position.

The DEI Office's fiscal year 2027 budget was about $200,000 after cuts during budget season; $106,700 for the chief diversity officer and $58,000 for the administrative assistant. The coordinator would be appointed by the director of community development and the mayor.

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