Berkshire Organizations Awarded Fourth of July Grants

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BOSTON — The governor awarded the Adams Theater, Sheffield Historical Society, and Stockbridge Library Association grants to support initiatives and events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.  
 
"The enthusiasm for MA250 is visible all across the state, with exciting events and exhibitions happening every day and visitors from across the country and the globe coming to town to take part. With this round of MA250 grants, we're reinforcing our investments to tell the story of Massachusetts, from our revolutionary roots to the vibrant, inclusive state we are today," said Governor Maura Healey. "These projects honor our shared history while telling the stories that have been left untold for too long, strengthening local economies and shaping a statewide celebration of our values and our future."
 
The Governor's administration announced $2 million in grants to 59 organizations across the state to support initiatives and events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
 
In Berkshire County:
  • The Adams Theater was awarded $15,000 for their Massachusetts 250 Festival project.
  • The Sheffield Historical Society was awarded $7,500 for their Revolutionary Pathways: Southern Berkshire's Fight for Freedom project.
  • Stockbridge Library Association was awarded $5,000 for their A Day in Revolutionary Stockbridge project.
From historic battlefield memorials and museum exhibits to cultural festivals and innovative public art, these efforts bring Revolutionary history to life in cities and towns statewide.
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From Empty Storefronts to New Opportunities, Park Street Eyes a Comeback

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

The latest Park Street sale is the 1890 Carlow building, a Queen Ann flatiron, purchased this past spring. The former owners ran Coffee Liberation Front until retiring. 
ADAMS, Mass. — For several years, Park Street has seen a steady stream of businesses open their doors, only to close again after brief operations. Now, some are hopeful of a new beginning, with new businesses bringing fresh energy to the area.
 
Some residents can remember a time when people walked the streets of downtown Adams to shop or eat, whether it was getting your photo taken at Smith Studio, shopping at Schiff Clothing or Groves & Co. Women Apparel, or having lunch or ice cream at The Crest. 
 
Over time, storefronts closed, and the once-bustling street grew quieter, with fewer people on the sidewalks and parking spaces sitting empty.
 
Adams is a very walkable town, said Glen Diehl, who sits on ProAdams Board of Directors.  
 
Diehl highlighted ProAdams' destinations map that sits at the corner of Park Street and the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. 
 
The town needs restaurants and businesses he said, and as more move in the nonprofit will update the map. 
 
Small-town retail corridors face challenges from the shift to online shopping and the high cost of renovating historic buildings to meet modern codes, real estate agent Jeffrey Loholdt of Engel and Volkers Wellesley. 
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