The Bidwell House Museum: Plan, Form and Construction

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SHEFFIELD, Mass. — Architectural historian Eric Gradoia will discuss the Bidwell House Museum as an example of 18th century New England domestic architecture.
 
The talk will be held on July 26 at 11 am at the Bidwell House Museam.
 
This in-Person event costs $15 for members and $25 for Non-Members $25. Via zoom the event is free for members and $15 for non members.
 
According to a press release:
 
The Bidwell house is a fascinating example of New England vernacular architecture. A product of several building campaigns, the core of the house was built c.1760, with additions made to it at different times throughout the 19th century. This talk will look at the Bidwell house as a regional example of eighteenth century domestic architecture, using it to explore common house types and floor plans of the period, along with the materials and technology used in the construction of these homes. 
 
Eric Gradoia is an Architectural Historian with the Albany firm of Mesick, Cohen, Wilson, Baker Architects. Prior to his current position, Mr. Gradoia was the Director of Historic Preservation at Historic Deerfield, where he was responsible for the repair and restoration of the museum's fifty-five buildings which range in age from the early eighteenth-century to the late twentieth-century. Mr. Gradoia has worked as an adjunct faculty member in the Historic Preservation Program at Roger Williams University, Bristol, Rhode Island and the Boston Architectural College (BAC). Early in his career, Mr. Gradoia worked as project manager for the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF), administered by the Massachusetts State Preservation Office.
 
Gradoia has his undergraduate degree in Historic Preservation from Roger Williams University and his M.S in Historic Preservation from the University of Vermont. As a graduate student, Gradoia participated in the US/ICOMOS International Exchange Program as an intern with the National Trust in North Yorkshire, England at Fountains Abbey. Gradoia's primary expertise is in 17th, 18th, and 19th century vernacular architecture, construction technology, and domestic conveniences.
 
This lecture will be in-person at the Bidwell House Museum and will also be viewable via Zoom. Zoom attendees must register in advance in order to receive the Zoom link and due to limited space at the Museum, we do ask in-person attendees to also register in advance.
 
 
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Great Barrington Unveils 9/11 Memorial Featuring World Trade Center Steel

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — A piece of history will now stand in front of the Great Barrington Fire Department, serving as a lasting reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and heroism of those who rushed in, stepped forward, and answered the call on Sept. 11, 2001.
 
Hundreds of community members gathered outside the Fire Department for the unveiling of a 9/11 memorial featuring a steel I-beam salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center.
 
The monument marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, and its effect reached far and wide beyond New York, said Deputy Fire Chief James Mead.
 
"There are moments in our lives that become markers of time. Moments when we remember not only what happened, but where we were, who was beside us, and how the world somehow felt different afterwards," Town Manager Liz Hartsgrove said. 
 
"For those of us who experienced September 11, 2001 — it is one of those moments for us to share."
 
The acquisition of the beam was a multi-year effort initiated by the late Andy Moro, former commander of American Legion Post 298 in Housatonic, and was carried on by the Legion's second vice commander, John Morris. 
 
Morris said he was able to obtain the warped steel I-beam through connections he made during his time as a New York City firefighter.
 
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