Quaker Scholar To Speak at Susan B Anthony Birthplace Museum Celebration

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ADAMS, Mass.—Psychology-of-peace expert, author, and Quaker Dr. Rachel M. MacNair will be speak at the annual birthday celebration for Susan. B. Anthony. Hosted by the Susan B. Anthony Birthday Museum in Adams, Mass., the event will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 2:00 p.m. in G.A.R. Memorial Hall at the Adams Free Library, 92 Park Street.

Dr. MacNair is a nationally recognized psychologist, sociologist, author, and peace scholar whose work reflects a lifelong commitment to Quaker principles of equality and nonviolence, values deeply shared by Susan B. Anthony and the Quaker community in which she was raised.

A graduate of Earlham College, a historic Quaker institution known for its emphasis on peace studies and civic responsibility, MacNair holds a doctorate in psychology with interdisciplinary training in sociology. Her work has been recognized with multiple professional awards honoring her contributions to ethics, education, and peace studies. In 2011, she was awarded the Outstanding Service Award from the American Psychological Association.

Born into a Quaker family in Adams, Mass., Susan B. Anthony was shaped by the Religious Society of Friends' (Quaker) teachings on the inherent equality and dignity of all people, which guided her lifelong advocacy for women's rights, abolition, and social justice.

"Dr. MacNair's scholarship offers a meaningful lens through which to understand Anthony's Quaker upbringing here in the Berkshires and how those values shaped her advocacy for women's rights throughout her life," said Lucy Czaja Anthony, an Adams' resident and Birthplace Museum board member.

The Feb. 15 event will begin with a reception for attendees, followed by the keynote speaker, and questions from the audience. Seating is limited, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early. G.A.R. Memorial Hall is located on the second floor. Elevator access is available via the Melrose Street entrance.

For more information, visit www.susanbanthonybirthplace.org or e-mail info@susanbanthonybirthplace.org.

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Letter: Christine Hoyt Best Choice for Adams Select Board on May 4

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

I am a proud resident of Adams, and it's clear that our town is moving in a positive direction. From the revitalization of the Adams Theater to the opening of the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center, we are seeing meaningful progress take shape.

Christine Hoyt has been a driving part of this momentum since 2017. During her time on the Select Board, she has worked to address critical priorities, such as infrastructure improvements (like the $6.5 million wastewater treatment upgrades), economic development, and the preservation of essential town services.

Re-electing Christine to a fourth term ensures continuity in this important work. Her role on the Local Government Advisory Commission (LGAC) enables her to advocate directly for Adams at the state level, helping secure general government aid, Chapter 90 funding, and support for public education. She also brings valuable leadership experience through her service as president of the Berkshire County Select Board Association, District 1 representative on both the Massachusetts Select Board Association and the Massachusetts Municipal Association Board of Directors, and her work with the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association. This level of experience and representation is an asset our town cannot afford to lose.

Christine has proven she has the vision and the work ethic to lead Adams for another three years. I hope you will join me in voting for her on Monday, May 4, and keep the momentum going.

The election will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Adams Memorial Building, 30 Columbia St.
 

Leah Thompson
Adams, Mass. 

 

 

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