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The Bidwell House Museum is a New England heritage landmark that uses the history of its land, house and collections to re-imagine, re-create, restore and research colonial and early American life in Western Massachusetts.
Board President Kathryn Roberts states: “The Bidwell House Museum is a hidden jewel among the cultural highlights of the Berkshires. Our beautifully restored 1750s farmhouse is celebrating twenty years as a museum in 2010. We have been blessed to have Martha Dailey as our director for the past five years. Martha's fine leadership and scholarship have transformed our museum. We wish her well as she opens the new Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum in Adams soon. We are all very pleased to have Barbara Palmer join us. Her non-profit management experience, arts background, ties to the area, and tremendous enthusiasm for our museum will be a great asset.” |
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Palmer and her family moved to Tyringham full time in 2008 from Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. Her career took her from art and travel book publishing and graduate work in art and architectural history to non-profit and grants management as a project director for an environmental organization in New Jersey. She is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass. Her husband's family has ties to Tyringham and the Berkshires since the 1890s
“I am thrilled to be leading this wonderful museum. I plan to use my experience to build on the terrific work of Martha Dailey and the very dedicated staff and board of directors. I would love to see more Berkshire residents join us, and I plan to expand our educational programs. What better place for Berkshire children to learn about colonial times than in their own county! We have a fully equipped and historically furnished house, including the 1750s keeping room (kitchen), parlors and bedrooms. The 192 acre property includes over three miles of stone walls, nature trails, woodlands, sugarbush and old maple syrup boiling structure, an old mill stream, and we are located on an unpaved country lane, a truly authentic experience,” says Palmer.
The Bidwell House Museum is located at 100 Art School Road in Monterey, Massachusetts, and is open to the public from Memorial Day to Columbus Day or by special appointment.
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