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Posts in Shared Story

A Genealogy High

While doing genealogy work I was having trouble with the “Johns” in my paternal family line, because we have 5 Johns all in a row. The first John I, the original John was initially recorded in 1638 in Providence RI, as one of the original 52 home lot owners. One problem was with John IV and his son John V. I was able to find information about John V, but I was wondering if his father John IV had emigrated to Massachusetts with his son. Unable to find a record of his death or burial, I set out on a genealogy road trip in June of 2024, to hunt.

Shared StoryAdam KizisApril 6, 2025Daniel LIPPITT

The story behind the creation of the book, Marking Stockbridge’s Past

The story behind the creation of the book, Marking Stockbridge’s Past

I published the book, Marking Stockbridge’s Past, in 2023. As a life-long resident of the town of Stockbridge I find its history extremely interesting and extensive. After I retired in 1999, I spent time enjoying my gardens, doing volunteer work, and research.

Shared StoryAdam KizisMarch 9, 2025Maria Carr

Where did he go?

Where did he go?

Benjamin Greenslit of Bennington, Vermont and Cheshire, Massachusetts

My third great-grandfather, Benjamin Greenslit, was born about 1792, probably in the Vermont area, and most likely the son of James Greenslit. Those are the most logical explanations, but there is little to no documentation for that!

Shared StoryAdam KizisNovember 1, 2024Meg Sondey

I Can Hardly Remember Her.

I Can Hardly Remember Her.

This is a picture of my great Aunt Laura Bissaillon Lewis. I can hardly remember her.

Shared StoryAdam KizisOctober 7, 2024Mark Bissaillon

Photographs and Memories

Photographs and Memories

When folks were asked to send photographs, mementos etc., for the library collection. I did send a great deal into the Library. One item of note was a 1902 Postcard from Lee of the old High school sent to my grand-mother in Pittsfield from her Mother "Elizabeth Sullivan" (Blowe).

Shared StoryChristian TenczarFebruary 8, 2023Thomas Owens

Berkshire County’s Revolutionary War Generals

Berkshire County’s Revolutionary War Generals

For many of us as children, we often sat amazed at some of the stories that were freely offered around the dinner table by our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Shared StoryChristian TenczarNovember 25, 2022Brian S. Barrett

From Family Lore to Family Fact

From Family Lore to Family Fact

For many of us as children, we often sat amazed at some of the stories that were freely offered around the dinner table by our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Shared StoryChristian TenczarJuly 15, 2022Rev. John Midura

Wiater Means Wind

Wiater Means Wind

It is a cool and windy day at the Wiater Farm. Uncle Chet told me that Wiater means wind in Polish and we got our last name because of this story.

Shared StoryJan RoggeMay 1, 2022Mark Bissaillon

Digging Up Family Roots

Digging Up Family Roots

Sometimes when you are digging up family roots you find the roots all tied in a knot, which you cannot untwist. That is when your computer says, “This does not compute!” and you say, “This is hopeless.” That happened to me when I started to look up my Morse roots.

Shared StoryJan RoggeDecember 30, 2021Bill Miller

Is there a Pilgrim Hiding in Your Ancestral Tree?

Is there a Pilgrim Hiding in Your Ancestral Tree?

When Margaret Rotti’s children finally were all in college, the Pittsfield resident found some time for herself and decided to spend part of it researching her ancestry on her mother’s side. She didn’t know what to expect, but her efforts eventually led all the way back to the Mayflower.

Shared StoryJan RoggeDecember 30, 2021John Seven

If These Teacups Could Talk

If These Teacups Could Talk

Aunt Monica's tea set got some use at the party on Friday. It is amazing how an item can cause a flood of memories to came back like the flood of 1938.

Shared StoryJan RoggeJuly 20, 2021Mark Bissaillon

Babcia comes to America: Katarzyna M Kolis makes the Trip! Adams. The Berkshire Mills

Babcia comes to America: Katarzyna M Kolis makes the Trip! Adams. The Berkshire Mills

As I get older and think back about all the questions I should have asked and wonder what parts of our history is still untold.

Shared StoryJan RoggeDecember 29, 2020Mark Bissaillon

Led Astray by Jean Nudd, Genealogist

Led Astray by Jean Nudd, Genealogist

I began my genealogy research with my father and I'd go home every few weeks and tell my mother all the great stuff I'd found on Pop's family.

Shared StoryLittle Fin CreativeDecember 1, 2020Jean Nudd

Descendants of George J Wollison

Descendants of George J Wollison

Geroge J Wollison was born in 1794. He died on 20 December 1859 in Pittsfield, Berkshire, Massachusetts, USA.

Shared StoryLittle Fin CreativeNovember 21, 2019Clark W. Nicholls

Donald L. (Don) Lutes Jr. Obituary

Donald L. (Don) Lutes Jr. Obituary

Donald L. (Don) Lutes Jr. died September 3, 2018 at Fairview Rehabilitation Center in Great Barrington where he had resided since May.

Shared StoryLittle Fin CreativeNovember 21, 2019Local News

Melodeon Manufacturing in Pittsfield

Melodeon Manufacturing in Pittsfield

When melodeons were manufactured in Pittsfield they looked more like kitchen sinks than like musical instruments not pianos and organs of today.

Shared StoryLittle Fin CreativeNovember 20, 2019Clark W. Nicholls

My Great-Great-Grandfather, William Pierce

My Great-Great-Grandfather, William Pierce

William Pierce of 37 Union Street and owner of the Pierce block was found dead in his building on North Street Sunday night at 11 o'clock by his son-in-law and his daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Bertrand S. Packard.

Shared StoryLittle Fin CreativeNovember 20, 2019Clark W. Nicholls