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Nancy Burstein

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Nancy Burstein, former Director and Curator of the Williamstown House of Local History and Williamstown Historical Museum. Nancy died suddenly in the early morning on Saturday, November 18, 2017. She was the heart of the organization for over two decades and her dedicated work and thoughtful perseverance, brought the museum, its collection, and its programs to a new level of professionalism and visibility. We are indebted to her for all she did to make the organization into the local history center we are today. We hope to live up to her legacy and will miss her deeply. We send our sincere condolences to her family and friends near and far.

Nancy at the House of Local History Family Day

The History of the Botsford House


The History of the Botsford House
Saturday, November 11, 2017
11 a.m.
777 Main Street

Homeowner, Cynthia Payne, presented a history of one of the striking homes of Main Street.  Cynthia shared information about the site, the builder, the three families who lived in the home, the building’s life as a library and the home of the House of Local History, and the controversy over the building’s future when the library moved out.  Cynthia also spoke about the restoration of the building from library to a home again.  After the lecture, refreshments were be served at the Botsford House and a tour of the first floor was led by Cynthia.

View a video of the lecture here: Botsford House Lecture Video

Other topics in the works for the 2017-2018 lecture season include the history of the Williams College Faculty Club, the history of several West Main Street properites and families and  Arthur Latham Perry.  Check the website often for updates about programs!

Back to School: A Historical Look at Education in Williamstown

Back to School:  A Historical Look at Education in Williamstown
Saturday, September 30
11 a.m.
Milne Public Library
1095 Main Street, Williamstown

Beloved former school principal and enthusiastic community presence, Jane Allen, will present a lecture schools in Williamstown.  Both a walk down memory lane and an informative  presentation, this lecture is not to be missed!

View the video here:   Education in Williamstown Video

Jane Allen was educated at Brayton Elementary (K-8), Drury High School (9-12), North Adams State College (BS in Elementary Education), SUNY Albany (MS in Educational Administration), and MCLA (Honorary Doctorate in Pedagogy).  She served as a teacher and Director at Williamstown Cooperative Nursery School (South Center), a teacher at Williamstown Elementary Schools (Broad Brook, Southworth, Mitchell), the Principal of the Central Berkshire Regional School District (Crane Community, Cummington, Kittredge) and the Principal at Clarksburg Elementary School.  Jane has also served as past President of Massachusetts Elementary Principals Association and served on the Williamstown Select Board.

WHS Class of 1910