Tag: Williamstown history

Williamstown Historical Museum Welcomes New Executive Director

The Williamstown Historical Museum is pleased to announce that Jess Hunsicker began serving as Executive Director in April 2026, bringing experience in librarianship, museum leadership, public history, and community-based cultural programming.

In this role, Hunsicker oversees the museum’s daily operations, exhibitions, educational programming, research initiatives, and community engagement. Drawing on her background in library and information science, she supports the museum’s work of collecting, cataloging, and preserving materials of historical significance while expanding access for research and public
education.

She works closely with the Board of Directors to advance the museum’s mission of promoting interest in the history of the Williamstown area through the preservation and interpretation of its material and documentary record, as well as through exhibitions, programs, events, research, and publications that deepen public understanding of the town’s past.

Hunsicker holds a Master of Library and Information Science from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Rochester, where she graduated cum laude with Highest Distinction and Honors in research. Her background in archival and information systems and historical research informs her work in strengthening collections, interpretation, and access to local history.

“I am honored to join the Williamstown Historical Museum at such an exciting moment for the organization,” said Hunsicker. “I look forward to working with the Board, volunteers, and community to deepen engagement with Williamstown’s unique history.”

Board President David Dewey added, “Our search included a deep pool of highly qualified candidates. Jess is our unanimous and ideal person to lead our Museum into its next exciting chapter. Her commitment to local history and building community is infectious. We are thrilled to welcome Jess to our educational and cultural mission.”

The museum looks forward to building on its strong foundation while finding new ways to connect residents and visitors with the stories that shape the region.

“Hometown Heroes in the Civil War – Berkshire County.” Dennis Pregent, local historian/author

SATURDAY, MAY 30th, 2026 10:00AM

32 NEW ASHFORD ROAD, WILLIAMSTOWN, MA

Dennis G. Pregent was born and educated in the Berkshires. He joined the Marines in 1965, served six and a half years, and was decorated during his two tours of duty in Vietnam. After being honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant, he attended and graduated from North Adams State College in 1975 (currently Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts) and received his MBA from the University of Massachusetts in 1977. For over thirty-five years, until his retirement, he worked in the human resources field serving as an international vice-president for the Evenflo/Spalding and ConAgra companies.

Pregent’s first book, The Boys of St Joe’s 65 in the Vietnam War (December 2019), was followed by Born in the Berkshires (October 2021). Berkshire Patriots: Stories of Sacrifice is his third book. His fourth book, Berkshire Heroes in WWII – With Courage and Honor, was released in 2024.

“Williamstown in 1776.” Dusty Griffin, local historian/author

SATURDAY, MAY 9th, 2026 11:00AM

32 NEW ASHFORD ROAD, WILLIAMSTOWN, MA

Over the last eight years, local historian Dustin (Dusty) Griffin has published four collections of essays on the history of Williamstown and Williamstown, the most recent of them Williamstown and Williams College: Volume 4, in June 2025. He calls the essays “microhistories,”deep dives into the  history of a particular place, a notable person, or a significant event. He has often given talks to audiences  in Williamstown  on local history over the last ten years. He is now at work on new essays, including one which forms the basis of today’s talk, “Williamstown in 1776.”

Before turning to local  history, Dusty was Professor of English at New York University, and the author of nine scholarly books on18th-century English literature. He is a1965 graduate of Williams College, and a former trustee of the college. He is also chair of the Williamstown Historical Commission,which is currently preparing online tours of historical houses and sites in Williamstown, including a “1776 tour.” Dusty and his wife, Gale, have lived in Williamstown since 2003.