Tag: Williamstown history

The Rise and Fall of the Incredible, Indelible Grace Greylock Niles with Molly Rideout

SATURDAY OCTOBER 24th, 2026 11AM

32 NEW ASHFORD ROAD, WILLIAMSTOWN, MA

Join us on Saturday, October 24th, at 11am at the Williamstown Historical Museum for a lecture by local author Molly Rideout exploring the life and legacy of Grace Greylock Niles.

Grace Greylock Niles (1864-1943) has been both praised and mocked, called brilliant and called crazy. Born near the border between Williamstown and Pownal and often moving between both towns, Grace was an artist, a nurse, a botanist and a local historian who fought to maintain her independence as an unattached woman living with schizophrenia. 

In this talk, local author Molly Rideout examines new research to understand the ways Grace fought for this freedom despite a range of injustices, including a possible framing by a wealthy Williamstown man that resulted in her involuntarily committal to the Brattleboro Retreat for the final 20 years of her life. Rideout will read from her forthcoming essay, “Bog Hag” and share both the known and previously unknown stories of the woman whom the Banner called, “the most talented person native to this small Vermont town.”

Molly Rideout is a writer, bookmaker, local history researcher, and public artist dedicated to telling the stories of forgotten rural people. Originally from the Midwest, she now lives in the Berkshires, where she works for the nonprofit Assets for Artists.

250th Town Celebration. Music/Games/Food/Drink. Southlawn Cemetery Tours.

FRIDAY, JULY 3rd, 2026 12:00-4:00PM

32 NEW ASHFORD ROAD, WILLIAMSTOWN, MA

12:00 – 4:00 PM Family Fun Fest at Williamstown Historical Muse um. Historic tours, music, games, and prizes! Food and drink available for purchase. Rain or shine. Programming features:

  • Barrington Stage Company bringing patriotic songs and performances
  • Green Mountain Boys with family-friendly drill and musket demonstrations
  • Berkshire Fife & Drum Corps
  • Flatbed Jazz Band
  • 1976 American Flag on display
  • Singing of the Star-Spangled Banner
  • Reading of the Founding Documents
  • Races, Games, and Activities for kids of all ages
  • Walking Tour of Southlawn Cemetery
  • Self-Guided Tour of 1776 Williamstown
  • Vendors include Store at Five Corners Wood-Fired Pizza, Cricket Creek Farm, and North Adams Lions Club Food Truck

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.