Museum Wins Half-Million Challenge Grant

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD – The Berkshire Museum has been awarded a $500,000 challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation. The grant to the capital campaign "A Wider Window" is contingent upon the museum raising an additional $1.6 million by May 1, 2008. "We are so proud that the prestigious Kresge Foundation has recognized the importance of this renovation, the strength of our campaign and fundraising capacity, and the support of our community," said Stuart A. Chase, executive director. "This is an important opportunity for the community to show their support to the Berkshire Museum. As we enter the final stretch of this campaign and begin construction on Phase II, we ask everyone who appreciates and benefits from the Berkshire Museum to step up, give, and make this crucial project a reality. By giving now, individuals can know that their contribution goes even farther. All gifts from this point forward will contribute to securing the half-million dollars from Kresge in the final stage of our campaign." "The campaign has been tremendously successful and we still have more than $1 million to go," said Michael A. Christopher, chairman of the museum’s campaign cabinet. "We are confident that the community will rise to the occasion in recognition of the century of service the Berkshire Museum has provided to generation after generation. At this stage in the campaign, every gift, no matter the amount, counts tremendously. We hope that our community will be inspired by The Kresge Foundation’s stamp of approval to help us achieve this goal." The campaign has raised 78 percent of its funds from community and private donors, and 22 percent from government sources, including a $670,000 matching grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund earlier this month. Construction on Phase II — which includes the climate control (HVAC) system and the 3000-square foot Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation - began officially on Sept. 18. To complete the Phase II renovation and move on to Phase III (visitor amenities including a passenger-operated elevator, improved restrooms and museum shop and an improved education center), the museum must raise funds through private and public donors. The Kresge Foundation is a $3 billion national foundation whose mission is to build stronger nonprofit organizations — catalyzing their growth, helping them connect with their stakeholders, and challenging them with grants that leverage greater support. The foundation concentrates its programming on capital campaigns as a key opportunity for nonprofit growth. At its September meeting, foundation's board awarded $45.5 million to nonprofit organizations in 29 states and the District of Columbia. The Kresge Foundation has been a driving force in the building of facilities for nonprofit organizations in the United States for 83 years. Its Capital Challenge Grant Program, which awards an organization a financial grant if it raises an agreed-upon amount of funds from private sources, has helped communities across the country build libraries schools, hospitals, museums, community centers and food banks, among other projects. Key goals of the foundation are to help leverage support from new donors and to solicit higher levels of giving from past contributors. By retaining these new and increased donors, stronger, sustainable organizations are positioned to achieve their missions and strengthen communities. The museum is at 39 South St. on Route 7. The galleries are open Monday through Saturday, 10 to 5, and Sundays noon to 5. For more information: (413) 443-7171, Ext. 10, or berkshiremuseum.org.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

District Moving On From Allegations Against PHS Administrator

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The district is "moving on" from unsubstantiated allegations against two Pittsfield High School administrators, saying there is no threat.

Dean of Students Molly West returned to work last week after being put on leave in December. The Department of Children and Families has cleared West and Vice Principal Alison Shepard of misconduct claims that surfaced after another PHS dean was arrested and charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office for allegedly conspiring to traffic large quantities of cocaine.

School Committee Chair William Cameron on Wednesday emphasized that when such an investigation finds no evidence of wrongdoing, fundamental fairness and due process prohibits taking punitive action simply because of allegations. Reportedly, West was also investigated and cleared in the past.

"The circumstances of Mrs. West being placed on administrative leave don't need to be recited here," he said.

"Social media allegations made against her in December, which then regrettably were widely publicized, were not new. They had been heard, investigated, and found meritless by other school districts many years ago, nevertheless, they were disinterred recently by someone providing neither evidence nor a credible source and then reinvestigated twice in the last three months."

Senior Emma Goetze said she was "appalled, deeply disappointed, and frustrated that an administrator who has been placed on leave, someone who has caused significant discomfort and distress to so many students, has been allowed to return to our building."

"I understand that there is an investigation and acknowledge that this individual was cleared but it feels incredibly unjust to me and to many of my peers that despite everything, this person is being given the opportunity to come back," she said. "It's important to recognize that even though an investigation may have found no wrongdoing, that doesn't change the reality of how this individual's presence makes many students feel."

Investigations led by DCF and retired Superior Court Judge Mary-Lou Rup concluded that there is no evidence to substantiate the accusations.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories