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The reopening of the Berkshire Museum comes as part of Phase 3 of the state's four-phase Reopening Massachusetts plan, which began Monday, July 6, as announced on July 2.

Berkshire Museum Will Reopen Saturday, Aug. 1

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After being closed for more than four months, the Berkshire Museum will once again welcome visitors through its doors in downtown Pittsfield. 

The museum, which will open in phases, plans to open exclusively to its members for two weeks during its first phase beginning Saturday, Aug. 1, before inviting the whole community in phase 2 starting Monday, Aug. 17. The reopening of the Berkshire Museum comes as part of Phase 3 of the state's four-phase Reopening Massachusetts plan, which began Monday, July 6, as announced on July 2.

The museum intends to meet or exceed all state-mandated health and safety guidelines through each reopening phase. Beginning Aug. 1, guests will be welcomed back to the museum with a series of new health and safety protocols in place, including new and improved cleaning procedures, time-based advance ticketing that reserves each exhibition for one "family unit" — a group that has been quarantining together — at a time, mandatory face coverings, social distancing between visitors and staff, and more.

"Throughout the pandemic, the Berkshire Museum has prioritized the health and safety of our guests and staff," said Jeff Rodgers, executive director. "This remains our primary concern, especially as we watch states across the nation suffer rising rates of infection. To ensure that we are acting responsibly, we're taking a phased approach to reopening that will allow us to adjust to changing conditions."

From Aug. 115, the Aquarium will open for Berkshire Museum members with timed reservations. Members can enjoy private, 45-minute, self-led explorations of the Aquarium on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. The museum will close from 1 to 2 p.m. daily for cleaning.

The same operating hours will continue during phase 2 from Aug. 17-31, with timed reservations available to the public. In this phase visits will expand to include both the Aquarium and a last chance to see the Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons for all visitors.

Timed tickets must be reserved in advance at berkshiremuseum.org or by calling 413-443-7171, ext. 360. Berkshire Museum members, children under 18, and EBT cardholders always visit free. During phase 2, adult regular admission will be $5. Reservations can be made starting July 23 for dates between Aug. 1 and 31.

The Berkshire Museum staff will continue to monitor conditions locally and around the country. Phased reopening plans are subject to change in keeping with any modifications to state or local guidelines.


Tags: Berkshire Museum,   COVID-19,   


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Pittsfield Officer Helps Occupants Flee Early A.M. Fire

Staff Reports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Fire Department is crediting a patrol officer in saving the occupants of a Third Street home from a fire. 
 
The blaze was reported at 1 a.m. on Saturday when a police officer on patrol noted smoke coming out of 11-13 Third St. The officer woke up the tenants and was evacuating them as firefighters were being dispatched. 
 
"His quick actions likely saved lives tonight," Deputy Fire Chief Neil Meyers wrote in his report.
 
Crews on Engines 1 and 3, Car 2 and Truck 2 could see the large column of smoke as they traveled down Fenn Street. Engine 6 was then requested en route.
 
There was heavy fire on the exterior/left side of the building extending up into the attic space of the 2 1/2-story wood-frame duplex. E3 crew stretched a handline rapidly to the seat of the fire and began extinguishment. 
 
Truck 2 was assigned to begin ventilation and check for extension into the home. E1 secured a water supply to E3 and assisted E3 and E6 with fire suppression and opening up the attic. E2 was assigned as the RIT team. 
 
Salvage covers were deployed to lesson water damage to the occupants' belongings.
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