Berkshire Athenaeum's Employee Earns Mass History Alliance Award

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts History Alliance has awarded Ann- Marie Harris, a longtime staffer in the Berkshire Athenaeum's Local History Department, with its STAR Award.
 
The Mass History Alliance, which recognizes excellence in local and public history in Massachusetts, designates the award to specifically honor a "long-term commitment, outstanding work with concrete results, exemplary innovation, local leadership for change, and contributions to equity and justice," according to a press release.
 
Harris, who has been a full-time staff member since 2003, received the award at the organization's conference held in June.
 
During her tenure, Harris has become a partner of the Berkshire Family History Association, including welcoming  volunteers and over 80,000 rolls of microfilm during the library's integration of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) archives.
 
Library Director Alex Reczkowski said the award was a fitting recognition for Harris' comprehensive service.
 
"Ann-Marie's expertise is far-reaching. She has long been an expert on digital microfilm machines, even serving as an early tester for ScanPro, an industry leader," said Reczkowski, of Harris, who's also a lifelong resident of Pittsfield. "Her passion for sharing what she knows has shown in her coordination of annual third grade classroom visits to the library and previous service on the district board of the Boy Scouts of America. Her service continues as a current member of the Pittsfield Historical Commission. The Athenaeum is proud to have their 'STAR' recognized."
 

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Five People Displaced by Pittsfield Fire

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Five people were displaced and one taken to the hospital from a fire on Alcove Street on Friday. 
 
A report by Deputy Chief Ron Clement said three engines, Truck 2 and Car 2 responded to the report a structure fire at 18 Alcove, and found smoke coming from a second-story window. 
 
Crews from Engine 5 entering the residence found heavy fire on the second floor that was brought under control within 30 minutes. All companies participated in search, ventilation and overhaul efforts. 
 
One man was home at the time and taken to Berkshire Medical Center for possible smoke inhalation. No firefighter injuries were reported. 
 
The four others occupants of the single-family home were not there at the time of the fire. They were not able to return to the house but did have alternative housing, wrote Clement.
 
The fire is being investigated by the Fire Department's Investigation Unit.
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