image description
The paint on the Fitch-Hoose House is in need of refreshing. The exterior was restored six or seven years ago.

Fitch Hoose House Museum in Need of a Paint Job

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
Print Story | Email Story
DALTON, Mass. — The Fitch-Hoose House museum is in need of a paint job.
 
Historical Commission co-Chair Louisa M. Horth said at Wednesday's meeting that the paint is starting to peel and weather, and would need to be repainted this year or next year.
 
Commissioners are unsure how much the project would cost but will approach Town Manager Thomas Hutcheson to inquire on the best way to get funding for the project. 
 
In 2014, the Historical Commission got a grant from the "Promoting Community Development and Tourism in Central and Western Massachusetts" program in the amount of $180,000 grant to restore the 1840s-era house. 
 
The back addition with its kitchen and bedroom had been taken off several years ago because of its condition but was added back on during the restoration. 
 
Over the years, the home has gone through a variety of changes, from the color to the now gone vinyl siding and the commission has worked to make the exterior as historically accurate as possible. 
 
In 2019, the Fitch-Hoose House's restoration received the Massachusetts Historical Commission Preservation Award.
 
In other news: 
 
The commission announced that the historic home has had a lot of visitors this summer.
 
• The commission approved another donation of $500 to First Congregational Church to demonstrate appreciation for allowing it to store items there at no cost. 
 
This is the third time the commission approved a donation to the church, donating a total of $1,500 using its Friends account. 

Tags: historical building,   historical commission,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Senator Mark December Staff Office Hours

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — State Senator Paul W. Mark announced that his staff will host office hours at five locations in Berkshire County in December.
 
Residents of any of the 57 municipalities in the Senator's Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Hampshire District are encouraged to share ideas on current or potential state legislation, or to ask for assistance with issues involving any state agency.
 
Appointments are not required.
  • Adams: Tuesday, Dec. 3 and Tuesday, Dec.  17th from 9 a.m. to noon. Town Hall, 8 Park St., Adams.
  • Dalton: Monday, Dec. 2 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.. Senior Center, 40 Field St., Dalton.
  • Great Barrington: Monday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to noon. Town Hall, 334 Main St., Great Barrington.
  • North Adams: Tuesday, Dec. 3 and Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. MCLA Alumni Relations Building, 228 E. Main St., North Adams.
  • Pittsfield: Thursday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon. District Office. 773 Tyler St., Pittsfield.
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories