Here is an email from Williamstown Historical Museum about special program at Milne Library this Saturday.  Presenter Alex Carlisle has volunteered at SWCA Repair Cafe.

Bette Craig, President, SWCA

Please Join Us Saturday!  The History of the Williamstown Grange and the Grange Hall  Saturday, March 26th at 11 am The Williamstown Grange Hall today. Please join us for a free lecture and panel discussion on the History of the Williamstown Grange and Grange Hall on Saturday, March 26 at 11 am in the Community Room at the Milne Public Library. Alex Carlisle, who owns the Grange Hall on Water Street with his wife, Beth Carlisle, will talk about the early history of the Grange and of the Grange building and property since 2005, followed by recollections from current Williamstown Grange President, Nancy Lescarbeau, and members Susan Bernardy and Maureen O'Mara. The Grange Hall in 2011. Photo: Hank Flynt.   The National Grange was founded in 1867, and identifies itself as “…a family, community organization with its roots in agriculture…”and “…a national organization with a local focus.” The Grange movement caused quite a stir when first introduced in Berkshire County, but within a decade every town and city had one. Williamstown was fairly late to the trend, forming a Grange here in 1888. Following a long search for a permanent location, the Grange building on Water Street became the long term home of the Williamstown Grange until 2005. Clippings from the North Adams Transcript – published on June 2, 1930 (left) and March 17, 1927 (right) – give good examples of the social events the Williamstown Grange used to host. Both Carlisle and the current Grangers will have photos, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia on hand to share with attendees. The Milne Public Library is located at 1095 Main Street, on the south side of Field Park at the northern junction of Routes 2 & 7 in Williamstown. Ample parking is available and the building is handicap accessible. Admission free. About Alex Carlisle Alexander M. Carlisle moved to Williamstown in 1995 to work at the Williamstown Art Conservation Center as a conservator of furniture and wooden artifacts, and has called Williamstown home for the past twenty-seven years. Before choosing art conservation as a career, Alex also trained and worked as a carpenter, timber framer, and furniture-maker and holds a life-long interest in historic preservation, land use, and architecture. He was most recently employed, as Senior Art Conservator at Historic New England, the oldest historic preservation group in the country.   Explore our Collection Online! https://williamstown.pastperfectonline.com/ Copyright © 2022 Williamstown Historical Museum, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are a member or friend of the WHM. Our mailing address is: Williamstown Historical Museum 32 New Ashford Road Williamstown, MA 01267 Add us to your address book