
Documenting America’s Past
Celebrating the Fourth at Chapin takes you back to where democracy began
Meet the people and places that make the Berkshires thrive—community stories, local businesses, and culture with heart.

Celebrating the Fourth at Chapin takes you back to where democracy began

Summer is the loveliest—and also hands-down busiest—season, especially for those whose jobs are in the culture sector.

In the Berkshires, keeping chickens is practically a rite of passage. I never thought I’d join in—or have these hens matter so much to me.

Pickleball gets under your skin in the best possible way. Inside the Berkshires’ fastest-growing, good-for-you obsession.

Renowned photographer Gregory Crewdson and his partner, Juliane Hiam, have deep roots in the Berkshires. Welcome to the sanctuary they call home.

When former Broadway performer Robert Hartwell moved to Great Barrington, he brought his talents, style, and joy—and learned about his past while planning his future.

When a gallerist and an emerging artist became friends, it was rewarding to them both.

Our region is rich in history that’s captured in statues, memorials, and markers. Don’t just drive or walk by—pause and learn from them. Here’s a look at nine to get you started.

Roots Rising has empowered local teens for a decade—and the organization itself is flourishing with a new farm of its own in Pittsfield.

Meet Gwendolyn VanSant—local leader in the continued quest to advance equity and justice. Her life’s work is improving the lives of others.

We found this circa 1954 photograph of Norman Rockwell in The Eagle’s archives.

Since putting down roots in Williamstown a decade ago, Tu Le has taken on many roles: farmer, chef, florist, designer. Everything he does is about creativity and community—and this summer, he’s everywhere.

We asked some of our talented local leaders what they’re hoping to see, do, and eat this season when they’re not at work. You’ll want to use their recs to inspire your own beautiful Berkshires summer.

Often called the diva of Berkshire County, this singer has performed all over the world—but calls our stages home.

A Pittsfield tradition since 1801, the city’s Fourth of July Parade continues to unite generations. Once marked by veterans’ marches and civic pride, today it shines with music, floats, and community spirit. This year’s theme: Red, White, Blue and You.

Back on March 28, Ali Louis Bourzgui, a shy, heart-throbby, 24-year-old crowned with a whirlwind of dark, curly locks, stepped out from the subway and onto one of the world’s most iconic crossroads—42nd and Broadway, in Manhattan. Within a few hours, he would yield to the inevitable: his dreams coming true. That evening, he debuted in the title role in “The Who’s Tommy,” at the Nederlander Theatre in the heart of the Times Square theater district.

A singer who’s settled here shares what it’s like to perform in our intimate and authentic venues.

Our columnist shares her family’s routine for a beautiful evening on the lawn (and you’ll want to borrow these ideas).

Did you attend sleepaway camp in the Berkshires? Submit your camp memories—Color War victories, first kisses, and lifelong friendships—to The B.

Belvedere brings chic style and seamless function to the Berkshires’ event offerings.

Shows, music, markets and so much more: How to get your festive on in the Berkshires

Use local flowers at your big event and you’ll not only have gorgeous displays, you’ll support our local farmers.

In the Gilded Age, a wedding was a clear indication of social position and pecuniary strength—as we see in this pair of nuptial events.

Like her sister Eileen, Annie Herrick has warm memories of cold Berkshire winters and growing up with siblings that loved to ski.

Eileen Shiffrin—herself a masters ski racer, not to mention the celebrated longtime coach of her daughter, Mikaela Shiffrin—developed her passion for the sport and outdoor adventure right here in the Berkshires.


supersisters™, the first trading cards featuring women of achievement, has Berkshire ties.

Mikaela Shiffrin is a legend at age 28, the best ski racer of all time.

A native of Pittsfield, Heidi Voelker joined the U.S. Ski Team at 15 and competed in the 1988, 1992, and 1994 Olympics. After 27 years as a ski ambassador for Deer Valley, she’s still in Park City, Utah, with her family, and is now the western region manager for the U.S. Ski team. Voelker also played a pivotal role in Mikaela Shiffrin’s story—and she shares it here.