Despite the write up in the March 4 Recorder, the Bernardston Historical Commission (BHC) is alive and well and still active. Members who no longer drive receive transportation to the meetings. Five of the six present commission members have worked diligently for the town for many years. Three of us were involved in the 10-year renovation of the senior center and the museum.
COVID-19 has put a halt to the many programs put on in the recent past — all were sponsored by the BHC and all were open to the public with no admission charged. BHC members also are a part of the yearly cleaning bees held in the museum; they also aid in covering the Powers Institute Museum the first Sunday of each month, April through October.
With the advice of the Massachusetts Historical Commission, we were publicly open about our recommendation not to have the fire station expand to the east, as this would have clocked the museum and senior center from being on view from Church Street. The town decided to go west with this project.
If you read the annual town report the BHC records who the members are and what we have accomplished during that year. It would be advantageous if the newest member took the time to visit the museum and to read the history of its accomplishments before passing judgment.
Louella Atherton
Bernarston Historical Commission clerk