Revolution in the Berkshires- Lecture by Carole Owens

In Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, twelve of the thirteen colonies voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence (New York abstained). As the colonies declared themselves free and no longer part of the British Empire, what was life like in the Berkshires?

How wide was a road, how long did it take to get from Stockbridge to Philadelphia, how fast could a horse go, and were there any sidewalks?  What was life like? How were privileges and responsibilities different for men and for women? Who got married, who was tried for fornication, who was excommunicated, who was jailed, enslaved, and foreclosed upon? In Pittsfield, why was court held in a tavern? Around what issue did the population divide?  What were the stats and the stories of this momentous time in our history. 

In this free lecture, historian Dr. Carole Owens answers questions about daily colonial life and the Berkshire stories of this momentous time in our history. Free event,

About Dr. Carole Owens
Carole Owens received her doctorate in individual and family therapy. She worked for three decades designing and acting as chief operating officer of mental health programs as well as providing individual clinical services. 

After retirement, Owens taught at Berkshire Community College, Massachusetts  College of Liberal Arts, and Elderhostel (now Olli). She has lectured all over the country at libraries, museums, and conferences. She is a regular columnist for The Berkshire Eagle and author of 12 published books, 3 in the works.  After moving to the Berkshires 50 years ago, she, as so many others, fell in love with Berkshire County.  Almost all her books and articles are concentrated on local history. 

This event is sponsored by The Feigenbaum Foundation,  Massachusetts Cultural Council, and Housatonic Heritage.