A speaker each month on literature, art, music, history, science, or civic affairs—followed always by tea with plenty of goodies.
We welcome everyone back with a luncheon and brief outline of the upcoming club events. In addition, we will discuss possible recipients of our annual charitable donation.
Roberta Silman is the author of five novels and two short story collections, as well as two children’s books. She has been honored by fellowships from the John Simon Memorial Foundation and the National Foundation for the Arts, as well being the recipient of several other awards. Her stories have appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The American Scholar, and other magazines. She is a full-time resident of Great Barrington.
Organizer · Barbara Fiddler Tea · Joanne Conroy, Mary Palmer, Suzanne Pelton, Karen Carhart, Anna ZaffanellaThe Berkshire Museum underwent a massive, 19-month renovation of its first floor in 2025–2026. In this talk, Education Manager Joseph Mastronardi guides you through the new spaces, the concepts underlying the renovations, and the behind-the-scenes experiences of such an undertaking. He’ll also run through some of the interdisciplinary, STEAM-based programming at the heart of the Education team’s philosophy of learning.
Organizer · Susan Morris Tea · Niti Martin, Jane KavanauElizabeth Baer writes a biweekly column about foods and recipes. She is an avid reader of cookbooks and reads the narratives, not just the recipes. She is looking forward to an engaging Tuesday Club discussion about holiday food traditions: why we eat certain foods at certain holidays or times of year, how and why people have innovated, and when people hold fast to their traditions.
Organizer · Karen Forrest Tea · Cookie Lamet, Joanna Miller, Carol EdelmanDana Pilson will provide us with an illustrated talk focusing on the 2026 special exhibition, “The Minute Man: Examining Patriotism, Victory, and Loss.” Planned in conjunction with the nation’s 250th anniversary, the exhibition is centered on Daniel Chester French’s iconic statue of the Minute Man for Concord, Massachusetts. Featuring works by French, his colleagues, as well as contemporary artists, the exhibition addresses themes of loyalty, freedom, triumph, sacrifice, and loss. The illustrated talk will include an introduction to Daniel Chester French and Chesterwood, his summer home and studio in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
Organizer · Karen Forrest Tea · Dosia Fire, Susan Pettee, Anne Ferril, Anna ZaffanellaThis presentation shares the history of USS SLATER and why she was chosen to become the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum. Stories will be shared about the history of Destroyer Escorts, SLATER’s involvement in WWII, her service in the Greek Navy, and her restoration that transformed her into a world class museum. Presented by a SLATER volunteer. You will get a first-hand look at the hard work that goes into keeping the “Old Girl” afloat.
Organizer · Susan Morris Tea · Linda Barbadoro, Jamie Keller, Karen Taylor, Karen ForrestThe Hoffman Birding Club was established in the Berkshires more than 80 years ago as a source for education, bird monitoring and science. In addition to providing a community for the study and preservation of bird species in the Berkshires. The club conducts an annual census of wetlands and lakes in the Berkshires to count and identify birds in the county. These surveys reveal that climate changes have had a significant effect on bird populations, leading to more involvement of club members in environmental activities.
Organizer · Karen Forrest, Jamie Keller Tea · Nancy Fuore, Natalie TublitzMatt Tannenbaum will talk about his bookstore and about local authors whose books he carries in The Bookstore.
Organizer · Mary Hoeltzel Tea · Margot Kirsis, Linda Colvin, Mary HoeltzelSpring luncheon, sponsored by the Board of Directors. We will also award our donation to the selected charity and vote on officers and board members for the 2027–2028 year.
Come for a program, stay for the tea. If our purposes are yours, we would love to have you.
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