The inspiration for this website was the coming together of an inter-generational and arts representative group of community members with a passion for our area, a desire to establish strong, shared infrastructure to represent all venues on one site, and to attract new visitors to explore the extraordinary cultural and natural riches of the Northern Berkshires.
To this end, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization was formed in 2014 with a board of directors eager to promote culture and natural environment where they live. Larry Cherkis, Merritt Colaizzi, Joe Finnegan, Barbara McLucas, Katherine Meyers, Carol Stegeman, Jeffrey Thomas, and Sandra Thomas designed a website that was specific to the area and that facilitated the planning ahead of one’s travels. Over the course of seven years, this dedicated group of volunteers built and refined a dynamic online resource that aggregates local events, traditional art and educational venues, and spotlights the diverse resources in the Northern Berkshires in a unique way. It is now curated and managed by Williamstown artist and writer, Laura Christensen.
In July 2021, this robust website was gifted to the Town of Williamstown to be administered by the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce. Destination Williamstown board members at the time of the hand-off were: Cory Amman, Adam Cameron, David Edge, Joe Finnegan, Amanda Bell Goldmakher, Gil Haylon, Kate Hyde, Jodi Joseph, Leslie Morgenthal, and Alice Wilson.
Destination Williamstown.org is Grateful
Enormous thanks are owed to the many individuals and institutions who stepped forward to help shape this community gem. The visual website design was created by local graphic designer David Edge, the text written by Merrit Colaizzi, and the visuals are thanks to local photographers Carol Stegeman, Leslie Morganthal, and representatives from the various venues.
Destination Williamstown.org has benefitted immeasurably from the early generosity of spirit of the Alice Shaver Fund; but site would not have been possible without additional contributions from Williams College, the Town of Williamstown, The Clark Art Institute, MASS MoCA, the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, the Williamstown Theatre Festival, and the many, many individual community members who believe in the special qualities of this community and wanted to share them with the world.
