BOSTON — The Massachusetts Women’s History Center (MWHC) is seeking nominations for its flagship program, the Massachusetts Women’s Hall of Fame (MWHOF).
Nominations will be accepted from historians, scholars and the general public for the first class of historic women (deceased) and contemporary women (living), and organizations which have contributed monumentally and benefited Massachusetts, the country and/or the world, and by so-doing, advanced the role of women in society.
As part of the commonwealth’s commemoration of 250 years of America’s independence, and Massachusetts250, which take place during 2025-2026,the historic women in the first class of inductees to the MWHOF will be those who made critical contributions to culture, history and society during the Revolutionary Era.
Nominations will be accepted from June 25 to Sept. 25, online at mawomenshistory.org.
The MWHC is a virtual nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to amplify the history of Massachusetts women of all backgrounds from throughout the commonwealth. The MWHC, with its flagship program the MWHOF, is the successor organization to Suffrage100MA.
HUNTINGTON — The 2025 North Hall Arts Festival season opens Sunday with “The Story Cafe,” the first of a seven-program series that celebrates the Pioneer Valley’s talented short-story authors.
Combining the work of authors Ellen Barry, Emily Everett, Kim Keough, Barbara Lucey, Rick Paar and Christopher J. Sparks with the talents of local actors Ellen Barry, Raye Birk, Candace Barrett Birk and Tosh Foerster, The Story Cafe will transport the audience through the magic of the spoken word into worlds of joy, discovery and connection.
All performances are free (donations welcomed), and will continue through October. Performances begin at 2 p.m. Doors open about 1:30 p.m. Check the website at northhallhuntington.org for program updates.
North Hall is located at 40 Searle Road in Huntington, and is wheelchair accessible and air conditioned.
The seven-program series is sponsored by the Westfield Bank, Easthampton Savings Bank, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and cultural councils of Cummington, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, Russell, Westhampton and Worthington.
The Amherst Business Improvement District and Forbes Library in Northampton have landed grants from the AARP for respective projects in their communities.
The money is part of $142,445 in Community Challenge grants distributed to 13 organizations statewide to help residents of all ages, especially older adults, improve how they live, move, and stay connected in their neighborhoods through innovative local projects.
The Amherst BID will use its funds to add seating, lighting and greenery to create a safer, more welcoming Boltwood Walk Plaza that encourages social connection, especially for older adults.
Meanwhile, Forbes Library will improve the accessibility of its new outdoor performance stage being constructed next to the library. Video projection will provide for movies and closed captioning, increasing audience accessibility and enjoyment.
NORTHAMPTON — Stavros Center for Independent Living is accepting vendor applications for Rock, Roll & Gather, a free community event celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 2, at Look Park in Northampton, from 12-4 p.m.
Stavros is calling on local artists, crafters, small businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to join this accessible celebration of disability rights, community resilience, and collective joy. Rock, Roll & Gather will feature live music, storytelling, and a diverse vendor market to honor the ADA and build community in an accessible space for all.
Vendor space includes a 10-foot-by-10-foot area. Vendors must provide their own tent, table and chairs. Electricity is not available. The fee for retail vendors is $25. Food vendors are also encouraged to apply and will be coordinated directly through Look Park.
Interested parties can apply at https://forms.gle/6VUo7vym6EuUHYDk9. For questions or inquiries about the event, contact Jason Montgomery at jmontgomery@stavros.org or 413-256-0473 x266.