Photo by Lionel Delevingne

Berkshire Preservation Inc

Berkshire Preservation Inc (BPI) is a 501(c)(3) founded in 2025 to preserve our history and culture; to save for the next generation those things that are uniquely Berkshire.

Photo by Lionel Delevingne

Brief History of BPI

Early in 2025, the Desisto mega-development was approved, the Town of Stockbridge relinquished its Right of First Refusal on 30 acres at nearby Interlaken Crossroads, and the Elm Court development was looming. It became clear that the conversation we needed to have boiled down to land use and preservation. It could not be left to the municipalities alone because they must meet limitless obligations with limited funds.  It was not enough to talk, we had to pitch in, plan and fight for holding onto our unique community that nurtured us all. So, BPI was born. Even in its first year, BPI supported the preservation efforts of the gatehouse at Kripalu (Lenox/Stockbridge border), listing of William Russell Allen the Mass Preservation’s Most Endangered List (Pittsfield), 40-acres of pristine and historically significant land in the heart of Stockbridge, plus a close supportive relationship with Ventfort Hall, and an educational unit on our local history for our schools.

Buildings are the repositories of our history, but even in this area, known for, and perhaps shaped by, an ardent and persistent commitment to preserve, sometimes all that is left of the past are words and pictures. Even then, the knowledge of where we came from and how we got here is no less important.

Photo by Dana Goedewaagen

The Need Addressed

Prior studies conducted at UMass and in other parts of the country found that pride of place is positively correlated with knowledge of local history. For example, the Journal of Environmental Psychology, Volume 51, August 2017, Pages 217-225, published the finding from “The merits of teaching local history are: Increased place attachment [which in turn] enhances civic engagement and social trust” by Anna Stefaniak  a ,  Michał Bilewicz  a , Maria Lewicka. Social trust is a decisive factor in community building, social justice, neighborly helping, safety (lower crime rates) and higher commitment to health and beauty of place.

The history of a place and the artifacts of that history nurtured more than the residents – it attracts tourists. The many museums, house museums, cultural venues attract hundreds of thousands a year to an area that is small and semirural. It is an irresistible combination especially when you consider the second most popular destination are those that provide sports – skiing, hiking and water sports. As long as we preserve and protect what we have, it provides a wonderful place to live and the basis of our economy. BPI exists to protect and not kill the goose that lays the golden egg.

There are challenges to rural life as well as benefits. The challenges cannot to be overlooked. BPI also cooperated with Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad. Think about the challenge of providing emergency medical services to a small population spread over a vast distance. When 20 minutes from stroke to medical treatment is all there is for a good outcome, how many ambulance squads there are and where they are located matters. BPI worked briefly with Berkshire Ambulance Squad securing the talents of YoYo MA and Manny Ax for a fundraiser in Summer ’26. BPI was happy to approach them and secure a commitment and we wish SBAS good luck for a very successful event.

Photo by Dana Goedewaagen

Our Mission

Berkshire Preservation Inc (BPI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in The mission of BPI is to preserve and protect our cultural heritage and natural resources for future generations. BPI will preserve that which is uniquely Berkshire through strategic planning, fundraising, and giving grants and services.

Our Goals

• Advocate for the protection of historic sites and landscapes.
• Teach the next generation about our history
• Educate the public about the importance of preservation and its connection
• to our economy and pride of place.
• Collaborate with state and governments to promote sustainable practices,
• and support legislation that safeguards cultural and environmental assets.
• Foster partnerships with organizations dedicated to preservation efforts.
• Provide resources and funding for preservation projects and initiatives.

Photo by Dana Goedewaagen

Our Berkshires

Berkshire Country is one of the loveliest places with stretches of green fields, shaded woodland, and wetlands interspersed with buildings from as early as the 1700s.

The land is the source of revitalization for all creatures, including us. Unspoiled land produces oxygen, natural cooling, protection from the elements, and habitat for the birds and animals. As we build housing, shops, civic and cultural buildings, we must also protect open space. Historic buildings are the repositories of our memories. We point and say, there, in
that place, our ancestors gathered to pray, to plan, to raise a glass in friendship, and so our story begins. To lose the building leaves a rent in the fabric of our story of who we were and what we still stand for; to save the building connects us to our past.

Finally, Preservation Inc seeks to protect our rural way of life. We want to provide the resources associated with urban living. Preservation Inc. will help those who have dedicated their lives to helping us.

Our Future

Through preservation, conservation, and restoration, BPI is dedicated to a healthy environment; a sound economy,