Join DFC for a Full Summer of Exciting Events Throughout The Berkshires
In this 250th anniversary of the American Experiment, the Du Bois Freedom Center is proud to be partnering with so many community friends, such as Mass College of Art, Norman Rockwell Museum, The Mount, UMass W.E.B. Du Bois Center, The Berkshire Theatre Group... to bring history to life, spark conversation, celebrate the lives and stories that continue to shape us and reflect on what they have to teach us about today.
Join The Du Bois Freedom Center for a Wonderful Summer of Special Events
-
Screening of "BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions"
June 18, 2026
Triplex Cinema Great Barrington
7 pm
The Du Bois Freedom Center hosts a special Juneteenth screening of BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions, the critically acclaimed feature film by artist Kahlil Joseph. Blending history, media, and Black cultural memory, the film offers a powerful and innovative cinematic experience.
-
Opening of 'Elizabeth Freeman -Reimagined"
June 20-October 2, 2026
DFC History Center
309 Main Street Great Barrington
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
An Exhibit of Works Celebrating the Life, Story and Legacy of Elizabeth Freeman in Collaboration with Massachusetts College of Art.
-
We Hold These Truths: July 4th at Norman Rockwell Museum
July 4th, 2026
Norman Rockwell Museum
10 am -4pm
In collaboration with W. E. B. Du Bois Freedom Center, Norman Rockwell Museum will celebrate American independence and democracy with a special day of programming.
-
James Van de Zeer Lenox to Harlem: The Life and Art of James Van Der Zee
July 8, 2026
5-7pm
The Mount
This conversation will be introduced by Marcus P. Smith, historian and curator of the W.E.B. Du Bois Freedom Center and features an illuminating conversation between Donna Van Der Zee and Jeff L. Rosenheim, the Joyce Frank Menschel Curator in Charge of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Photographs, exploring the extraordinary life, work, and enduring legacy of James Van Der Zee, one of the most important photographers of the 20th century.
-
"Enslavement and Freedom: Elizabeth Freeman and the American Revolution"
July 15, 2026
5:30pm
The Mount
A panel desicussion exploring the life and legacy of Elizabeth Freeman, the first woman to win her freedom in a court of law. In 1781 In the landmark case Brom & Bett v. Ashley, she argued that the Constitution's declaration that "all men are born free and equal" applied to her.
Join Du Bois Freedom center Resident Historian Marcus Smith, The Ashley House and the Massachusetts Women’s History Center for a panel discussion.
-
The Immortal Child: A Concert and Reading Celebrating the Friendship of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and W. E. B. Du Bois
July 21, 2026
Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
In Partnership with The W.E. B. Du Bois Center at UMA Amherst The event includes a group reading of ‘The Immortal Child’ from W. E. B. Du Bois’, Darkwater(1920), which he penned in memory and tribute to his late friend. followed by a performance of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's Clarinet Quintet in F-sharp Minor, and concludes with an opportunity for audience members to engage in questions and conversation.
-
Parading to Tanglewood: A Gathering at Berkshire Busk!
August 1, 2026
6:30 pm
Downtown Great Barrington
Hosted by Marcus P. Smith, History and Interpretative Fellow for the Du Bois Freedom Center, the event will include Fellows of the Tanglewood Music Center and musicians from the BU Tanglewood Institute alongside Berkshire Busk! artists
-
"1781, the Story of 'Mum Bett' A Play with the Berkshire Theatre Group
August 20 and August 21, 2026
Noontime
The Berkshire Theatre Group
Unicorn Theatre
An original piece from The Berkshire Theatre Group. Followed by audience discussion.
-
Unveiling of Elizabeth Freeman Interpretive Kiosk
Tentative Date-August 22, 2026
Great Barrington Town Hall
This interactive story-telling kiosk will be a permanent opportunity for residents and visitors to celebrate the story and historic legacy of Elizabeth Freeman at the site of the courthouse where she won her freedom.
