“History Bites” Lunchtime Lecture Series- Cliff McCarthy

In the spring of 1840, prominent Belchertown attorney and businessman Mason Shaw schemed to transport his ten-year-old, African-American servant girl, Angeline Palmer, to Georgia in order to sell her into slavery.  Only a daring rescue by members of Amherst’s African-American community saved her from this fate.  Cliff McCarthy, Belchertown’s Stone House archivist, will present the story along with new research into the event.Cliff McCarthy is an archivist at the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History and at the Stone House Museum in Belchertown. A local historian and avid genealogist, he is also the president of the Pioneer Valley History Network. He has written, co-written, or edited three books on Belchertown’s history.

Join us with your lunch in hand. We will provide coffee, tea or cider for you as you listen to the presentations. The 30-minute program will begin promptly at 12:15 with seating and beverages ready just before noon. The lectures are free and everyone is welcome to attend.