Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association

Piti Theatre, a touring troupe based not far from Deerfield, has been a frequent collaborator in recent years. We would like them to return with their "Your Town" program, addressing completely new aspects of our local history in Northfield, MA. Northfield played a role in PVMA's creation and residents are currently celebrating the 350th anniversary of the town's founding. We want Piti to focus on citizen scientist Roswell Field (1804-1882) who played an important role in the discovery of dinosaur footprints in the Pioneer Valley which we chronicle in our award-winning NEH funded website dinotracksdiscovery.org. We also want Piti to continue their collaboration with performer/writer William Forchion to examine the lives of Abijah Prince (1706-1794) and Lucy Terry (1733–1821). Terry is the author of the first known work of African American literature. Your Town: Northfield will culminate with an online presentation of "streaming theater" and also include a school residency.