Many of our readers know that this year is the 30th anniversary of the Sandisfield Arts Center.

Tradesmen have been working since last fall to renovate parts of the iconic building, originally an 1840s Baptist church, followed for many decades as a Jewish synagogue. The renovations, the first in more than ten years, are aimed at providing a more comfortable experience for patrons. This summer, long suffering theater goers will finally rejoice about central air conditioning. Meanwhile, art enthusiasts will find a bright new upgraded gallery downstairs. (See We're Open Again!, an accompanying article about the project including plans for more.)

The anniversary and improvements inspired local history expert, Ron Bernard to author his latest book about Sandisfield history, From Church to Synagogue to Arts Center: Celebrating 185 Years of Community and Culture.

Ron told The Times: "This building, almost two hundred years old, has a unique history. Badly deteriorated, it was saved twice, each at crucial points, by resident groups who understood its importance to community life. The first time was in 1921 by the Sons of Abraham congregation who converted it to a synagogue. It happened again in 1995 when remaining members of the congregation teamed with others to save the beloved building as an arts center for everyone."

Bernard explained that although there were three quite different caretakers over all that time and at least six renovations, each custodial group understood their responsibility - in fact, duty - to preserve the building. "It's a Sandisfield landmark," he said, "and important to the heritage of the Town."

He added, "Repairs and improvements were made during the building's lifetime without destroying the architecture, character, or its original purpose as a cultural center. In 2008 the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as 'The Montville Baptist Church.'"

"I wrote this book as a tribute and thanks to those many preservationminded people who ensured that future generations would also enjoy and appreciate this marvelous place," Ron said. "It is a gem."

The book, in hard cover only, is 400-plus pages. It is laid out in sections: The Baptists, The Synagogue, The Arts Center, and a concluding section about the history of the building, its renovations, and everything known about the property in general. The Appendix includes the complete nomination or application for listing the building on the National Register of Historic Places.

"There is something for everyone in here, early American and local history enthusiasts, anyone connected to the history of the Jewish 'colony' in Sandisfield, and anyone who has participated at or supported the Arts Center in the last thirty years. Each section could stand alone, but I decided to take a comprehensive approach because the building itself connects three disparate groups and eras of Sandisfield history. It is both a keepsake for the living as well as our gift to the coming generations."

"I'm grateful to Lorraine German who contributed Part II (The Synagogue) which expands on her 2018 book, Soil and Shul: The Untold Story of Sandisfield's Jewish Colony. Lorraine, together with preservationist, Jeff Gonyeau, also settled the controversies surrounding when and why the building was raised several feet in the 19th century which involved original research and discovery. The findings will be sent to the Massachusetts Historical Commission to correct and amplify what earlier consultants submitted to support the NRHP nomination.

The book will be out in time for the 'grand re-opening' of the Arts Center May 30-June 1. Weekend events and festivities will kick off Friday, May 30, 5-7 p.m. with grand reopening, ribbon cutting, gallery show, and reception. On Saturday at 10 a.m. Ron will give a talk about the fascinating unique history of the building. Don't miss it!

All proceeds from the talk and book sales will benefit the Sandisfield Arts Center.