The Bidwell house is a fascinating example of New England vernacular architecture. A product of several building campaigns, the core of the house was built c.1760, with additions made to it at different times throughout the 19th century. This talk will look at the Bidwell house as a regional example of eighteenth century domestic architecture, using it to explore common house types and floor plans of the period, along with the materials and technology used in the construction of these homes.
Eric Gradoia is an Architectural Historian with the Albany firm of Mesick, Cohen, Wilson, Baker Architects. Prior to his current position, Mr. Gradoia was the Director of Historic Preservation at Historic Deerfield, where he was responsible for the repair and restoration of the museum's fifty-five buildings which range in age from the early eighteenth-century to the late twentieth-century. Mr. Gradoia has worked as an adjunct faculty member in the Historic Preservation Program at Roger Williams University, Bristol, Rhode Island and the Boston Architectural College (BAC). Early in his career, Mr. Gradoia worked as project manager for the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF), administered by the Massachusetts State Preservation Office.
Mr. Gradoia has his undergraduate degree in Historic Preservation from Roger Williams University and his M.S in Historic Preservation from the University of Vermont. As a graduate student, Mr. Gradoia participated in the US/ICOMOS International Exchange Program as an intern with the National Trust in North Yorkshire, England at Fountains Abbey. Mr. Gradoia's primary expertise is in 17th, 18th, and 19th century vernacular architecture, construction technology, and domestic conveniences.
Eric currently lives in Northfield, Massachusetts with his wife, Sandra and two teenage children.
This lecture will be in-person at the Bidwell House Museum and also viewable via Zoom. In-person tickets can be purchased at the door, but Zoom attendees must register in advance in order to receive the Zoom link.
