WWI artillery round found at Berkshire Museum safely removed

TL;DR

Berkshire Museum staff found a World War I artillery round during renovations and called police.
A U.S. military team from Westover Air Reserve Base removed and disposed of the round safely.
The incident shows risks of old military artifacts; other collection items were checked and found inert.

The story at a glance

Staff at the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield discovered a World War I artillery round while the museum was closed for renovations. Pittsfield Police, Massachusetts State Police, and a U.S. military munitions team from Westover Air Reserve Base responded and safely removed the round with no injuries. The find came to light now because of the ongoing work ahead of a planned summer reopening.

Key points

The round was identified by museum staff, who promptly contacted Pittsfield Police.
Police coordinated with State Police and the military team for safe handling.
The item was disposed of without incident; no one was hurt.
Other related items in the museum's collection were examined and confirmed inert.
The museum, founded in 1903, holds over 40,000 objects including historical artifacts.

Details and context

The Berkshire Museum is undergoing renovations and remains closed to the public until this summer. Such discoveries highlight the need to check old military artifacts, as some from World War I can remain dangerous even after a century. The quick response prevented any risk to staff or the community.

Key quotes

“We are grateful to all of the agencies involved for their swift and professional response. The safety of our staff, visitors, and community is always our top priority.” — Berkshire Museum statement.[[1]](https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/central_berkshires/berkshire-museum-wwi-artillery-round/article_6baebd46-bfbf-40cf-ad13-a6b27e870bc7.html)

“All other related items in the collection were examined and confirmed inert.” — Berkshire Museum statement.[[1]](https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/central_berkshires/berkshire-museum-wwi-artillery-round/article_6baebd46-bfbf-40cf-ad13-a6b27e870bc7.html)

Why it matters

Old munitions in museums or collections can pose real hazards during handling or renovations. For cultural institutions like Berkshire Museum, this means routine checks protect staff and future visitors while preserving history. Watch for the museum's summer reopening and any updates on collection safety protocols.