Patricia Begrowicz of Onyx Specialty Papers to Speak at Ventfort Hall on July 22

LENOX — Patricia (Pat) Begrowicz, president and co-owner of Onyx Specialty Papers Inc. in South Lee, will present the history of papermaking in the Berkshires on Tuesday, July 22 at 4 p.m. at Ventfort Hall, 104 Walker St., Lenox. A tea will be served after her presentation.

Starting in the early 1800s, papermakers were drawn to the banks of the Housatonic River, where the supply of clean water was plentiful for making paper and generating the power needed to run a paper mill. Paper manufacturing has had a significant impact on the economy of the Berkshires since Zenas Crane’s first paper mill started operating in Dalton in 1801. At its peak in the mid-1800s, more than 60 paper mills were operating in Berkshire County.

While there are only three mills currently operating here in 2025, the economic impact of those mills is strong, and products produced in those three mills are shipped around the world. Begrowicz’s talk will explore the history of papermaking in the Berkshires, from the early days of making paper from cotton rags for use in the newly born U.S. to the paper of today made from natural and synthetic fibers used throughout the world.

In 2009, Begrowicz and her business partner purchased the assets of the former MeadWestvaco Specialty Paper Division and formed Onyx, which manufactures specialty papers serving a wide range of global markets, including automotive, decorative laminates, medical papers, and artist papers. She has worked in the paper industry for more than 30 years, with roles in process engineering, research and development, operations, business development, and executive management.

Tickets cost $45. Members receive a discount code for $5 off all ticket prices. Students age 22 and under are $22. Ticket pricing includes access to the mansion throughout the day of this event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are strongly encouraged as seats are limited. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows. For reservations, visit gildedage.org/pages/calendar or call (413) 637-3206. All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.