Past Events

Lace came to America more than 400 years ago. Lightweight, easy to pack, it was an expression of civilized European lifestyle, and brought with it the optimism for a similar life in the New World. Over time, lace defied hardship, celebrated socio-economic advancement, indulged the wealthy, often in unexpected format. During this talk,  lace specialist Beverly Wolov will discuss how lace became so deeply imbedded in American material culture. FREE This event is sponsored by MountainOne Insurance.

Enjoy a summer evening at Herman Melville’s historic Arrowhead and support the work of the Berkshire County Historical Society. The evening includes heavy hors d’oeuvres; a silent auction of wonderful packages that highlight the best in Berkshire arts, outdoor experiences, and creations; and a special performance by Tom Truss and Matthew Cumbie based on their work ReWritten. A cash bar is available.      Tickets Friend - $85 ($160 for 2) Supporter - $125 ($240 for 2) About ReWritten: ReWritten…

ReWritten is an immersive performance that explores the often-silenced intimate relationship between authors Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville. Moving between their lives, work, and remaining letters, ReWritten reimagines an intergenerational queer love story that helped shape American literature. Through dance, live music, visual art, projection, and text this performance questions what happens when we say no to dreams when we want to say yes. Co-created and performed by Tom Truss and Matthew Cumbie. $10 for BCHS members, $15 for non-members,…

ReWritten is an immersive performance that explores the often-silenced intimate relationship between authors Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville. Moving between their lives, work, and remaining letters, ReWritten reimagines an intergenerational queer love story that helped shape American literature. Through dance, live music, visual art, projection, and text this performance questions what happens when we say no to dreams when we want to say yes. Co-created and performed by Tom Truss and Matthew Cumbie. $10 for BCHS members, $15 for non-members,…

Celebrate the day (August 4, 1850) Melville met Nathaniel Hawthorne on a hike up Monument Mountain by joining BCHS for a similar hike and reading of local poet William Cullen Bryant’s Monument Mountain. The guided hike takes approximately 2 ½ hours and is appropriate for families. Hikers should meet at the Monument Mountain Reservation Parking lot on Route 7 and should be prepared with their own water, proper footwear, hiking gear and bug repellent. FREE This event is sponsored by…

ReWritten is an immersive performance that explores the often-silenced intimate relationship between authors Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville. Moving between their lives, work, and remaining letters, ReWritten reimagines an intergenerational queer love story that helped shape American literature. Through dance, live music, visual art, projection, and text this performance questions what happens when we say no to dreams when we want to say yes. Co-created and performed by Tom Truss and Matthew Cumbie. $10 for BCHS members, $15 for non-members,…

Moving quickly past general background, process, and materials, this illustrated art talk highlights how Loomings addresses our world’s instability through the metaphors at work in Moby-Dick, Herman Melville’s apocalyptic vision of the American quest. Volpe finds in Melville’s account of the doomed commercial whaling voyage of the Pequod a dark, foundational myth of American materialism (and an even darker apocalyptic prophecy of what's to come). He also finds a “terrible beauty” - and the hope that pairing tragedy and human shortcoming with beauty can redeem our faith in…

Join long-time tour guide John Dickson and Executive Director Lesley Herzberg for a walk around Arrowhead’s grounds.  John will provide an overview of the architectural features of the building and discuss its evolution from the 1780s to the present. This talk is followed by Lesley Herzberg’s walk through the north field where the Melville family cultivated the farm and gardens in the 19th century. Her talk will focus on Arrowhead’s cultural landscape. (Rain date: Sunday, Sept 18, 11am). This free…