Past Events

Have you ever wondered about the strange symbols that can be found on old gravestones? Join us as we explore the history, customs, myths and lore surrounding American cemeteries and the Rural Cemetery Movement through the lens of one the most unusual cemeteries in Massachusetts – the Hillside Cemetery in North Adams. $15 BCHS Members, $20 Non-Members, Free for North Adams Residents Tickets can be purchased by clicking the orange "Book Now" button on the lower left of our homepage:…

We are surrounded by history! Where else can you find the fathers of Archaeological Photography and the Railway Air Brake? Just who were the Johnson Greys? Join local historian Jason Vivori as we explore historic Hillside Cemetery seeking the movers and shakers of North Adams and learn how their contributions changed history and echoed into the present. Please wear sensible walking shoes and meet at the top of the hill off Brown Street. $15 BCHS Members, $20 Non-Members, Free for…

Start your weekend with a guided, gentle stroll on the peaceful nature trail at Arrowhead. Forest bathing can elevate your mood, reduce stress and improve your health. The walk will be less than a mile and includes several breaks for meditation and mindful activities. Join licensed leader Kathleen Schoenberg on a new adventure! $25 BCHS Members, $30 Non-Members Tickets can be purchased by clicking the orange “Book Now” button on the lower left of our homepage: https://berkshirehistory.org/

Join us at the Beacon Cinema in downtown Pittsfield for a screening of the 1962 film Billy Budd, directed and produced by Peter Ustinov; also starring Terrence Stamp, Robert Ryan, and Melvyn Douglas. Enjoy this critically-acclaimed British historical drama on the big screen.   The film will be introduced by Arrowhead docent Richard Matturro.  Matturro is a native of Rye, New York, and holds a doctorate in English with a specialization in Shakespeare and Greek Mythology. After sixteen years at…

Join us for a unique experience to record your own stories! In celebration of the centennial of the publication of Herman Melville's Billy Budd, we will collect stories of grandparents and grandchildren. Billy Budd was discovered and published by Herman Melville's granddaughter, Eleanor, who shared a special relationship with her grandfather. We will record special stories of grandparents and grandchildren, told throughout Herman Melville's home. Together with partners from the Housatonic Heritage Oral History Center at Berkshire Community College and…

Sold Out! Join historian Lorraine German for a tea and talk about the origins of Santa Claus. She will present her talk - How Santa Claus Came to Town - that tells the story of Santa Claus in America, tracing his journey from beloved European saint to New Amsterdam's St. Nicholas and finally to the jolly gift-giver we're all familiar with.  Included in the discussion will be the role that members of the New York Historical Society played in successfully marketing him…

Join us for a unique experience to record your own stories! In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the publication of Herman Melville's Billy Budd, we will collect stories of grandparents and grandchildren. Billy Budd was discovered and published by Herman Melville's granddaughter, Eleanor, who shared a special relationship with her grandfather. We will record special stories of grandparents and grandchildren, told throughout the Berkshire Athenaeum. Together with partners from the Housatonic Heritage Oral History Center at Berkshire Community College…

Enjoy a tasty holiday tea in the historic parlors at Arrowhead, with 19th century holiday readings and more!  USE THE BOOK NOW BUTTON TO RESERVE YOU SPOT - $15 for BCHS members, $20 for non-members Sponsored by Greylock Federal Credit Union