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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Berkshire County Historical Society
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251011T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251011T160000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182433
CREATED:20250822T144233Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T174309Z
UID:7629-1760176800-1760198400@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Fall Fest at Arrowhead
DESCRIPTION:Berkshire Museum and the Berkshire County Historical Society are proud to present “Fall Fest”\, a FREE all-ages event at Herman Melville’s Arrowhead in Pittsfield\, Massachusetts! This event will celebrate the season with a variety of crafts\, games\, and hands-on activities for children and adults to enjoy\, as well as offering guests the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the fall colors on the scenic grounds at Arrowhead. \nParticipating Organizations: \nBaseball in the Berkshires\nBerkshire Athenaeum  \nBerkshire Museum\nBerkshire Be-Witches\nThe Bidwell House Museum \nBerkshire Cider Project will be on site to offer an all-ages cider pressing activity and samples of their local hard ciders for guests 21 years of age and over. \nStroll along the fields at Arrowhead to explore The Mastheads five sculptural-architectural studios\, each inspired by a writer who lived or worked in the Berkshires.  \nScheduled Activities\n10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Free hayrides provided by Four Seasons Stables\n12:00 – 2:00 pm: Face Painting by BTC Entertainment\n2:00 – 4:00 pm: BTC Entertainment presents Magic Show and Balloon Twisting by Kapt. Kraw \nLawn games provided by Berkshire Museum and the Berkshire County Historical Society. \nTours of Arrowhead\, Herman Melville’s historic home\, are available by ticket.  Purchase your ticket by using the BOOK NOW button.  \n 
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/fall-fest-at-arrowhead/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251010T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251010T190000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182433
CREATED:20250908T201335Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T171925Z
UID:7684-1760117400-1760122800@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Artist Talk and Exhibit Opening - Francesca Olsen
DESCRIPTION:To celebrate the opening of What Quilts Reflect Back to Us\, Francesca Olsen’s showcase of quilts from the BCHS collection as well as her own creations\, BCHS hosts a “show and tell” event and artist talk.  Olsen will talk about the BCHS collection\, her own quilting\, and her residency experience at Arrowhead. Quilters are invited to bring and share their work in five-minute bursts; pre-registration is required for this portion of the talk.  Click here for more information or to register. \nFREE EVENT
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/artist-talk-francesca-olsen/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251008T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251008T190000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182433
CREATED:20250829T141137Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T165433Z
UID:7655-1759944600-1759950000@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:A Whale Ship was My Yale College and My Harvard: Herman Melville's Whaling Years
DESCRIPTION:In late December 1840\, adrift in his personal life\, 21-year-old Herman Melville arrived in New Bedford\, Massachusetts\, preparing to embark on a South Seas whaling voyage. His diverse experiences and adventures in the course of the ensuing nearly four years would profoundly shape him and his writings. During this time\, young Melville toiled as a foremast hand in the uniquely demanding and colorful social world of a whaleship on three different vessels and also served for more than a year as a seaman aboard a United States Navy frigate. His odyssey took him to far-flung South American ports\, the Galapagos Islands\, Tahiti\, and the Sandwich Islands. He lived among the indigenous people in the Marquesas Islands and also witnessed the early impacts of colonialism and Christian missionary work in the Pacific world. \nThis talk by Arrowhead docent and researcher Peter Hacunda will explore Melville’s life during the early 1840s\, consider how it shaped him and why a whaleship truly was Melville’s “Yale College and [his] Harvard.” \nUse the BOOK NOW button to purchase tickets: $15 BCHS Members\, $20 non-members. \nAbout Peter Hacunda  \nAfter a decades-long international business career\, twenty years ago Peter Hacunda began following his passion for public history becoming a docent with the Alcatraz Night Tour program. Upon returning East\, he led tours at Newport’s Gilded Age mansions and served as “mate” on a duck boat in Providence. For fifteen years he volunteered at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park where he led walking tours\, including “In Ishmael’s Footsteps: Herman Melville’s New Bedford.” Peter is an alumnus of Mystic Seaport’s Munson Institute for American Maritime Studies and holds a Masters Degree in History from Providence College. In recent years\, as a panelist at the American History Association Conference\, he explored maritime perspectives on the California Gold Rush (2020) as well as how nineteenth-century British aristocrats helped preserve America’s historical and cultural legacies (2023). For the past two seasons as an Arrowhead docent\, Peter delights in connecting visitors with matters
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/a-whale-ship-was-my-yale-college-and-my-harvard-herman-melvilles-whaling-years/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250927T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250927T140000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182433
CREATED:20250822T143142Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250901T134250Z
UID:7623-1758974400-1758981600@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:The Noble Train Arrives
DESCRIPTION:The “noble train of artillery\,” also known as the Knox Expedition\, was an expedition led by Continental Army Colonel Henry Knox to transport sixty tons of heavy weaponry that had been captured at Fort Ticonderoga to the Continental Army camps outside Boston—a journey of 300 miles—during the winter of 1775–76.  \nTo commemorate the 250th anniversary of this monumental journey\, which passed through Berkshire county\, BCHS welcomes costumed living-history  interpreters from Fort Ticonderoga to Arrowhead. Learn about the expedition and how oxen were used to pull the cannons. Hear from interpreters portraying frontier traders\, oxen drivers\, timber men\, carpenters\, blacksmiths\, and merchants what it was like to be part of this historic event. \nFREE event \nThis event is supported by The Feigenbaum Foundation\, Greylock Federal Credit Union\, and Housatonic Heritage.
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/the-noble-train-arrives/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250919T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250919T210000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182433
CREATED:20250904T140554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250904T140554Z
UID:7679-1758308400-1758315600@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Strange Fancies:  Tales of Haunted Pittsfield
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening of Pittsfield ghost lore in this talk by Robert Oakes\, author of Ghosts of the Berkshires and ghost tour guide at The Mount and Ventfort Hall. In addition to Pittsfield ghost stories\, Oakes will discuss Herman Melville’s own “strange fancies\,” and the ghost writings of his friend and frequent Arrowhead visitor Nathaniel Hawthorne. The talk will be followed by a lantern-lit tour o Arrowhead. \nUse the BOOK NOW button to purchase tickets;  $20 for BCHS members\, $25 for non-members \nAbout Robert Oakes\nRobert Oakes is an author\, teacher\, storyteller\, and performing songwriter. He has written three books\, The Ghostly Tales of the Berkshires (2023)\, Ghosts of Northwestern New Jersey (2022)\, and Ghosts of the Berkshires (2020)\, all published by Arcadia Publishing. He has also released numerous recordings of original songs. Since 2010\, Robert has led immersive ghost storytelling experiences at historic locations in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts\, including Ventfort Hall and Edith Wharton’s The Mount. He has also given talks and readings and led a writing workshop at Arrowhead. He has appeared on Syfy’s Ghost Hunters\, Jeff Belanger’s New England Legends series on PBS\, and The Apple Seed show on BYUradio and has been featured in The Boston Globe\, The Berkshire Eagle\, and numerous other media outlets.
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/strange-fancies-tales-of-haunted-pittsfield/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250913T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250913T123000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182433
CREATED:20250822T141638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250822T141638Z
UID:7618-1757761200-1757766600@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Ice Glen Walk
DESCRIPTION:On August 5\, 1850\, Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne met and hiked to the top of Monument Mountain beginning what would be a long and close friendship.  On that day\, they also hiked Ice Glen\, a small but stunning glacial ravine in Stockbridge. \nBerkshire County Historical Society volunteers will lead a leisurely stroll through Laurel Park\, across the Housatonic River\, and up into the hills of Ice Glen walking through giant boulder fields and enjoying cool ravine scenery! \nAdventurous hikers can venture into the boulders and crevices\, while others can return for a leisurely walk along the river.  \nFREE event. \nMeet at Stockbridge Town Hall; wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots\, bring water and bug repellent. In the event of rain\, the event will be held September 14.  \nThis event is supported by Housatonic Heritage. Learn more about them here. 
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/ice-glen-walk/
LOCATION:Ice  Glen\, Stockbridge\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250909T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250909T190000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182433
CREATED:20250822T194036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T201017Z
UID:7640-1757439000-1757444400@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Paradise or Plight? Melville and Berkshire Industry
DESCRIPTION:Actor Marcus Kearns and historian John Dickson team up for a program discussing Herman Melville’s influence on industry in Berkshire County during the nineteenth century.   \nOld Red Mill\nThe evening begins with a dramatic reading of Melville’s short story The Paradise of Bachelors and the Tartarus of Maids. First published in 1855\, the story combines two sketches\, one set in the center of London’s legal industry and the other in a New England paper factory (possibly based on The Old Red Mill in Dalton\, Massachusetts\, where Melville had visited).  \nJohn Dickson will then lead a discussion of the story and how Melville’s views on Industrialization influenced Berkshire County’s industrial history followed by a Q & A. \nUse the BOOK NOW button to purchase tickets; $15 BCHS members\, $20 non-members. \nMarcus Kearns\nFor the last decade\, Marcus has been in and out of NYC where he was staying busy as a props carpenter for Broadway\, production manager for everything from Redbull to Rhianna\, & performing whenever he had the chance. He moved back to the Berkshires in 2021 and worked as Director of Production & Operations for Barrington Stage Company until 2024 when he left to be a full time dad. Marcus most recently appeared on stage in ‘Circus & the Bard’ at Shakespeare & Company. \nJohn Dickson\nJohn Dickson serves as Chair of the Pittsfield Historical Commission and was a former board member of the Berkshire Historical Society.  He has authored a local history book\, Berkshire County’s Industrial Heritage\, on the 19th century mills in this corner of Massachusetts.  He received a master’s degree in public history where he completed a thesis on the Berkshire Athenaeum.
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/paradise-or-plight-melville-and-berkshire-industry/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250829T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250829T210000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250620T200611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250620T200611Z
UID:7550-1756494000-1756501200@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Strange Fancies:  Tales of Haunted Pittsfield - August 29
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening of Pittsfield ghost lore in this talk by Robert Oakes\, author of Ghosts of the Berkshires and ghost tour guide at The Mount and Ventfort Hall. In addition to Pittsfield ghost stories\, Oakes will discuss Herman Melville’s own “strange fancies\,” and the ghost writings of his friend and frequent Arrowhead visitor Nathaniel Hawthorne. The talk will be followed by a lantern-lit tour o Arrowhead. \nUse the BOOK NOW button to purchase tickets;  $20 for BCHS members\, $25 for non-members \nThis program is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. \nAbout Robert Oakes\nRobert Oakes is an author\, teacher\, storyteller\, and performing songwriter. He has written three books\, The Ghostly Tales of the Berkshires (2023)\, Ghosts of Northwestern New Jersey (2022)\, and Ghosts of the Berkshires (2020)\, all published by Arcadia Publishing. He has also released numerous recordings of original songs. Since 2010\, Robert has led immersive ghost storytelling experiences at historic locations in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts\, including Ventfort Hall and Edith Wharton’s The Mount. He has also given talks and readings and led a writing workshop at Arrowhead. He has appeared on Syfy’s Ghost Hunters\, Jeff Belanger’s New England Legends series on PBS\, and The Apple Seed show on BYUradio and has been featured in The Boston Globe\, The Berkshire Eagle\, and numerous other media outlets.
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/strange-fancies-tales-of-haunted-pittsfield-august-29/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250815T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250815T210000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250620T200355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250620T200355Z
UID:7548-1755284400-1755291600@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Strange Fancies:  Tales of Haunted Pittsfield - August 15
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening of Pittsfield ghost lore in this talk by Robert Oakes\, author of Ghosts of the Berkshires and ghost tour guide at The Mount and Ventfort Hall. In addition to Pittsfield ghost stories\, Oakes will discuss Herman Melville’s own “strange fancies\,” and the ghost writings of his friend and frequent Arrowhead visitor Nathaniel Hawthorne. The talk will be followed by a lantern-lit tour o Arrowhead. \nUse the BOOK NOW button to purchase tickets;  $20 for BCHS members\, $25 for non-members \nThis program is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. \nAbout Robert Oakes\nRobert Oakes is an author\, teacher\, storyteller\, and performing songwriter. He has written three books\, The Ghostly Tales of the Berkshires (2023)\, Ghosts of Northwestern New Jersey (2022)\, and Ghosts of the Berkshires (2020)\, all published by Arcadia Publishing. He has also released numerous recordings of original songs. Since 2010\, Robert has led immersive ghost storytelling experiences at historic locations in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts\, including Ventfort Hall and Edith Wharton’s The Mount. He has also given talks and readings and led a writing workshop at Arrowhead. He has appeared on Syfy’s Ghost Hunters\, Jeff Belanger’s New England Legends series on PBS\, and The Apple Seed show on BYUradio and has been featured in The Boston Globe\, The Berkshire Eagle\, and numerous other media outlets.
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/strange-fancies-tales-of-haunted-pittsfield-august-15/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250803T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250803T113000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250503T191136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250503T191618Z
UID:7414-1754211600-1754220600@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Monument Mountain Hike
DESCRIPTION:Join Berkshire County Historical Society and celebrate the day (August 5\, 1850) when Melville met Hawthorne on a hike up Monument Mountain. Read the poem they read together at the summit and share sparkling wine (they had champagne).  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. Parking is free for members of the Trustees of Reservations only.  Free event\, 9 am. \nThis event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/monument-mountain-hike-4/
LOCATION:Monument Mountain\, Rte 7\, Great Barrington\, MA\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250801T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250801T183000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250430T143924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250721T154846Z
UID:7361-1754069400-1754073000@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Billy Budd Audiobook Launch
DESCRIPTION:Join us at Arrowhead to celebrate Herman’s birthday and the launch of a brand-new audiobook  Billy Budd\, Sailor\, read by Paul Giamatti. We’ll have light refreshments\, drinks\, and cake. Listen to selections from the book and toast to the work that brought Herman out of obscurity when it was published in 1924. FREE \nLearn the story of how Paul Giamatti came to record this book as told by him to BCHS’s own Jana Laiz. \nThis event is sponsored by Guido’s Fresh Marketplace and Starbucks (Lee Massachusetts).
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/billy-budd-audiobook-launch/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250731T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250731T203000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250502T162510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250502T175111Z
UID:7388-1753988400-1753993800@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:The Mastheads Summer Finale
DESCRIPTION:Picnic on the lawn of Arrowhead’s historic barn as The Mastheads eighth-annual summer residents perform new fiction\, poetry\, and theatre created in the studios this month. \n$10-$20 donation suggested to support public programming\, including poetry workshops in Pittsfield Public Schools.  \nThis event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/the-mastheads-summer-finale/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250731T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250731T100000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250503T185005Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250503T185005Z
UID:7412-1753948800-1753956000@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Bird Banding with Berkshire Bird Observatory - July 31
DESCRIPTION:Bird banding at Arrowhead allows visitors an up-close opportunity to see birds and watch the process of bird banding.  Bird banding allows researchers the opportunity to study a wide array of wild birds in their natural habitat. Arrowhead’s woods\, fields and shrub land make it an ideal site to monitor a broad range of breeding bird species.  Join the BBO researchers as they leverage the wonder of a bird in the hand to spark a curiosity about the natural world while showcasing ecological interactions that connect us all. \nFree\, drop in event\, weather permitting \nThis recurring event takes place on:\nJune 5\, 12\, 26; July 3\, 10\, 24\, 31 \nThis event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/bird-banding-with-berkshire-bird-observatory-july-31/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250727T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250727T140000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250518T173101Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T202737Z
UID:7452-1753617600-1753624800@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Open Studio with Francesca Olsen
DESCRIPTION:Quilter Francesca Olsen hosts an open studio n Arrowhead’s historic piazza as part of the Berkshire Artists Residency Program. She will talk about her craft and demonstrate her technique.  \nFREE event \nFrancesca Olsen is a quilter\, writer\, and consultant. Her creative work focuses on storytelling\, heritage\, ritual\, magic\, and the power and significance held in objects and stories. Olsen is a connector whose work aims to build community by holding space for others and creating a dialogue around legacy\, history\, and the symbolism we assign to it. \nShe is the recipient of a 2024-25 Artists at Work grant\, a WPA-inspired program that funds a year of artist work with community organizations. North Adams Project grant via MASS MoCA’s Assets for Artists\, a 2021 grant from the North Adams Artist Impact Coalition\, and a 2022 grant from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Martha Boschen Porter Fund. She has reached hundreds of artists via digital marketing talks for various arts and culture organizations across New England. \nThis event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/open-studio-with-francesco-olsen/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250725T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250725T210000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250620T200026Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250620T200026Z
UID:7544-1753470000-1753477200@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Strange Fancies:  Tales of Haunted Pittsfield - Jully 25
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening of Pittsfield ghost lore in this talk by Robert Oakes\, author of Ghosts of the Berkshires and ghost tour guide at The Mount and Ventfort Hall. In addition to Pittsfield ghost stories\, Oakes will discuss Herman Melville’s own “strange fancies\,” and the ghost writings of his friend and frequent Arrowhead visitor Nathaniel Hawthorne. The talk will be followed by a lantern-lit tour o Arrowhead. \nUse the BOOK NOW button to purchase tickets;  $20 for BCHS members\, $25 for non-members \nThis program is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. \nAbout Robert Oakes\nRobert Oakes is an author\, teacher\, storyteller\, and performing songwriter. He has written three books\, The Ghostly Tales of the Berkshires (2023)\, Ghosts of Northwestern New Jersey (2022)\, and Ghosts of the Berkshires (2020)\, all published by Arcadia Publishing. He has also released numerous recordings of original songs. Since 2010\, Robert has led immersive ghost storytelling experiences at historic locations in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts\, including Ventfort Hall and Edith Wharton’s The Mount. He has also given talks and readings and led a writing workshop at Arrowhead. He has appeared on Syfy’s Ghost Hunters\, Jeff Belanger’s New England Legends series on PBS\, and The Apple Seed show on BYUradio and has been featured in The Boston Globe\, The Berkshire Eagle\, and numerous other media outlets.
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/strange-fancies-tales-of-haunted-pittsfield-jully-25/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250724T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250724T100000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250503T184836Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250503T184836Z
UID:7410-1753344000-1753351200@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Bird Banding with Berkshire Bird Observatory - July 24
DESCRIPTION:Bird banding at Arrowhead allows visitors an up-close opportunity to see birds and watch the process of bird banding.  Bird banding allows researchers the opportunity to study a wide array of wild birds in their natural habitat. Arrowhead’s woods\, fields and shrub land make it an ideal site to monitor a broad range of breeding bird species.  Join the BBO researchers as they leverage the wonder of a bird in the hand to spark a curiosity about the natural world while showcasing ecological interactions that connect us all. \nFree\, drop in event\, weather permitting \nThis recurring event takes place on:\nJune 5\, 12\, 26; July 3\, 10\, 24\, 31 \nThis event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/bird-banding-with-berkshire-bird-observatory-july-24/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250719T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250719T200000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250506T160057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T202034Z
UID:7422-1752951600-1752955200@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Public Workshop Performance
DESCRIPTION:Performer\, playwright and great\, great\, great grand daughter of Herman Melville returns to Arrowhead to “talk back” to THE CONFIDENCE MAN\, the last published and completed novel by Melville in his lifetime. Set on a steamboat cruising down Mississippi\, Doss jumps aboard\, probing this text to grapple with her own encounters with “Confidence Men”\, not to mention her own flagging confidence\, and what the hell Melville is really getting at in his perhaps strangest\, most provocative and perplexing work. Still in the larval phase of development\, Doss asks you\, “Do you need to read THE CONFIDENCE MAN?” This one-person performance (hopefully) offers a healthy mixture of insight\, ignorance and some stabs at hilarity. Come cheer her on (or boo her off) for one night only at Arrowhead.   \nUse theBOOK NOW button to purchase tickets: $15 members\, $20 non-members \n  \nThis event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/public-workshop-performance/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250718T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250718T210000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250506T155606Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250506T155606Z
UID:7420-1752865200-1752872400@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Showcase: Readings and Reception
DESCRIPTION:From July 13-17 writers attended a playwriting intensive with with great\, great\, great granddaughter of Herman Melville and playwright Elizabeth Doss. Join us for a  free reception and readings of site-specific works created during this workshop.  \nThis event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/showcase-readings-and-reception/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250713T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250713T210000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250620T195402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250620T200154Z
UID:7538-1752433200-1752440400@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Strange Fancies: Tales of Haunted Pittsfield - July 13
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening of Pittsfield ghost lore in this talk by Robert Oakes\, author of Ghosts of the Berkshires and ghost tour guide at The Mount and Ventfort Hall. In addition to Pittsfield ghost stories\, Oakes will discuss Herman Melville’s own “strange fancies\,” and the ghost writings of his friend and frequent Arrowhead visitor Nathaniel Hawthorne. The talk will be followed by a lantern-lit tour o Arrowhead. \nUse the BOOK NOW button to purchase tickets;  $20 for BCHS members\, $25 for non-members \nThis program is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. \nAbout Robert Oakes\nRobert Oakes is an author\, teacher\, storyteller\, and performing songwriter. He has written three books\, The Ghostly Tales of the Berkshires (2023)\, Ghosts of Northwestern New Jersey (2022)\, and Ghosts of the Berkshires (2020)\, all published by Arcadia Publishing. He has also released numerous recordings of original songs. Since 2010\, Robert has led immersive ghost storytelling experiences at historic locations in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts\, including Ventfort Hall and Edith Wharton’s The Mount. He has also given talks and readings and led a writing workshop at Arrowhead. He has appeared on Syfy’s Ghost Hunters\, Jeff Belanger’s New England Legends series on PBS\, and The Apple Seed show on BYUradio and has been featured in The Boston Globe\, The Berkshire Eagle\, and numerous other media outlets.
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/strange-fancies-tales-of-haunted-pittsfield-july-15/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250710T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250710T200000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250502T160429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250630T180516Z
UID:7384-1752174000-1752177600@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Sea Shanties with Alex Harvey and Shinbone Alley
DESCRIPTION:Alex Harvey is an old-world folklorist who performs street ballads and songs of the sea in a project he calls Shinbone Alley. At his performances listeners learn to celebrate the haunting intercultural exchange of 18th and 19th century maritime music – whose ingredients travelled from the furthest corners of the globe to be remade and stitched anew by sailors of every shade and shape at port and at sea. By teaching the audience to join in on most of the tunes in his concerts\, Harvey and his Shinbone Alley builds bridges of time through communal singing. From Sea Shanties to Broadsheet ballads to Come-All-Ye’s to Last Good Nights to Hard Luck Satires to Lovesick Dirges to Whaling Serenades – this music was meant as the earliest form of group therapy. And so it is again – a sepia-toned balm for our topsy-turvy time. \n     \nCome early and picnic on the grounds and step into the tavern and warm up those swashbuckling vocal chords with hard ciders from Berkshire Cider Project  and ale from Hot Plate Brewing for sale during the event. \nTickets available by using the BOOK NOW button – $15 BCHS Members\, $20 nonmembers 
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/sea-shanties-with-alex-harvey-and-shinbone-alley-3/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250710T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250710T100000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250503T184638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250503T184638Z
UID:7408-1752134400-1752141600@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Bird Banding with Berkshire Bird Observatory - July 10
DESCRIPTION:Bird banding at Arrowhead allows visitors an up-close opportunity to see birds and watch the process of bird banding.  Bird banding allows researchers the opportunity to study a wide array of wild birds in their natural habitat. Arrowhead’s woods\, fields and shrub land make it an ideal site to monitor a broad range of breeding bird species.  Join the BBO researchers as they leverage the wonder of a bird in the hand to spark a curiosity about the natural world while showcasing ecological interactions that connect us all. \nFree\, drop in event\, weather permitting \nThis recurring event takes place on:\nJune 5\, 12\, 26; July 3\, 10\, 24\, 31 \nThis event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/bird-banding-with-berkshire-bird-observatory-july-10/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250703T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250703T100000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250503T184520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250503T184520Z
UID:7406-1751529600-1751536800@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Bird Banding with Berkshire Bird Observatory - July 3
DESCRIPTION:Bird banding at Arrowhead allows visitors an up-close opportunity to see birds and watch the process of bird banding.  Bird banding allows researchers the opportunity to study a wide array of wild birds in their natural habitat. Arrowhead’s woods\, fields and shrub land make it an ideal site to monitor a broad range of breeding bird species.  Join the BBO researchers as they leverage the wonder of a bird in the hand to spark a curiosity about the natural world while showcasing ecological interactions that connect us all. \nFree\, drop in event\, weather permitting \nThis recurring event takes place on:\nJune 5\, 12\, 26; July 3\, 10\, 24\, 31 \nThis event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/bird-banding-with-berkshire-bird-observatory-july-3/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250626T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250626T140000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250514T200629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250601T173019Z
UID:7450-1750924800-1750946400@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Family Bird Activities
DESCRIPTION:We’re teaming up with Berkshire Bird Observatory\, Berkshire Museum\, and Berkshire Natural Resources Council for avian-themed fun. This free  event will feature unique hands-on\nactivities for all ages\, guided hikes\, demonstrations\, and more\, while teaching\nvisitors about local bird populations in the Berkshires.\nThe program is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/family-bird-activities/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250626T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250626T100000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250503T183932Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250503T183932Z
UID:7402-1750924800-1750932000@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Bird Banding with Berkshire Bird Observatory - June 26
DESCRIPTION:Bird banding at Arrowhead allows visitors an up-close opportunity to see birds and watch the process of bird banding.  Bird banding allows researchers the opportunity to study a wide array of wild birds in their natural habitat. Arrowhead’s woods\, fields and shrub land make it an ideal site to monitor a broad range of breeding bird species.  Join the BBO researchers as they leverage the wonder of a bird in the hand to spark a curiosity about the natural world while showcasing ecological interactions that connect us all. \nFree\, drop in event\, weather permitting \nThis recurring event takes place on:\nJune 5\, 12\, 26; July 3\, 10\, 24\, 31 \nThis event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/bird-banding-with-berkshire-bird-observatory-june-26/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250625T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250625T183000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250502T175952Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T172328Z
UID:7380-1750872600-1750876200@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Historic Songs of the American Revolution
DESCRIPTION:The history of the American Revolution is detailed with many battles\, conferences\, and personalities. But it was also a time of patriotism\, inspiration\, and song. This program presented by award winning singer/songwriters Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle includes historic songs performed with a variety of instruments.  The duo will provide a brief narrative and anecdotes of the history of the songs as well as of the war of American independence.  \nCosby Gibson and Tom Staudle are award-winning songwriters and singers  living near the Adirondacks in upstate New York. As a duo\, they have been performing for fifteen years\, and tour both regionally and nationally. Together they play originals and favorites with a variety of instruments such as guitar\, fiddle\, banjo\, dulcimer\, and harmonica\, and in many settings such as festivals\, concert series\, theaters\, livestreams\, and community events. \nUse the BOOK NOW button to purchase tickets: $15 BCHS member and $20 non-members \nThis event is sponsored by Housatonic Heritage\, Feigenbaum Foundation\, Hill Engineering\, Lee Bank\, Massachusetts Cultural Council\, MountainOne Bank\, and Pittsfield Cooperative Bank.
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/historic-songs-of-the-american-revolution/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250613T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250613T180000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250430T142707Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250529T150351Z
UID:7358-1749830400-1749837600@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Welcome the Marquis de Lafayette to Pittsfield
DESCRIPTION:  \nRe-enactor Mark Schneider as Lafayette\nOn June 13\, 1825\, the Marquis de Lafayette visited Pittsfield as the “Nation’s Guest.” The only living general of the Revolutionary War\, he arrived to great fanfare\, music and speeches and thanked Americans for their generous hospitality. \nJoin us on Park Square as we commemorate the bicentennial of his visit with a lively program of history and revelry. Events will include a reprise of Lafayette’s arrival by horse-drawn carriage and welcome to the city complete with local dignitaries and officials\, music\, and a speech by a Lafayette historic re-enactor. Participants include Berkshire Concert Choir and Berkshire Fife and Drum Corps. Following the ceremony we will retire to Hot Plate Brewing Company for a series of toasts reminiscent of those given 200 years ago..  Free event \nPrograms commemorating the bicentennial of Lafayette’s visit to Pittsfield are sponsored by: The Feigenbaum Foundation\, Greylock Federal Credit Union\, Hill Engineering\, Housatonic Heritage\, Lee Bank\, Massachusetts Cultural Council\, MountainOne Bank\, Pittsfield Cultural Council.
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/welcome-the-marquis-de-lafayette-to-pittsfield/
LOCATION:BCHS Park Square
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250612T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250612T200000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250430T194739Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T164838Z
UID:7373-1749753000-1749758400@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:French Wine Tasting with Philippe Jeanjean. WSET-3 Certified Sommelier
DESCRIPTION:Our celebration of the bicentennial of the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Pittsfield continues with a a wine tasting with noted Berkshire sommelier Philippe Jeanjean. \n Jeanjean will guide us through a tasting of French wines from the regions cherished by the Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson—two passionate wine connoisseurs of the American Revolution.  Accompanied by an elegant selection of artisanal cheeses and delightful pâtés\, this experience promises a celebration of refined flavors and revolutionary spirit.  Join us in raising a glass to history! \nAll proceeds benefit Berkshire County Historical Society; limited seating. $100 BCHS members and $125 non-members. Use the BOOK NOW button to purchase tickets. \nAll wines available at a discounted price from Nejaime’s Wine Cellars \nWelcome Wine\nDomaine Collin Crémant de Limoux Tradition Brut  \nFlight 1: White Wines\nM. Chapoutier Côtes du Roussillon Bila Haut Blanc\nChateau de Lugey (Since 1720) Graves Blanc\nDomaine Paul Jaboulet Côtes du Rhône Parallèle 45 Blanc \nFlight 2: Reds Wines\nChevalier d’Eon Bourgogne Pinot Noir\nClarendelle Bordeaux Rouge\nCote du Rhône Étienne Guigal \nDessert Wine\nSauterne Chateau Simon \nPrograms commemorating the bicentennial of Lafayette’s visit to Pittsfield are sponsored by: The Feigenbaum Foundation\, Greylock Federal Credit Union\, Hill Engineering\, Housatonic Heritage\, Lee Bank\, Massachusetts Cultural Council\, MountainOne Bank\, Pittsfield Cultural Council.
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/french-wine-tasting-with-philippe-jeanjean-wset-3-certified-sommelier/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250612T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250612T100000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250503T184215Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250503T184215Z
UID:7404-1749715200-1749722400@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Bird Banding with Berkshire Bird Observatory -June 12
DESCRIPTION:Bird banding at Arrowhead allows visitors an up-close opportunity to see birds and watch the process of bird banding.  Bird banding allows researchers the opportunity to study a wide array of wild birds in their natural habitat. Arrowhead’s woods\, fields and shrub land make it an ideal site to monitor a broad range of breeding bird species.  Join the BBO researchers as they leverage the wonder of a bird in the hand to spark a curiosity about the natural world while showcasing ecological interactions that connect us all. \nFree\, drop in event\, weather permitting \nThis recurring event takes place on:\nJune 5\, 12\, 26; July 3\, 10\, 24\, 31 \nThis event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/bird-banding-with-berkshire-bird-observatory-june-12/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250611T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250611T183000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250430T141823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250502T175908Z
UID:7355-1749663000-1749666600@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Lafayette: More Than A Rock Star lecture
DESCRIPTION:Lafayette enthusiast Peter Reilly explores the nation’s obsession with the French General the Marquis de Lafayette – learn about his early life\, his role in the American Revolution at just 19\, and his famous tour from 1824 to 1825. Reilly will provide context and insight into the fascinating person who became George Washington’s confidante and later championed causes such as women’s education and abolition. Free event \nPrograms commemorating the bicentennial of Lafayette’s visit to Pittsfield are sponsored by: The Feigenbaum Foundation\, Greylock Federal Credit Union\, Hill Engineering\, Housatonic Heritage\, Lee Bank\, Massachusetts Cultural Council\, MountainOne Bank\, Pittsfield Cultural Council.
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/lafayette-more-than-a-rock-star-lecture/
LOCATION:Arrowhead\, 780 Holmes Road\, Pittsfield\, MA\, 01201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250605T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250605T100000
DTSTAMP:20260529T182434
CREATED:20250503T183228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250503T183228Z
UID:7377-1749110400-1749117600@berkshirehistory.org
SUMMARY:Bird Banding Demonstrations with Berkshire Bird Observatory - June 5
DESCRIPTION:Bird banding at Arrowhead allows visitors an up-close opportunity to see birds and watch the process of bird banding.  Bird banding allows researchers the opportunity to study a wide array of wild birds in their natural habitat. Arrowhead’s woods\, fields and shrub land make it an ideal site to monitor a broad range of breeding bird species.  Join the BBO researchers as they leverage the wonder of a bird in the hand to spark a curiosity about the natural world while showcasing ecological interactions that connect us all. \nFree\, drop in event\, weather permitting \nThis recurring event takes place on:\nJune 5\, 12\, 26; July 3\, 10\, 24\, 31 \nThis event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council \n 
URL:https://berkshirehistory.org/event/bird-banding-demonstrations-with-berkshire-bird-observatory-june-5/
LOCATION:MA
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR