Berkshire County Historical Society

Strange Fancies - Stories of Hauntings and Ghostly Inspiration at Arrowhead - August 15
2026-08-15 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Arrowhead, 780 Holmes Road, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Well-known ghost tour guide Robert Oakes, author of Ghosts of the Berkshires, will discuss the supernatural influences on the imagination of author Herman Melville, as well as the ghostly writings of Melville’s friend and frequent Arrowhead visitor Nathaniel Hawthorne. The talk will be followed by a lantern-lit ghost tour of Melville’s historic home.
Use the BOOK NOW button to purchase tickets $20 for BCHS members, $25 for non-members. Become a member and start receiving discounts on event tickets.
This 90-minute program is offered at 6 pm and 8 pm. Choose a time when purchasing your ticket.
About Robert Oakes
Robert 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 home, The Mount. 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.
To enhance your experience, you may wish to read “The Piazza” by Melville and “Graves and Goblins” by Hawthorne prior to the program.
This event is sponsored by Massachusetts Cultural Council and Housatonic Heritage.

Hands-on Papermaking Demonstrations - August 16
2026-08-16 12:00 - 15:00
Join our friends from Crane Museum of Papermaking for free papermaking demonstrations, hands on papermaking and a Crane paper sale.
Don’t miss the lecture Crane Paper, A Legacy in Every Sheet on August 19.
FREE EVENT
This event is sponsored by Massachusetts Cultural Council and Housatonic Heritage.

Hands-On Papermaking Demonstrations - August 17
2026-08-17 12:00 - 15:00

Crane Paper, A Legacy in Every Sheet
2026-08-19 17:30 - 18:30
$5, Silver Certificate, series 1899, on Crane paper.
This talk Highlights the rich history of Crane papermaking in the Berkshires and beyond, from its origins in rag-based handmade paper production to modern machine manufacturing. Dennis Croughwell, a fourth generation Crane employee and Crane Museum of Papermaking Museum Educator, will share stories of papermaking from Crane paper connections to the American Revolution to the hidden features in modern currency paper, including Crane’s role in producing secure paper for United States currency.
To accompany the talk, The Crane Museum of Papermaking will offer free papermaking demonstrations, hands on paper making and a Crane paper sale from 12:00 – 3:00 pm Sunday, August 16, Monday August 17, Thursday August 20 and Friday, August 21.
Use the BOOK NOW button to purchase tickets, $10 for BCHS members, $15 for non-members. Become a member and start receiving discounts on event tickets.
This event is sponsored by Massachusetts Cultural Council and Housatonic Heritage.

Hands-On Papermaking Demonstrations - August 20
2026-08-20 12:00 - 15:00
Join our friends from Crane Museum of Papermaking for free papermaking demonstrations, hands on papermaking and a Crane paper sale.
FREE EVENT
This event is sponsored by Massachusetts Cultural Council and Housatonic Heritage.

Hands-on Papermaking Demonstrations - August 21
2026-08-21 12:00 - 15:00
