Pittsfield—This September, immerse yourself in a range of engaging events offered by the Berkshire County Historical Society, an opportunity to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the Berkshires, with programs for all ages!
Saturday, September 14 – Balance Rock Hike, 11am
Join historian John Dickson as we take a leisurely stroll over uneven terrain to retrace the excursion Herman Melville took with Sarah Morewood and other friends in the summer of 1851 to Balance Rock. We’ll see how this site made its way into Melville’s prose and then wander through the woods and along the streams that feed into the headwaters of the Housatonic River. 1.5 hours - 1 mile
Driving north on Rt 7 in Pittsfield, at the dam and road light at the south end of Pontoosuc Lake, (located just before reaching the Lanesborough town line), turn left on Hancock Road. Drive a few miles, to the intersection of Peck Rd. and Balance Rock Rd. Take a right on Balance Rock Road, and shortly, turn left off of Balance Rock Road to the parking lot.
Part of Housatonic Heritage Walks - FREE
Saturday, September 14 – Whalemobile, 10am-12pm
Come learn about whales, just as Herman Melville did on his voyages in the 1840s. Meet Nile, an inflatable humpback whale, where you can go inside and find out more about protecting our oceans and marine life. Program for kids 1st-6th grade, Egremont Elementary School gymnasium, FREE
Sponsored by a generous grant from MountainOne Bank.
Friday, September 20 – BCHS Fundraiser - Billy Budd Celebration, 7pm
Join us as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the publication of Billy Budd! Presented in collaboration with Berkshire Opera Festival and the Tanglewood Learning Institute, this evening event showcases selections from Benjamin Britten’s opera Billy Budd paired with selected readings from the novella, read by Ryan Winkles. Desserts and drinks to follow the program.
Linde Center for Music and Learning, Studio E, Lenox, MA, $100
Lead sponsor – The Feigenbaum Foundation
Use the BOOK NOW button at berkshirehistory.org to reserve your spot.
Saturday, September 28 – Arrowhead Community Day, 10am-4pm
Enjoy the fall season at Arrowhead with a food truck, music, hands-on activities, local history and preservation exhibits, Revolutionary War reenactors, ice cream from SoCo creamery, cider tastings, and more. FREE (Tickets for house tours required)
All fall programs are sponsored by Greylock Federal Credit Union
About the Berkshire County Historical Society
The Berkshire County Historical Society is a non-profit corporation dedicated to collecting, preserving, and disseminating the history of Berkshire County in western Massachusetts. In addition, the Berkshire County Historical Society is committed to the preservation and interpretation of Arrowhead, home of author Herman Melville, designated a National Historic Landmark. The Berkshire County Historical Society provides tours of Arrowhead, and programming dedicated to the history of western Massachusetts and the life and writings of Herman Melville. For information on visiting, go to berkshirehistory.org.
