Step into the world of Herman Melville at Arrowhead, where the author crafted "Moby Dick." This guided tour in Pittsfield reveals his creative space and family life against the backdrop of Massachusetts’s scenic peaks.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
45–60 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires basic mobility to navigate home and grounds
Wildlife
History
Arrowhead was Melville’s residence from 1850 to 1863, where he wrote not only "Moby Dick" but also several other key works inspired by his life and travels.
Conservation
The Berkshire County Historical Society maintains Arrowhead with a focus on sustainable stewardship, preserving both the house and surrounding natural landscape to minimize environmental impact.
Berkshire County Historical Society at Arrowhead
Step into the world of Herman Melville at Arrowhead, where the author crafted "Moby Dick." This guided tour in Pittsfield reveals his creative space and family life against the backdrop of Massachusetts’s scenic peaks.
Berkshire County Historical Society at Arrowhead preserves and operates Arrowhead, the historic Pittsfield home where Herman Melville lived and wrote, and presents a calendar of public tours, talks, screenings, and special events that explore local history and literary heritage. The organization offers guided Arrowhead tours that showcase mid‑18th‑century architecture, Melville’s study, period family furnishings, and interpretive stories about his life and work, including seasonal and off‑season tour schedules for 2025–2026.
Programming includes a Downtown Mural Tour led by BCHS Executive Director Lesley Herzberg, which guides visitors past more than two dozen public murals and explains the community project that inspired the city’s mural movement. Literary and cultural programs feature presentations such as Strange Fancies with Robert Oakes, a series of talks on Pittsfield ghost lore and the spectral writings of Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne; film events like the 1926 silent screening The Sea Beast with an introduction by Professor Richard Matturro; and author panels including Author to Author conversations and Winter Tea Fundraiser talks with noted authors.
The historical society presents exhibitions and curator‑led talks such as Grandmother’s Wedding Dress, a textile‑focused lecture by historian Lorraine German. Events emphasize interpretation of artifacts, historic architecture, and literary connections tied to Melville and regional history. Visitors can attend public programs at Arrowhead in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to experience guided interpretation, author discussions, film screenings, and seasonal tours offered by the society. Winter Tea Fundraiser has included talks by Simon Winchester, Debby Applegate, Michelle Young, and Kevin O'Hara in Herman Melville's study there.
Location
Pittsfield, MA
Historic home of Herman Melville
Literary Focus
Melville & More
Tours, talks, and film screenings
Featured Events
8 Experiences
Guided tours, murals, lectures
Seasonal Tours
Summer & Off‑Season
2025–2026 tour schedules listed
Reserve guided Arrowhead tours, join mural walks, attend film screenings and author talks, and experience seasonal programming in Pittsfield, MA.
Arrive Early
Tours fill quickly; booking in advance ensures you get your preferred time slot.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The home and surrounding grounds require gentle walking, so bring supportive footwear.
Respect the Historic Interior
Photography may be restricted inside to preserve furnishings—check with guides.
Use Public Transportation or Park Nearby
Parking is limited on site, so consider local transit options or arrive early for parking.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Supportive shoes make the tour and grounds stroll more enjoyable.
Light Rain Jacket
Spring weather can be unpredictable—bring a rain jacket for your outdoor time.
spring
Camera with Flash Disabled
Capture exterior views and grounds; flash-free cameras help preserve interior artifacts.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during warmer months while enjoying the outdoor trails.
summer