Saturdays ONLY at 11am, Nov 1, 20225 thru May 9, 2026. 6 tics for reservations & 6 for walkins.
Step into the world of Herman Melville at the Arrowhead Guided Tour in Pittsfield, MA. Discover the historic home where Moby Dick was crafted and explore 18th-century architecture alongside breathtaking views that inspired a literary giant.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the tour involves gentle walking indoors with occasional stairs.
Wildlife
History
Arrowhead was Melville’s home from 1850 to 1863 and was where he wrote or revised his major works, including Moby Dick, completed in 1851.
Conservation
The site is maintained with a focus on preserving historical authenticity and promoting sustainable visitor practices to protect the structure and landscape.
Berkshire County Historical Society at Arrowhead
Saturdays ONLY at 11am, Nov 1, 20225 thru May 9, 2026. 6 tics for reservations & 6 for walkins.
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.
Book in Advance
Reservations are strongly recommended as spots are limited and fill quickly on Saturdays, especially during peak times.
Dress Warmly
Tours run from November to May, so wear layers to stay comfortable during cooler off-season temperatures.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to ensure check-in goes smoothly and to get the most out of your full tour time.
Photography Policy
Photography inside the home is restricted; check with guides for designated outdoor photo opportunities.
Warm Layered Clothing
Necessary to stay comfortable during cooler months when the tour operates.
fall
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Ideal for walking indoors and walking short distances on the property grounds.
Light Rain Jacket
Helpful during unpredictable spring weather between November and May.
spring
Notebook and Pen
For jotting down insights or sketching architectural details during the tour.