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Step inside The Mount in Lenox for a captivating evening with Robert Oakes as he unravels Edith Wharton’s ghost stories. Experience a unique blend of literary insight and supernatural tour through this historic estate.
Step inside The Mount in Lenox for a captivating evening with Robert Oakes as he unravels Edith Wharton’s ghost stories. Experience a unique blend of literary insight and supernatural tour through this historic estate.
Book with The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home · Lenox, Massachusetts
Set in the historic town of Lenox, Massachusetts, "Among the Primeval Shadows" offers a unique evening experience that blends literary history with spine-tingling ghost lore. This immersive event is hosted at The Mount, Edith Wharton’s early 20th-century estate, where author and longtime ghost tour guide Robert Oakes brings to life the eerie and mysterious world of Wharton’s ghost stories. The Mount itself is an iconic landmark of Lenox, known for its classical architecture and beautifully preserved gardens, set against the backdrop of the Berkshires’ rolling hills.
The two-hour program invites visitors into The Mount's Drawing Room for a seated talk led by Oakes, who shares insights from his book, "Ghosts of the Berkshires," and explores Wharton’s fascination with the supernatural. Rather than a typical haunted house tour, this experience deepens your understanding of Wharton’s narrative craft and her invocation to meet the ghostly halfway “among the primeval shadows.” Following the talk, guests journey through the Main House on a fully accessible ghost tour that illuminates hidden corners and spectral legends tied to the estate.
What makes this adventure stand out is how it intertwines literary exploration with an authentic historic setting. Unlike standard ghost tours, this experience draws directly on Wharton’s writings and the peculiar atmosphere of her residence, giving visitors a rare glimpse at the cultural roots of American gothic fiction. The Mount is not just a backdrop but a living part of the storytelling, enhancing the sense of mystery and enigmatic history.
Visitors will appreciate the thoughtful accommodations, including accessible parking and shuttle options for those with mobility needs, ensuring everyone can experience the haunting tales. Lenox itself is a charming town known for its arts scene and outdoor recreation, making it an ideal base for travelers combining cultural and natural adventures in the Berkshires.
Whether you’re a fan of American literature, ghost stories, or local history, this event offers a memorable way to connect with the haunting beauty of The Mount. To fully enjoy the talk and tour’s ambiance, attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating in the Drawing Room. This program brings a fresh perspective on ghost tours, emphasizing storytelling and historic atmosphere over typical frights. “Among the Primeval Shadows” is a compelling journey through Wharton’s spectral imagination set within one of Lenox’s most treasured landmarks.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels since most activity consists of seated talk and easy walking on level indoor surfaces.
Yes, The Mount offers accessible parking and golf cart shuttles for guests with mobility issues to ensure full participation.
No, simply provide your name to the volunteer at check-in; no printed ticket or order number is required.
The event is best suited for mature audiences interested in literary ghost stories, so check with the organizers regarding age recommendations.
Photography is generally allowed but avoid using flash to preserve the house and ambiance; confirm with staff onsite.
Yes, parking is free in the designated lots near the Main House for event attendees.
Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended to secure seating in the Drawing Room and settle in before the talk begins.
The Mount was designed by Edith Wharton herself and completed in 1902, reflecting her interest in classical architecture and landscape design.
The Mount Foundation actively preserves the estate and promotes sustainability practices to maintain the historic landscape and reduce environmental impact.
The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home in Lenox, Massachusetts, preserves the life and work of one of America’s most celebrated writers. The property presents a diverse calendar of programs that highlight Wharton’s literary legacy alongside seasonal gardens, outdoor sculpture, and public events. Visitors can attend guided tours, staged readings, author conversations, youth workshops, and thematic tours that illuminate the house, grounds, and cultural context of Wharton’s time. Programming at The Mount ranges from the recurring “Wharton on Wednesday” summer performances to artist-led Sculpture at The Mount tours, family-centered Kids Sculpture Walks, and youth poetry workshops. Events include staged readings, illustrated talks, nature-writing conversations, and evening performances that invite both local audiences and travelers to engage with literature, visual art, and landscape design. The Mount’s public offerings serve a wide range of interests: literary audiences attracted to Edith Wharton’s short stories and essays; families seeking interactive outdoor activities; and visitors wanting curated experiences such as Ghost Tours, sculpture exhibitions, and conversations with contemporary writers and journalists. The venue lists options for General Admission and membership, and hosts special events such as staged plays and anniversary celebrations. As a destination in Lenox, The Mount combines educational programming, seasonal events, and curated tours to create meaningful cultural experiences. The Mount’s schedule emphasizes accessibility and variety, making it a reliable destination for visitors interested in American literature, garden design, public sculpture, and family-friendly programming.
Book with The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home