Discover the haunting tales and literary legends of Berkshire County at Arrowhead with ghost stories and historical insights from Robert Oakes. An engaging experience for history and literature enthusiasts alike!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, with minimal physical activity involved.
Wildlife
History
Arrowhead was Herman Melville’s home for many years, and stories of ghostly encounters there are part of local lore.
Conservation
The tours support preserving Berkshire’s historic sites and promoting sustainable tourism.
Berkshire County Historical Society at Arrowhead
Discover the haunting tales and literary legends of Berkshire County at Arrowhead with ghost stories and historical insights from Robert Oakes. An engaging experience for history and literature enthusiasts alike!
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.
Bring a flashlight
A small flashlight can help you see details in dimly lit historic buildings.
Wear comfortable shoes
Walking tours often cover uneven historic grounds, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Arrive early
Getting there early allows you to settle in and fully enjoy the storytelling experience.
Prepare for weather
Outdoor portions may be affected by weather, so dress accordingly for rain or cold.
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for walking around historic sites comfortably.
Notebook and pen
Perfect for jotting down notes or impressions during the tour.
Warm clothing
Layered clothing helps stay comfortable during outdoor portions.
fall/winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture photos of historic sites and scenic views.