Berkshire County Historical Society at Arrowhead; The Home of Herman
Melville 780 Holmes Road Directions
Pittsfield, MA 01201 413-442-1793 Open for half-hour
tours daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last tour begins 15 minutes before
closing time. Admission charge.
rrowhead is the 18th century home of the legendary Herman Melville, one of America’s
most celebrated authors. From 1850 to 1863, Melville lived, farmed and
raised a family in Pittsfield, having escaped the bustle of New York to
practice his craft in the home he named Arrowhead. It was here that he
completed one of the towering masterpieces of American literature, Moby-Dick. Legend has it that the snow covered shape of Mount Greylock helped
inspire his monstrous mammal, though his years at sea were likely no
less important. During his years here, Melville also wrote such
acclaimed works as Pierre, The Confidence Man and The Piazza Tales. He
developed many important literary friendships here, notably with
Berkshire legend Nathaniel Hawthorne. Visitors may view the restored
barn where the two literary giants would sit for hours on end discussing
their lives and their art. Melville also entertained many other
important local luminaries, including, Oliver Wendell Holmes, David
Dudley Field and the Sedgwick family. Melville and his family returned
to New York City in 1863 but Arrowhead remained in the Melville family
until the 1920's. Today Arrowhead is owned and operated by the Berkshire
County Historical Society. Highlights open to the public include
Melville’s study, the actual fireplace from his short story "I and My
Chimney, " and the breathtaking North Meadow with its inspring view of
Greylock. Of special regard to cultural historians is the noted film
"The Berkshire Legacy," which has two daily showings, relating to the lives, works
and times of many Berkshire-based artists, including Melville,
Hawthorne, Rockwell, French and Wharton. The Arrowhead Museum shop
offers a wide variety of fairly priced Melville and county history
related books, cards and gifts.
Berkshire County Historical Society at Arrowhead; The Home of Herman
Melville
rrowhead is the 18th century home of the legendary Herman Melville, one of America’s
most celebrated authors. From 1850 to 1863, Melville lived, farmed and
raised a family in Pittsfield, having escaped the bustle of New York to
practice his craft in the home he named Arrowhead. It was here that he
completed one of the towering masterpieces of American literature, Moby-Dick. Legend has it that the snow covered shape of Mount Greylock helped
inspire his monstrous mammal, though his years at sea were likely no
less important. During his years here, Melville also wrote such
acclaimed works as Pierre, The Confidence Man and The Piazza Tales. He
developed many important literary friendships here, notably with
Berkshire legend Nathaniel Hawthorne. Visitors may view the restored
barn where the two literary giants would sit for hours on end discussing
their lives and their art. Melville also entertained many other
important local luminaries, including, Oliver Wendell Holmes, David
Dudley Field and the Sedgwick family. Melville and his family returned
to New York City in 1863 but Arrowhead remained in the Melville family
until the 1920's. Today Arrowhead is owned and operated by the Berkshire
County Historical Society. Highlights open to the public include
Melville’s study, the actual fireplace from his short story "I and My
Chimney, " and the breathtaking North Meadow with its inspring view of
Greylock. Of special regard to cultural historians is the noted film
"The Berkshire Legacy," which has two daily showings, relating to the lives, works
and times of many Berkshire-based artists, including Melville,
Hawthorne, Rockwell, French and Wharton. The Arrowhead Museum shop
offers a wide variety of fairly priced Melville and county history
related books, cards and gifts.