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Two trips in the beautiful Berkshires,
mapped out to fill you in on
Where To Go ...
Gilded Age glory
For centuries, groups have been coming to the Berkshires; Native Americans from the Mohican Nation first arrived on foot, followed by groups of farmers and tradesmen sailing across the Atlantic from Europe. Others, like the Shakers, came in search of religious freedom and a better life.
Today’s groups travel in motor coaches or school buses, in search of the same quality of life experiences. Perhaps the best approach is by following in the footsteps of those who have gone before us.
Begin your day at the Mission House on Main Street in Stockbridge. Run by the Trustees of Reservations, this original home built in 1740, exemplifies Colonial life. Gardens surrounding the house represented purposes for survival such as using herbs and plants for healing or for cooking. The Mission House also contains a collection of Mohican artifacts which help to tell their story as well.
A five-minute coach ride to the top of the hill overlooking Main Street, shuttles groups to another era, well-known throughout the Berkshires—the Gilded Age. Surrounded by a high, stone wall and lush foliage, Naumkeag, the summer home of the Choate family was built 150 years after the Mission House. As the Gilded Age (1890-1920) ushered in the building of elaborate summer homes for wealthy families, Naumkeag’s architects chose a most unique construction by using asymmetrical designs made from red, clay tiles. Stepping inside, feels like stepping into another century. Family memorabilia—photos, books, linens and dishes—are arranged as though the Choates still occupy the home. Outside, the now famous Blue Steps, several Oriental gardens and wide vistas delight visitors.
Right around the corner is the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, a historic coach house from a by-gone era, featuring the exhibit "The Gateway to the Gilded Age." The exhibit contains a computerized map to help organize sightseeing visits, 120 historic photographs from the Gilded Age period in the Berkshires, 22 reproductions of historic documents and maps, and a reproduction of an 1880 parlor car compartment. The Railway Museum also offers historic train rides from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend.
Make your last stop at Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum in Lenox, a 15 minute drive north on Route 7. Ventfort was the summer home of Sarah, the sister of J.P. Morgan and her husband, Col. Robert Shaw. Upon entering the main hall, notice the paneled walls of beautiful oak wood which have been restored, including the ornate plaster that has been remolded to finish the restoration. Moving from room to room, the tour guide will describe the accepted lifestyles of the time—from the lowest class of household servants, to the building caretakers and gardeners. Personal staff was also a sought after position. The restoration process in itself makes for an interesting visit here, (great for any groups interested in architecture and design). Seasonal activities including live theatre, as well as the viewing of a magnificent collection of 36” dolls, dressed in painstakingly detailed handmade period clothing of the Gilded Age, from ornate gowns and jewels, to lace gloves and parasols with elaborate hats and hair styles to match. “Les Petite Dames du Mode” is not to be missed!
Art Preservation in the Berkshires
Another touring day directs groups to the northern Berkshires. From central county, follow Route 7 North into Williamstown to the village green. Just a mile from this point on South Street, leads to a museum site where groups can view and experience preservation. The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute was initially built in 1956 to store the collections of paintings, silver and furniture acquired by the Clarks. The heir of the Singer Sewing Company and a Williams College alum, Sterling and his wife felt that this location would protect and preserve their masterpieces. They were right!
Groups from travel clubs or schools will be lead by a guide through the galleries. Tours are tailored to a group’s preference and can last several hours, especially when adding a visit to the Stone Hill Center, a five minute walk away. Inside part of the center is the Williamstown Art Conservation Lab where significant relics of art, fabric, and other pieces are restored. Groups can observe this process through windows.
Energetic groups may choose to hike on trails through the woods. Dining at The Clark for groups takes place inside at the Café or outside for a picnic on the lawn. Nearby, at the Williams Inn, or on Spring Street in the town’s center, colorful cuisines are found.
Further exploration outside might steer some groups to Hopkins Forest, located behind Williams College campus. Gentle hikes along former lumbering roads offer enjoyment in the great outdoors. Otherwise, groups can visit the Williams College Museum of Art (WCMA) on Main Street. WCMA is best described as an eclectic collection of all kinds of art including paintings, sculpture, contemporary art and more. And an evening spent inside the year-round ’62 Center for the Performing Arts is a real treat. Actors such as Paul Newman, Richard Dreyfus, Blythe Danner and Sigourney Weaver have appeared on stage here during the annual Williamstown Theatre Festival, which makes its home at the ’62 Center.
That’s just a glimpse of what the Berkshires has to offer groups. Contact Ray Smith, rsmith@berkshires.org, for more.
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