berkshire historical society
Overview: The Berkshire Historical Society’s collection focuses on the history of Berkshire County. Artifacts include furniture, portraits, clothing, and other materials produced in the region, while the library archives included letters, journals, government documents, newspapers, and directories stretching back to the eighteenth century.
The Berkshire Historical Society is also rich in documents, materials, and artifacts related to the Melville family, particularly author Herman Melville. In addition, the headquarters of the Society are at Arrowhead, the author’s home from 1850 to 1863.
American Revolution Materials: The Berkshire Historical Society possesses a muster roll listing the names of eighteen Pittsfield Minute Men who went to eastern Massachusetts in April 1775 in connection with the Battle of Lexington and Concord.
Key Words: Battle of Lexington & Concord, Pittsfield, soldiers/militia
Collection Policies: The Berkshire Historical Society is slowly expanding its collections through donations. Finding aids for the library collections are available primarily in paper, although several are electronic and the Society is in the process of adding more materials online. Approximately seventy percent of the collection is processed. The Berkshire Historical Society is willing to lend materials for exhibits and has participated in and hosted exhibits in the past.