Mohicans, Missionaries and Migrating Colonists: A Guided Tour
New England’s Colonial history—from the perspective of the colonists as well as the indigenous peoples who preceded them—comes alive inside the home to the first missionary to the Mohicans. This National Historic Landmark was originally built around 1742 by the Rev. John Sergeant, the first missionary to… Read More
Designing for Delight: A Garden Tour of Naumkeag
Explore stunning terraces and garden rooms with sweeping views of the Berkshire Hills as our passionate garden guides share the stories behind the creation of this iconic estate. These popular tours take visitors beyond the blooms to focus on the fascinating history of the Choate family, the vision of landscape… Read More
Barnyard Buddies
Spend your Saturday morning exploring the farm and meeting our friendly animals in this program for families! Some examples of activities are egg collecting, feeding the goats, or a farm story time. Every program ends with a visit to the Friendship Garden to help care for the plants growing. Pre-registration… Read More
Urban Wild Trackers: Leatherbee Woods
We’re looking to build a group of volunteers who want to learn phenology, the study of seasonal changes in plants and wildlife, and spend time in this Urban Wild noticing how things change over time. Urban Wild Trackers meets twice a month and invites you to… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Guest of the Cranes
It’s 1929 and you’ve just arrived after a long journey to see the Great House at Castle Hill and to visit your friends, the Crane family, of Crane plumbing fame. You are greeted at the door by household staff and your adventure as a “Guest of the Cranes” begins. A… Read More
Adult Cow Connection at Appleton Farms
Come meet, cuddle, brush, and spend time with our hand‑raised cows at Appleton Farms. The cows’ calm presence—their warm body temperature and steady heart rate—can help slow our own heart rate and encourage the release of oxytocin, our social bonding hormone. Enjoy both the scientifically recognized benefits and the simple… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Cupola with a View
This is our most Instagram-able tour experience and a particular treat for those interested in the architecture of the Great House and its surrounding property. You’ll gain insight into the architectural choices made by David Adler as he designed and built the Great House, the second home the Cranes built… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Highlights on the Hill
Join us for a leisurely tour of the Castle Hill grounds from our comfy tour cart. You will hear the rich history of the estate while enjoying the breathtaking views of the gardens, marsh, and water. This is the perfect way to get a comprehensive overview of the Crane Estate,… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Behind the Scenes in the Great House
Do you love checking out basements, kitchens, and other out of the way rooms? Our behind-the-scenes tour takes you past the beautiful facade and explores how the house ran when the Cranes were in residence. You’ll learn how a plumbing magnate incorporated the latest technology of the era into his… Read More
Inside Naumkeag: A Guided House Tour
Step into the Gilded Age at Naumkeag, the Choate family’s summer estate in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. This guided house tour invites you through richly appointed rooms filled with original furnishings and art, offering a window into the lives of Joseph Hodges Choate—a distinguished lawyer and U.S. Ambassador—his wife Caroline, an artist… Read More
Home to Two Revolutions: Tour of the Old Manse
Home to Two Revolutions – From the American Revolution of 1775 through the literary revolution of the mid-19th century, on this house tour we share the stories of Manse residents, both the famous and the lesser-known, who influenced and responded to the 19th century social, political and cultural changes that… Read More
Designing for Delight: A Garden Tour of Naumkeag
Explore stunning terraces and garden rooms with sweeping views of the Berkshire Hills as our passionate garden guides share the stories behind the creation of this iconic estate. These popular tours take visitors beyond the blooms to focus on the fascinating history of the Choate family, the vision of landscape… Read More