Castle Hill Tour: The Cat's Meow
Our children’s tour, The Cat’s Meow is designed for children age 3-8. Imagination is one of our greatest treasures… imagine living in 1929 and visiting the Crane family at their summer home in Ipswich. The house is so big and Mrs. Crane’s kitty, Ptolemy, has gone missing just before… 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
Attic Tours of The Old Manse
Uncover the hidden stories of The Old Manse on this thrilling tour that takes you to the historic third-floor attic! While the 254-year-old museum is renowned for its famous writers, philosophers, and Revolutionary War heroes, we’ll dive into the lives of those who stayed in this intriguing space—visiting ministers, enslaved… Read More
American Contradictions: Enslavement and the American Revolution at The Old Manse
Many who fought for liberty and independence from Great Britain also enslaved other people – a contradiction that is at the heart of the American Revolution. At the Old Manse, we see this contradiction embodied in the life of William Emerson, “Patriot Preacher” and slave holder. We also… Read More
Guided Wildflower Walks
Join our veteran wildflower guides for a guided tour of the Ledges Trail. Learn all about the different flowers that are blooming, the insects that pollinate them and what makes them so unique. Spring wildflowers are extremely unique and have extremely short bloom times. Because of this, flowers that will… Read More
CoastalExplorer: Animals in the Estuary
Take in beautiful views of the Crane Wildlife Refuge while learning about estuary critters and how life survives in this ever changing environment at the Crane Boat Dock. Families will conduct measurements of water quality and weather, census native vs. Non-native crabs, collect and observe plankton using field microscopes, and… Read More
Fruitlands Fairy Forest
Calling All Woodland Fairies and Gnomes! The Fruitlands Fairy Forest is back! While living at Fruitlands, 10-year-old Louisa May Alcott wrote in her diary that she “had a lovely time in the woods with Anna and Lizzie. We were fairies, and made gowns and paper wings. I ‘flied’ the highest… Read More
Spring BloomFest: Spring Planter Garden Workshop
Welcome the Spring season and get your green thumbs ready with a planter full of colorful spring blooming bulb plants at our Spring Planter Garden Workshop as part of our Spring BloomFest weekend led by Megan Abbasciano and Kat Kanaan of DBD Floral Boutique! In this workshop, participants will: Create… Read More
Daffodil & Tulip Festival
Our annual Spring Celebration is back! The Daffodil & Tulip Festival at Naumkeag returns for its 6th year this April and May, 2025. Stroll through the 8 acres of our world-renowned gardens artfully decorated with daffodil, tulip and minor bulbs as we celebrate the return spring in the Berkshires. Our… Read More
CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike
Come explore the lesser-visited corners of Castle Hill and its surroundings with us. This hike is a CraneOutdoors guide favorite because it’s got a little bit of all the things that make the Crane Estate such a special place… A stroll along the spine of Castle Hill, starting at the… Read More
Family Farm Chores at Weir River Farm
It’s morning at Weir River Farm, and we have work to do! Join us for our unique Family Farm Chores program held on Saturdays. Get on your muck boots: your whole family will get to be farmers together! Help feed, groom, and care for our friendly sheep, goats, pigs, and… Read More
Sensory-Friendly Open Barnyard at Weir River Farm
Welcome to Sensory-Friendly Open Barnyard at Weir River Farm! This program offers a dedicated hour with a reduced number of guests and quieter sensory friendly environment. Any family that would benefit from a limited capacity visit is welcome. Read More