Trustees Offer Free Admission to Berkshire Residents
Photos courtesy Trustees of Reservations
The Mission House in Stockbridge dates from 1742.
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“It’s always a benefit to know your own place and it’s nice to get out and about and interact with other people in the county,” said Colleen Henry. Henry is the cultural site administrator for the Ashley House in Ashley Falls, the Mission House in Stockbridge and Naumkeag (also in Stockbridge); she is also a native of Lenox.
“I wish everyone knew what a beautiful place we have here,” she said. “Of all the people who grew up in rural areas, kids are the ones who seem to find all of the nooks and crannies and hidden treasures.”
Indeed there is no shortage of treasures in the Berkshires. Naumkeag is one of the featured historical sites that Berkshire residents can access for free this week. It is also one of the most stunning according to Henry.
“I love the vistas from the back veranda,” she said. “It is just breathtaking. The tourists who come here love it. The gardens are a big draw for visitors from all over the world. It’s a family friendly place with lots to do and a lot of space. It’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.”
Yet, despite its beauty, according to Henry, only 20 percent of visitors to Joseph Choate's Berkshire "Cottage" are themselves from the Berkshires. Tammis Coffin, special events coordinator for Mission and Ashley House, said Berkshire residents have only to step inside the gate to appreciate their local treasure.
"People have no idea it is so beautiful," she said. "It is almost 50 acres. It’s an entire landscape that includes a mountain panorama, gardens and a gorgeous house."
While the Mission House does not share Naumkeag's glorious views, its draw is in its unique history.
"We're doing a lot of new things here," Coffin said. "We’re pulling forward the Mohican story. We’ve been collaborating with Mohican educators. People are really surprised to learn that Stockbridge was co-created by Rev. John Sergeant and the Mohicans."
In addition to touring the house itself, a Mohican Quest one and a half-mile tour of the town highlights locations which are significant and sacred to Mohican history.
“Mohicans still come to this place and bring offerings to the Indian Burial Ground. The Mohicans who were here come back. It’s a pilgrimage for them. As residents we must all be aware and respectful that we are living in their homeland.”
The Ashley House, in preparation for Mumbet Day on Aug. 21, is also encouraging Berkshire visitors to drop in and experience the history of the area’s most famous woman.
"People, when they visit the Ashley House, are very impressed," Coffin said. "They’ve heard of Mumbet but it is when they visit this place that they realize how far ahead of her time she was in her fight for freedom."
| The free days listed below are for those with valid driver's licenses or other proof indicating they are Berkshire County residents. The sites are also, of course, open to the general public for a fee. See the websites listed for further information. THURSDAY, Aug. 12 Naumkeag House and Gardens, 10-5; also free for children and for Trustees of Reservations members. FRIDAY, Aug. 13 Naumkeag House and Gardens, 10-5; also free for children and for Trustees of Reservations members. SATURDAY, Aug. 14 The Ashley House, 10-4; also free for children and for Trustees of Reservations members. The Ashley House is an anchor site on the African-American Heritage Trail. Ashintully Gardens, 1-5, for all. SUNDAY, Aug. 15 The Ashley House, 10-4; also free for children and for Trustees of Reservations members. The Mission House, 11-3; also free for children and for Trustees of Reservations members. The Mission House and the Indian Museum share the story of the Mohicans who worked with Rev. John Sergeant to set up a Mission Town. |
MONDAY, Aug. 16 The Mission House, 11-3; also free for children and for Trustees of Reservations members. WEDNESDAY, Aug. 18 Ashintully Gardens, 1-5; free for all. THURSDAY, Aug. 19 The Mission House, 11-3; also free for children and for Trustees of Reservations members. FRIDAY, Aug 20 Guided Walk: Mohican Sites & Stories Mission House, Main Street, Stockbridge (repeats on Sept. 17, and Oct. 8) 10-11:30 a.m. One-mile walk on Main Street for all ages, revealing sites that tell the Mohican story. Free for Berkshire County residents, children and Trustees members. For others, free with admission of $6 per adult. The Mission House, 11-3; also free for children and Trustees of Reservations members. SATURDAY Aug. 21 The Mission House, 11-3; also free for children and Trustees of Reservations members. Ashintully Gardens, 1-5; free for all. Ashley House, Sheffield, noon to 4; Elizabeth Freeman Day The Trustees of Reservations host this free annual celebration with an open house at noon; ceremony at 2 featuring performances by Otha Day and Youth Alive!; and a benefit walk at 3:30. More details at www.thetrustees.org. |
