PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, is hosting an opportunity to record one or more family stories on Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

 

Grandparents, elders, parents, and children are invited to share family stories, which will be recorded and archived.

 

Participants will receive a copy of the recording to keep.

 

Herman Melville's novella "Billy Budd" was discovered and published by his granddaughter, Eleanor.

 

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of "Billy Budd's" publication, the Berkshire County Historical Society and Berkshire

Athenaeum are hosting this oral history event, encouraging intergenerational sharing of family stories.

 

The program is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Light snacks will be offered.

 

This opportunity is offered in collaboration with the Berkshire County Historical Society at Herman Melville's Arrowhead; the Housatonic Heritage Oral History Center at Berkshire Community College; and Festive Frolic in Downtown Pittsfield. The program is funded in part by Mass Humanities, which receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.