Walking up to 3 miles; walking and standing in museums up to 2 hours at a time.
At the inn, meal vouchers will be provided.
We will walk to one of the Berkshires’ National Historic Monuments known as the Mission House. On Main Street in Stockbridge, this was the home of the first Christian missionary to communicate with the Mohican Native Americans. A docent will lead us through the site, illuminating the intricacies of the historical relationships between the colonial English settlers and the Mohicans, as well as their attempts to work together in this quaint settlement. We will head to the Norman Rockwell Museum complex for a Road Scholar exclusive experience. We will go behind the scenes with curators to see and learn about the art and creative process of this influential visual communicator of the American 20th century. As we study original paintings, enjoy a private look at Rockwell’s personal archive from carefully directed photographic references to rarely-seen props, art supplies, and correspondence that will offer fresh insights into the world of this renowned artist. This interactive experience will examine the deep links between imagery, culture, and history, inspiring consideration of the unique power of the artist as a commentator in his/her time.
At the museum, we’ll have boxed lunches.
We will go to town of Lenox to visit Edith Wharton’s home, The Mount. Designed by Edith herself and built in 1902, the house embodies her interests in the literary arts, interior design and decoration, garden and landscape design, and the art of living outlined in her influential book, “The Decoration of Houses” (1897). We will explore the house and its beautiful formal gardens with a docent. One of America’s greatest writers, Wharton, (1862-1937) is the author of “The Age of Innocence,” “Ethan Frome,” and “The House of Mirth.” She wrote more than 40 books in 40 years, including authoritative works on architecture, gardens, interior design, and travel. Wharton was the first woman awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and an honorary Doctorate from Yale University.
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
At leisure.