The Bidwell House Museum is a New England heritage site providing a personal encounter with history, early American home life, and the Berkshire landscape through its land, house and collection. The Museum is a non-profit educational institution for the benefit of the community and today’s audiences of all ages, dedicated to preservation, scholarship and enjoyment of the landmark site. Built c. 1760 by the Rev. Adonijah Bidwell (1716-1784) the first minister of Township No. 1 (today’s Monterey and Tyringham), the house and property stayed in the Bidwell family through three generations, and the architecture reflects all three. From May to October guided tours of the house are offered along with educational programs and events including a history talk series, the Bidwell Country Fair and guided walks. Set on 192 acres of gardens, forest and hiking trails, the grounds are open every day, year round. The trails, including a Native American Interpretive trail that was created in 2018, include educational signage at various stops. At the Bidwell House Museum the goal is to connect visitors with everyday life in the 18th century Berkshires and tell the story of all peoples who lived in the area at that time. The Museum is the only 18th century house in the Berkshires on its original property that is open to the public, giving visitors a unique opportunity to imagine life long ago. After leaving the Bidwell family in the 1850’s, the house had a number of owners until it was purchased in 1960 by Jack Hargis and David Brush. Using Adonijah Bidwell’s death inventory, they spent almost 30 years collecting furnishings and accessories that matched that inventory, creating a Museum in the process. After their deaths the house was left to a non-profit and the Bidwell House Museum officially opened its doors in 1990.
100 Art School Road
Monterey, MA 01245