On the western border of Massachusetts sits an unassuming yellow farmhouse. Looking at this home, no one would guess one of the greatest American literary masterpieces was written here. Over the course of 18 months, Herman Melville penned Moby Dick while living at Arrowhead (aptly named for the rich number of arrowheads dug up on the property). From 1850 through 1863, Melville and his family called Arrowhead home, during which he used the inspiration of the house and its surrounding landscape to write other well-known novels and stories, such as Israel Potter and “Bartleby, the Scrivener.”

Join veteran Arrowhead tour guide John Dickson and Executive Director Lesley Herzberg for an enlightening program that provides an overview of Melville’s time at the home, as well as the evolution of the architectural features of the building from the 1780s to the present, some of which are referenced in Melville’s works. Herzberg also examines the agricultural landscape, where the entire Melville family participated in the cultivation of the 160-acre farm and gardens in the 19th century.

Patron Information

• If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group.
• Unless otherwise noted, registration for online programs typically closes two hours prior to the start time on the date of the program.
• Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
• Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance.
• View Common FAQs about our online programs presented on Zoom.