The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires' Connecting with Community hosts Will Garrison, executive director of the Berkshire County Historical Society, who will present "Arrowhead: Preserving a National Landmark."

On June 29, 1851, Herman Melville wrote to his friend, Nathaniel Hawthorne, about his Pittsfield home, Arrowhead: "Since you have been here, I have been building some shanties of houses (connected with the old one) and likewise some shanties of chapters and essays.  I have been plowing and sowing, and raising and painting and printing and praying, and now begin to come out upon a less bustling time, and to enjoy the calm prospect of things form a fair piazza at the north of the old farm house here."

Melville's Arrowhead, a National Historic Landmark, is a point of pride for Berkshire County residents.  Here, Herman Melville, looking out his study window at Mt. Greylock, wrote the great American novel, Moby Dick.

This free program is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program.