Tales of Old Ghosts Of New England

It’s called “New” England but our region is, of course, one of the oldest parts of the U.S., so of course there are more stories about ghosts and ghouls and the unexplained here than there are in newer, shinier parts of the country. 

Anyone fascinated by the undead and the unknown — and the history of this part of the world — can take advantage of one of the few good things about the quarantine: Many cultural institutions that you might not normally visit are now offering interesting virtual online presentations. 

On Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m., the Bidwell House Museum in the spooky dark recesses of nearby Monterey, Mass., is offering a talk on Colonial Ghosts with Robert Oakes, an area resident and author of the new book, “Ghosts of the Berkshires.”

The news release on the talk and the book reminds us that, “Before it became a haven for arts and culture, the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts was rugged and sparsely populated. From the early days of revolutionary fervor and industrial enterprise to today’s tourism, many chilling stories remain. 

“Residents and visitors alike have felt fear and awe in these hills, telling tales of shadow figures, disembodied voices and spectral trains. Robert will share Colonial and Revolutionary War-era stories from the region and discuss the gravesite of Reverend Adonijah Bidwell.”

There is a $10 fee to participate in this Zoom talk (unless you happen to be a Bidwell House Museum member); only one registration is required per household.

Register at www.bidwellhousemuseum.org/event/ghosts-of-the-berkshires-colonial-spirits.