What's in the Basement?

What role does a photographer play in documenting wars or protests? Is it okay to stage a scene in order to present a clear, bold perspective? A photograph of Abraham Lincoln from our collection inspires a unique train of thought on recreating historical moments.

For over a hundred years, the Berkshire Museum has been an evolving community resource for the city of Pittsfield. Who were the key players in its early days and what impact did they have on both the physical building and the ideas it permeated?

In ancient Rome, regular visits to the bathhouse were hugely important and everyone was equipped their balsamarium - like this one! Dating back to between 1st and 4th century CE, this glass vessel was used to hold perfumes or oils in Roman culture.

What kinds of turtles live in Massachusetts? This episode examines the habitats, behavior, and protection of three turtle species found in our Aquarium: the snapping turtle, eastern box turtle, and northern red belly cooter.

Our 143lb watermelon-shaped meteorite from Canyon Diablo in Arizona sparks a conversation on space, chemistry, and tektite art with guest and glassblowing expert Josh Simpson.

Isabel Bishop's etching Double Date Delayed (1948) exemplifies her style as a printmaker by capturing a slice of life in early twentieth century Manhattan. Educational Specialist Emma joins Craig to unpack this piece and discuss Bishop's boundary-pushing artistic choices.

Kelcee L. Smith lends her expertise on the endangered sawfish species as she and Craig examine a rostrum from the museum's collection. Kelcee is a Biologist and PhD student at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.

Before bikes we had penny farthing bicycles! How were they different and where did their name come from? Listen to find out!

Over 150 years ago, trains changed the Berkshires for the better, making it a hub of trade and travel. A photograph of an old railway roundhouse gets Peter and Craig discussing the evolution of cities that comes with new technology and infrastructure.

The Manger (1899) by photography pioneer Gertrude Kasebier is one of her best-known photos and an excellent example of the Pictorialist aesthetic.

Ambai, a limestone funerary bust dating back to 2nd century Palmyra (modern day Syria), inspires a conversation that covers everything from ancient Mediterranean culture to the recent political turbulence in the Middle East.

Heath hen, now extinct, were once a common sight throughout the Northeast. Their story reminds us to strive for protecting endangered species.

A teapot made of tinplate sparks a conversation on the history, science, production, and use of tinware objects.

Craig and Peter delve into the history of a Civil War era tuba from our collection.

Explore the science and history of taxidermy as we take a closer look at our ethically sourced female mountain lion.

Craig and Peter unpack the story behind a plaster cast of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, who stands 9.5' tall in the Berkshire Museum gallery.

Who was Matthew Henson and how did his fur suit come to live in the Berkshire Museum? Journey back to 1908 and discover the story of Matthew Henson and Robert Peary's Arctic expedition.

Coral reefs are important habitats for thousands of underwater species and vital for a healthy, functioning planet Earth. Craig and Kendra explore coral from the Museum Aquarium and talk about ways we can help to curb the threat of "coral bleaching."

A 17th century portrait of James Stewart, Duke of Lennox and Richmond, sparks an in-depth conversation about the piece's "master painter" Anthony Van Dyck and his studio work ethic.

Who were the "Fireside Poets" and how did they captivate the nation in the late 19th century?

Who was Sappho? Craig and Kendra dissect fact versus fiction in their discussion of the legendary poetess from the ancient Mediterranean.

Why is there a 1,200 pound Stegosaurus in Downtown Pittsfield guarding Berkshire Museum? Executive Director Jeff Rodgers joins Craig to tell the story of the Museum's beloved dinosaur Wally.

Exhibitions Manager William joins Craig to examine a surgeon's kit used in the United States Civil War (1861-1865). WARNING: this episode contains descriptions of antique medical instruments and gruesome details of war-time injuries. Music by Phil Vivori.

It may not be an accessioned part of Berkshire Museum's collection but the aquaponic tank in our Aquarium is located in the basement. In this episode, discover the cool new Aquarium addition that both houses and feeds some of the animals in our care. Music by Phil Vivori.

Lion Fish in the Grotto is a pointillist gouache painting on paper by artist Nancy Graves (1939-1995) composed of red, orange, and blue dots that form the striped bodies, spiky fins, and venomous rays of five lion fish on a stark white background. In this episode we explore pointillism, the life and work of Nancy Graves, and her connection to Berkshire Museum. Theme music by Phil Vivori.

Why does the Berkshire Museum collection contain a screw from a cheese press? Because it was used to make a historic block of cheese! In this episode, discover the story behind the great 1802 Cheshire Cheese with our special guest host. Theme music by Phil Vivori.

In the early twentieth century, Old Bill the moose roamed free in the town of Lee, Massachusetts. Today, Old Bill hangs in Berkshire Museum's galleries as a natural science specimen. Discover his story in this episode of What's in the Basement? Theme music by Phil Vivori.

Berkshire Museum's resident mummy, Pahat, has been in the collection since the Museum's founding in 1903. In this episode we take a closer look at Pahat's life, the cultural norms surrounding death in ancient Egypt, and the importance of preserving memories in our own society. Theme music by Phil Vivori.

Today we discover the story of the first woman to direct a publicly funded art museum in the United States and museum visionary Laura Bragg. As Berkshire Museum's first director, Laura brought big changes to the museum and community. Theme music by Phil Vivori.