LENOX, Mass. — On Saturday, Aug. 17, at 5 pm, Ventfort Hall will host author and ghost tour guide Robert Oakes as he reads selections from his new book, "The Ghostly Tales of the Berkshires" for young readers. 

 

The reading will be followed by a youth ghost tour of this historic mansion. The reading and tour are geared toward children ages 8–12.

 

Robert Oakes is an author, teacher, storyteller, and performing songwriter. He has written three books, "The Ghostly Tales of the Berkshires" (2023), "Ghosts of Northwestern New Jersey" (2022), and "Ghosts of the Berkshires" (2020), all published by Arcadia Publishing. Since 2010, Robert has led ghost storytelling experiences at historic locations in the Berkshires, including Ventfort Hall and Edith Wharton's The Mount. He has also given talks and readings and led a writing workshop at Arrowhead, home of Herman Melville. He has appeared on Syfy's Ghost Hunters, Jeff Belanger's New England Legends series on PBS, and The Apple Seed show on BYUradio and has been featured in The Boston Globe, The Berkshire Eagle, and numerous other media outlets. Robert has written and produced media for AAA, Canyon Ranch, and a number of other organizations and performs as part of the folk music duo Oakes and Smith. Robert has taught elementary, middle, and high school English, as well as adult workshops, and currently serves as associate director of communications at Rectory School in Pomfret, Conn.

 

Admission is $15 and suitable for children 8 to 12. Children are to be accompanied by an adult at no additional charge and may self-guide the mansion if they like while their children are on their tour. Reservations are strongly recommended as tickets are limited. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows. For reservations visit https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or call us at 413-637-3206. Please note that all tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Payment is required to make a reservation for an event.