What You’ll See at the William Cullen Bryant Homestead
The Berkshires in Western Massachusetts feature a strong artistic and literary culture that you will be able to appreciate during your stay. There is also a rich history that comingles between these cultures and fuels many interesting attractions and destinations in the area. One of these such attractions is the William Cullen Bryant Homestead in Cummington, MA. Here, you will take a trip back to the 1800s, when the famous poet and journalist William Cullen Bryant lived within these walls.
Find out more about all of the great cultural and historical attractions near Brook Farm Inn when you download our free Vacation Guide. It’s full of the best recommendations for literary destinations as well, such as the William Cullen Bryant Homestead!
William Cullen Bryant Biography
Born in 1794, William Cullen Bryant became a popular American poet, journalist, and editor of the New York Evening Post during his influential lifetime. His boyhood home was the William Cullen Bryant Homestead, which he would later occupy and which would eventually become a museum. Inspired by the surrounding nature of Cummington, MA, Bryant began writing poetry. A single bird flying on the horizon inspired one of the most famous William Cullen Bryant poems, “To a Waterfowl.” He later became connected to New York City, where he was hired as editor of the New York Review and then of the United States Review and Literary Gazette. His star career role, however, was as the editor of the New York Evening Post. After retiring from his affluent career, Bryant returned to poetry and translations of Homer, passing away in 1878.
Touring the William Cullen Bryant Homestead
When you visit the William Cullen Bryant Homestead, you will discover the personal history of one of America’s most famous journalists and poets. With a sweeping view of the Hampshire Hills, the homestead is a testament to a prominent past. Bryant purchased the house in 1865, which his family had sold in 1835. He renovated it as a summer home, making it very similar to the homestead you will see today. He also planted over 1,500 fruit trees on the property, and remnants of this orchard still remain on the south end of the farm. 188 of the original 478 acres of the William Cullen Bryant Homestead are still preserved today, and the property is a designated National Historic Landmark. A self-guided tour of the property will take visitors to many of the locations that Bryant talked about in his poetry, including along the Rivulet Trail!
Discover Our Poetry Collection at Brook Farm Inn!
Here at Brook Farm Inn, you can discover even more ties to poetry! Poetry, in fact, is at the very heart of our Lenox bed and breakfast. The library at our Berkshires inn features an extensive collection of poetry, both traditional and contemporary. We also showcase a poem of the day each morning, encouraging guests to browse our selection. There is ample comfortable seating throughout the inn, from seating by the library fireplace to the gardens outside or hammock beside the pool. Along with our library collection of poetry, we also host poetry readings throughout the year during which you can enjoy homemade scones and strawberry jam among inspirational words!