Welcome Home, Dr. Du Bois

If you’re visiting the Berkshires, make time to stop in Great Barrington and meet one of America’s most influential thinkers face-to-face. On July 19, 2025, the town unveiled the W.E.B. Du Bois monument in its walkable downtown, a powerful new cultural landmark honoring the life and legacy of the Civil Rights leader, scholar, and writer—and Great Barrington’s most significant native son.

The monument, created by acclaimed sculptor Richard Blake, features a life-size bronze Du Bois seated on a curved marble bench in front of the Mason Public Library. His gaze is thoughtful, his presence inviting. Visitors are encouraged to sit beside him, read with him, and reflect on the ideas that shaped his work for equity and social justice.

This welcoming new space is the result of a three-year community effort. The project restored the library’s historic steps, added a graceful public gathering area, and created a destination for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with history.

The Du Bois Monument is an invitation. It welcomes everyone to feel at home in the Berkshires. It’s a place to learn, to reflect, and to engage not only with Du Bois’s story, but with the stories of other African American leaders who have shaped our nation and our communities.

Located in the heart of Great Barrington—surrounded by shops, cafes, and diverse cultural attractions—the monument is an iconic stop for travelers exploring the region. Whether you come for an afternoon visit, as part of a history tour, or to join a community event on the library lawn, this is a place where conversation, curiosity, and connection are always encouraged.

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