EXCLUSIVE: On-location with Unsolved Mysteries "Berkshire UFO"
As a child, I loved the program - “Unsolved Mysteries”. I never missed an episode, and when I heard Netflix was creating a reboot of the series, I was certainly intrigued. One episode in particular, “Berkshire UFO”, caught my attention.
The opening scene features a store sign for the “Vault Gallery”, a business owned and operated by my family for over two decades. Having spent much time in Berkshire County, I knew the locals in this tight knit area to be genuinely honest, and often tend to keep to themselves, certainly not seeking the spotlight of attention.
This episode aired not long after the release of the official Pentagon footage documenting “UAP”, or “unexplained aerial phenomena”, encountered during flight tests. The declassified footage, along with the pilots who witnessed it, would later be featured on an explosive episode of 60 Minutes.
As the episode unfolded, I was drawn to the account of Tom Warner, a Berkshire native, and author of “Beyond The Stars”. The basis of this episode and soon to be feature film. Although I had never met Tom, he was oddly familiar to me.
His story and account of what occurred on September 1, 1969, is fascinating. He is a rare witness to this incredible event, having several others, 250 to be exact, personally confirm his experience.
The incident has been deemed a "significantly historic and true event" by the Great Barrington Historical Society and Massachusetts historians.
I jumped at the chance to speak with him, and after one extensive conversation, that stretched a galaxy of subjects, I was a believer.
I found Tom to be intelligent, funny, and extremely honest. He is married with two children and still lives in the house he grew up in, and the same location of his life changing experience.
I asked Tom if I could share his story with the ever- curious “Following Boston” community, and he graciously agreed…
MK - What does it mean to you to be a multigenerational Berkshire native, and how does the city of Boston play into your family's vast history?
TW - I was raised and lived to this day in the 1835 Warner Homestead which is listed in Historic Homes and Institutions of Berkshire County Massachusetts. My first ancestor Samuel Wildbore was admitted as a free man of Boston March 4, 1634. He left at the advice of Roger Williams and formed Rhode Island. He is the six signers of the Portsmouth Compact a prelude to the declaration of independence. The Warners were in Boston in the 1600’s and next were in Nantucket where my Great, great, great, great grandfather lost his life at sea in the Revolution. We are who we were generation after generation. Boston is history and I am proud to be even in a small part of that history. Here in the Berkshires, we have been in the same house for six generations.
MK - How has your life changed since appearing on Unsolved Mysteries, and what was your reaction to the episode?
TW - I was in contact with Netflix and Unsolved before the episode aired as what to expect. The thought of being seen by over 150 million people worldwide was a bit shocking. The show is in 178 countries. Well actually I didn’t even know there were that many! The episode brought to light my autobiography, “Beyond The Stars”, which I had started before I was asked to do the show. I just wanted to tell the story for future generations. Now in the process of a movie based on that book.
What got to me most was getting calls where people said they had considered suicide until they saw the episode, looked me up and talked to me. I am grateful to be there for people. That touched my heart.
MK - Were you familiar with the series before they approached you, and how does your family feel about you speaking to others about your experiences?
TW - Of course I was and my daughter, Kate, was a big fan of Robert Stack! When I got home, she was a bit surprised to tell me they had called. I said OK I will call them back after lunch. No, she said you’ll call them now! My family knows my journey is that to help others even at the expense of my private life. Our Warner family motto is Non Nobis Tantum Nati. Not for us alone are we born.
MK - You’re one of the most positive people I’ve ever encountered How have you gained your sense of safety after such a traumatic experience?
TW - There isn’t enough brain bleach to get that out of my mind. The historic UFO encounter of September 1, 1969, was not the start nor the finish of my experiences. The question is why Tommy Warner, and that is complex. To be a messenger for humanity for this complex subject. I have nor do I have that safe sense to this day.
MK - In closing, what would you say to someone skeptical of not only your story, but UFOs in general?
TW - At one point people thought the earth was flat but in time well. Just look up and see the stars and think how many planets are out there. One day if we take care of this earth and each other we will have that chance.
Till then keep an eye to the sky!
January 2023