Amherst Historical Society and Museum

History Begins at Home

What’s New at the Amherst History Museum

Friday, November 22, 12:15
Lecture: The Lincoln-Sunset historic district
Dr Maurianne Adams

This downtown neighborhood includes modest farm houses lived in by members of the 19th century Black community and Irish immigrants, as well as houses that were home to college faculty members, businessmen, and other professionals and their families. Amherst College faculty member Robert Frost purchased a home in this neighborhood in 1931.  It was named a Historic District by the town in 2017.

Little Women Bookclub

Explore an old classic with the Amherst Historical Society! Join us monthly for a casual bookclub and leading up to and beyond the release of the new movie, Little Women (2019). Snack on refreshments while revisiting the world of Louisa May Alcott’s enduring exploration of coming-of-age, sisterhood, and purpose in a family apart and an era of war. Participants are encouraged to come prepared to discuss a favorite or least favorite scene and character. Readers of all ages and experiences are welcome and encouraged to come! Whether the stories of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March are new to you or Little Women is a thumbed-through classic in your home, you are sure to find something new.

Our second Little Women Bookclub will be held on Thursday, December 13th   from 5-6:30pm. The second meeting we will focus on the second volume of the book, as well as put a spotlight on a little of the history of women and families like the March family in the 19th century. 

This event is free and open to the public, but please RSVP to info@amhersthistory.org! 

(Click here to view the full schedule!)

Soap, Water, and Wool!

Inside the Simeon Strong House on view through November 2, we are pleased to present an exhibit wool felted artwork by Sally Dillon, Margaret Stancer and Florence Rosenstock. Landscapes, fish, fungi, vessels and a series of eyes show the variety of expressions available with imagination and the ability to manipulate Soap, Water & Wool.  Visit us and explore the fantastical world of felting!

Dressing Up, Dressing Down

Come explore our new exhibit, “Dressing Up: Women’s Fashion Through the Gilded Age” curated by Hampshire College thesis student Molly O’Donnell!  This exhibit examines the dichotomy of public/private presentation through an exploration of women’s ‘house’ and ‘street’ clothes throughout the 19th century!  This is your chance to see a beautifully curated collected of dresses from our clothing collection all on display at once, and learn about the evolution of women’s fashion in 19th century America.

 

About the Museum

Visit the Amherst History Museum, located at the Simeon Strong House, 67 Amity St., Amherst MA. We held our first exhibition in 1899, received our charter in 1903, and are celebrating over 100 years of the Society’s ownership of the c.1759 Simeon Strong House.

The Amherst History Museum is open Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m., or by appointment. You can find directions here.

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Support Us


The Amherst History Museum accepts donations of any size at any time of the year. We hold our Annual Appeal in late November and renew all memberships in the Spring.

A gift to the Amherst History Museum, whether in memory of a loved one or in honor of a special accomplishment, is always a unique way to help the Amherst Community and recognize an extraordinary individual.

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Amherst A to Z

Want to know where Amherst’s Cold War bunker is located? Or where the “curragh” district of Amherst was? Or learn about a local factory that made “collapsing skirts!”

These are all entries under the letter “C” in the book Amherst A to Z, written by Elizabeth Sharpe. The book is illustrated with pictures of artifacts from the Amherst History Museum, historic images from the Jones Library’s Special Collections, as well as photographs of our town and the folks who live here.

BUY THE BOOK