s,The Amherst History Museum opened in 1916 and is governed by the Amherst Historical Society, which was founded in 1899. Housed in the 1750-era Simeon Strong House, the Amherst History Museum takes visitors on a journey from the town’s colonial past, through its industrial age and into the computer-driven present.
The Museum is filled with decorative arts, paintings, household implements, agricultural tools and other pieces of history from the nearly three hundred years since Amherst was settled. The collections range from the ordinary to the unique, and capture a sense of every day life often missing from history books.
The historic Strong House is currently closed to the public for maintenance and repair work. However, programming continues at the Amherst History Center, a satellite location at 45 Boltwood Walk and open Thursdays and Fridays 1-4pm and Saturday 11am-3pm or by appointment.
The Amherst Historical Society celebrates Amherst’s founding through an annual lecture and presenting awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to the study and preservation of history in the Pioneer Valley.
Vision Statement
We believe in the power of history to ignite imagination, stimulate thought, and provide enjoyment.
Goals
The goals of the Amherst Historical Society are to collect, preserve, and display an extensive variety of objects that give residents and visitors an appreciation of the many aspects of life in Amherst. Central to these goals is the presentation of exhibits, lectures, and public events, as well as educational programs that engage people of all ages with the challenge of interpreting artifacts and records from the past. The society manages the Amherst History Museum, which is located in the 1750-era Simeon Strong House, 67 Amity Street, in the center of town.
The Amherst Historical Society Mission Statement
The mission of the Amherst Historical Society is to connect people to the town of Amherst, its history, and its culture
Board of Directors
Officers
Gigi Barnhill, President
Bonnie Isman, Vice President
Becky Demling, Treasurer
Neal Parks, Clerk
Board Members
Elizabeth Cardaropoli Dearden
Mikey Cutting
Elaine Donoghue
Mary Dunn
Bryan Harvey
Laetitia La Follette
Mark Roblee
Justin Taylor
Jim Wald
Sarah Zurieck-Brown
George Naughton, ex officio
Katherine Whitcomb, ex officio
Liz Larson, Executive Director
